TPRF Real Stories

Alex Wiredu has undertaken the fascinating task of learning about the history and daily lives of the people served by the Food for People program that opened in Otinibi, Ghana on May 15, 2012, almost one year ago. Alex’s co-worker, Francis, is a photographer who has documented the development of FFP in Otinibi since the acquisition of the land it is built on. Soon a film crew will go to work to interview participants in FFP, or the Canteen as it is known locally. What follows is only the beginning of an ongoing story.

Francis and I went to the village again on May 7, to further look into which people to interview and to build their confidence to face the cameras. When we arrived at the facility, around 11:00 am, the cooks were preparing “banku,” a local food made from cooked fermented corn and cassava dough, served with the main meal.

We proceeded to the house of a 94-year-old man, Dorfur Tetteh, to find out how he was doing. As we came to his house, we saw him sitting under a huge baobab tree enjoying the mid-morning breeze. He offered us chairs, and soon we were deep in conversation. We didn’t know that he was the chief priest of the village until he told his story and, along with it, the story of how Otinibi came into existence.

Francis asked where the first people to live in Otinibi came from, and Dorfur began his story. “We have six clans forming the Ga tribe: Osu, La, Ga, Teshie, Nungua, and Tema. All these clans lived along the coast of the present day Accra, and their main occupation was fishing.

Being fed up and tired of always having fish as their main meal, compounded with petty squabbles that were going on, a group of three men and a woman decided to move inland. These were their names: Adjei Kweigyanmansa, Sowah Okumose, Nii Ayi Ampah, and their sister, Atwe. They were fishermen who needed a change.

They kept moving inland for months, roaming through the thickets. In time they discovered a natural pond, if not a small lake. Knowing water was key to their survival, they pitched their camp close to the lake on land that is called Otinibi today.

Because the lake never dried up even in the harmattan (dry wind) season, it was perceived to be a god. They worshiped it, as it became the source of their livelihood. Sowah and Kweigyanmansa shared the chieftaincy position. Nii Ayi Ampah became the first chief priest, and I am third of that lineage. That is why I had the authority to advise our immediate past chief, who has recently passed on, to offer the land for the facility.

And so we asked how they came by the name “Otinibi.” Dorfur explained, “When the four first arrived at the lake, there was an adjacent hill that was so bare that they called it eti a eni nwin, which means “a head without hair.” Over time the name has been corrupted to become Otinibi.”

When asked what kind of work the people did after settling, he replied, “Farming, of course. We cultivated maize, yam, cocoyam, plantain, and other vegetable crops. On market day we would exchange our crops for fish and other commodities.”

When asked how people work today, there was a certain sadness expressed. “It is a pity what modernity has done to us. In the old times you could eat at your neighbor’s hut without any problem, but today people are so greedy they do not even share with their neighbors. If they do, with the least provocation, they will use it to insult you. That is why I am very happy that this canteen is situated in my village. There you can eat in peace without thinking of any consequences.

“We are very happy to have this canteen in this village. The beauty it has brought to this village words cannot express.”

Photos by Francis Ahore

Path to the Lake

TPRF volunteer Lisa Rossetti recently fulfilled a lifetime ambition of returning to her childhood home in Ghana. She shares her moving story with us in this week’s post.

I was a colonial child, brought up in the Gold Coast in the early 50’s. We lived in the British colonial quarter on the outskirts of Accra. (I have pieced this together from correspondence and memory, as there were no postal addresses in those days.) I remember painting the Flag of Independence at my school, proud and excited.  Innocently, I believed Ghana to be my home and my nation.

Lisa Age Seven

In March 1957, my father took me for a walk down Independence Avenue. The newly-built white arch and star gleamed in the early morning sun. Tall flagpoles topped with golden eagles lined the long road. The country was preparing for vast celebrations and tribal gatherings as Ghana reclaimed its independence from Great Britain. Just five months later, we were boarding the plane back to England. We were leaving for good.

My parents made new lives for themselves in England. My mother put a few mementos around the house; some Ashanti gold weights, a carved wooden stool, some woven place mats, and an African mask on the wall. We never went back.

Then in 2009, I discovered a story I’d once written about that mask. I unearthed a box containing letters as well as some black and white photographs of our house in Accra. Vivid images and memories of my childhood began to rise to the surface. I experienced a deep desire to return to Ghana. But the journey seemed impossible somehow. Ghana was too out of reach financially, too far away in time and place.

A couple of years later, I became a volunteer for The Prem Rawat Foundation. I followed avidly the development of the new Food for People facility near Accra. I offered to write an article about the centre if the opportunity arose.

Then the chance finally came. In November 2012, my husband had some work with Words of Peace Global in West Africa, and he offered to pay for me to travel with him. We planned to attend a conference with Prem Rawat in Accra and also to visit the TPRF Food for People centre in Otinibi. I was both overjoyed and scared. What if I found Accra changed beyond all recognition?  What if I had no connection whatsoever with the people?

Landing at Kotoka airport, walking down the steps from the plane, I am standing on Ghanaian soil for the first time in 55 years. The airport is much bigger than I remember!  But the sounds and smells, the pungent aroma of fruit and dust, are somehow so familiar.

On a hot and humid morning, we drive out of Accra to the Food for People center in Otinibi. Colorful stalls line the roadside. Street vendors are everywhere, hawking tea-towels, iced water, nuts, scouring sponges, CDs, magazines, slices of coconut.

