Although accommodation for the children is nearly complete, further building will continue in order to provide volunteers quarters and recreation areas. There will also be retail outlets to provide an income for the centre. It has been afrustrating year and we have had to deal with many problems and delays to get his far.  We are looking forward to a grand opening ceremony in the autumn of 2011 when the monsoon season is over.

We want the new home to be as self sustaining as possible.

As there can be power cuts of up to 16 hours/day,  we will provide solar panels which will supply both hot water and charge a back up lighting system.  The back up lighting system was designed and kindly provided by Looe Rotary club and thanks to them, the children no longer have to do their homework or negotiate stairs by meagre candlelight.

There is also a serious lack of water in the Kathmandu valley at certain time so the year.  During the civil unrest, many people flocked to the safety of the Kathmandu valley and supplies of water and power cannot keep up with demand. Therefore we also hope to install a water harvesting plant with a reservoir. Many people in the valley who can afford it have to buy water from tankers when water is not available.

Anju Shresta had polio and came to DNC at a young age.  At that time she was unable to walk without help from other people.  Over the years, she has had several leg straightening operations and spent many months with both legs in full plaster.  She can now walk on her own using sticks.  Anju is a clever and intelligent girl but had to take a lot of time off school while she recovered from surgery.  However, she recently passed her school leaving certificate (SLC) in the 1st division which was a great achievement for her and a real encouragement to the other children who will be sitting their SLC next spring.  She is now back with her family and will be supported to further her studies at college.