Conscience Primary School

The Approach
The Conscience Primary School was founded by Passang Dhondup Lama, born in Nepal in the Rasuwa region. He had the luck to get a sponsorship by an Australian gentleman for a secondary school in Kathmandu which after a successful graduation opened him the doors to the Tribuwan University where he completed a degree in sociology and economics. After working as a tutor in an orphanage and as Operations Manager in the Himalayan Children Foundation, Passang decided to live his dream: providing an education for the underprivileged children of the Himalayas, including the increasing number of Tibetan refugee children in Nepal. One of his projects is the Conscience Primary School in Kathmandu which he founded in spring 2013.

This is a full support program in Nayapati, a village 15km away from Kathmandu, which accomodates currently over 80 pupils.Gabriela Baumann from Germany came to visit the school in November 2013 and met Katja Pischel in India in 2014. They both were so excited about the sustainable work Passang does that they decided to found an organization that supports such projects of which they are sure that every cent that is being invested goes directly into the project itself. And so “EINFACH MACHEN e.V.” was born with its first project the Conscience Primary School.


The Children

Conscience Primary School (CPS) selects children from the most remote and poorest mountain villages in Nepal, placing special emphasis on the Tibetan border region. Since the nearest school is often a three to four hours walk from their home, children living in these villages do not have the same access to education as others.
CPS works to include both Nepali children and Tibetan refugees in its work. The children come to the Conscience Primary School when they are five to seven years old and are taken care of until 5th grade. In 2016, Passang, Gabi and Katja were able to identify Namgyal Higher Secondary School, where the kids can get their high school degree. The staff at CPS is committed to providing the best care possible for the children by creating a secure, safe, and loving environment. 

Education

Three languages – English, Nepali and Tibetan – are taught in the school. The curriculum also includes science, mathematics, and social studies, which are partially taught in English. The children also learn how to use a computer. An English language based education will provide the children with greater job opportunities in the future.
An extensive sports programme and involving the children in everyday activities in group life are part of the holistic approach. 2 school dogs and chickens complement the familial atmosphere. 

Health Care

When the children first arrive their health is evaluated and necessary steps are taken to ensure that their health & nutritional needs are catered for. 
Appropriate medical care is necessary for the children to perform optimally both at school and at home. A medical doctor visits the CPS hostel once a month to provide regular check-ups and necessary treatments, and is available to provide emergency services as needed. On top, there are regular teeth check-ups.


Vegetable Garden

The Conscience Primary School is leasing next to the school some parcel land which is used as a rice/wheat field and vegetable garden. CPS is aware of the importance of teaching the children life skills such as maintaining a garden and nourishing themselves by contributing to nutritional, well-balanced meals. There are also cooking classes.

The garden keeps the children connected to the Nepalese farming skills maintained in their villages and gives them an opportunity for enjoyable fulfilling work. 

Music, Dance Classes, Yoga & Meditation

Our music program provides the children with an alternative interest that might provide them with further career opportunities. The program provides instrumental training, choral singing and modern and traditional dance. Yoga and meditation are also an integral part of life at CPS.

Home Visits

CPS recognizes the importance of keeping the children in touch with their families and their village way of life. With this in mind, CPS has initiated a home-visit program twice a year. Children are escorted back to their villages and spend the school holidays with their extended families. 
The cost of this program is € 1230 per year for 80 children. This covers the transportation costs for two visits, the salaries of the staff who escort them and the cost of snacks and meals for their journey.