Once we turn off onto the bumpy track to Otinibi, the memories come flooding back again. Over there is the same skinny chicken scratching in the dust, the tiny scrap of shade under a spindly tree, ramshackle buildings roofed with corrugated iron. Poverty is still here.

We arrive at the center. I am struck by its simplicity.  Inside all is order and cleanliness, with rows of tables and fans overhead. The Center Manager welcomes us. She takes me for a tour of the kitchens, the vast pots, huge mounds of yams, and the vegetable garden.  I tell her my tale: “I used to live here in Accra as a child.” She looks me in the eye and smiles. “Welcome home,” she says. I have tears in my eyes.

Then the day of the event arrives. I have a guest to invite—a young artist who is exhibiting his paintings in my hotel. The foyer is packed with a throng of people, many in their local dress, a swirl of bright colors and happy voices.

When Prem Rawat takes the stage, the hall explodes with delight. The entire audience rises to its feet, waving white pieces of cloth in a traditional welcome. There is laughter and rapt attention. He tells us that we are more related to the sun, moon and stars than to our father, uncles or aunts. I am so moved to be sitting here in Accra, listening to his words of peace and wisdom.  The circle feels complete.

After the event, as I leave the conference center, a young Rastafarian clasps my hands and says, “You are our sister; you are Ghanaian now.”

What did I learn? We are all truly connected at the heart of us. Nothing is as impossible as it may seem. We only have to stretch out and make a little effort.  What we want and need is closer to us than we think.

Will I return?  I truly hope so.  There are many more stories to gather …

Photos Courtesy of Lisa Rossetti and Francis Ahore

Dignitaries in the Audience

In 2011, TPRF agreed to match funds for an ambitious initiative organized by The Adventure Project to raise funds during the week of World Water Day (March 22) to repair broken water wells in northern India.  137 bloggers participating around the world helped make the fundraising initiative an overwhelming success.  Here is a report by The Adventure Project describing the significant results of the program to date. The original article appeared in the TPRF blog under the Title “Mission Accomplished on World Water Day” (March 28, 2011).

Overview:

With the support of The Prem Rawat Foundation, The Adventure Project funded the training of 186 well mechanics in India last year. Specifically, TPRF’s matching grant of $28,000 enabled fifty people to become Jalabandhu (well mechanics). We also feel that TPRF’s efforts enabled the hiring of fifty more mechanics, because your challenge-matching grant spurred giving on World Water Day last year.

This gift will truly transform water services for communities, schools, and health clinics, so people will no longer have to use unsafe water sources or rely on external organizations for assistance in repairing or replacing their water systems. In addition, these fifty people will now have good jobs, increasing their livelihoods and dignity for themselves and their families.

Current Progress:

So far, 148 people are currently hired and receiving training in how to become a well mechanic. Program participants receive a bag of tools, education, and a one-year stipend to help get their enterprises off the ground. Here is a breakdown by district.

South 24 Parganas:

Fifty Jalabandhu were slotted to be trained in three blocks in the district of South 24 Parganas (Kakdwip,Budgebudge I and Budgebudge II), in the state of West Bengal, India. However, after meetings with the local government leaders and completing an analysis of the water points the Jalabandhu will serve, it was decided to start with 42 well mechanics for now.

The three blocks have a total population of about 567,000 with approximately 1600 water points, which works out to approximately 38 to 40 water points per Jalabandhu. Of the 42 well mechanics, only five are female. This is a very conservative area, so it is unusual for women to work outside their homes. We are hoping that the five women become positive examples, prompting other women to join in the future.

This February, we captured one of these women’s stories. You can read Rani’s story here.

Sheohar:

To support the Jalabandhu program in the district, Water For People has hired and trained a program officer who will be responsible for training and coaching the 106 well mechanics in the district. Trainings are currently wrapping up, and it’s anticipated that the Jalabandhu will be repairing water points by the end of this month.

Purulia:

Sadly, Maoist rebel activities have led to security issues in Kashipur block of the district of Purulia. Plans were to train 30 well mechanics in this area, but staff report feeling unsafe walking in public and riding the buses. Water for People India decided to pause the program in Purulia as a safety measure. Therefore, the funds to train 30 well mechanics have been reallocated for a refresher course in South 24 Parganas. Thirty-eight well mechanics hired in 2010 and 2011 have signed up for the refresher course.

These refresher trainings are critical in understanding the challenges the Jalabandhu are facing in the field and building their technical and troubleshooting skills to address these problems. The refresher course brings together the well mechanics to share and discuss the issues they are facing as a group, to identify solutions, and provide additional technical guidance on repair and maintenance of pumps.

In addition, these refresher courses will expand the skills of the Jalabandhu trained in 2010 and 2011 by including training on water quality testing, using simple test kits and water sampling for government testing laboratories.

While we are sad that Purulia will not receive 30 new well mechanics that are needed, we are proud to support the reallocation of funds, as it is a safe and wise decision. Our goal is always to do what is best for the local partner.

Thanks to The Prem Rawat Foundation, the program in India has enough funding to continue working through the end of this summer, 2013. Thank you for the work you are doing and the lives you are inspiring with your words of peace and acts of compassion.

Photos by Esther Havens

With heartfelt appreciation,

Becky Straw

Co-Founder And Chief Adventurer

The Adventure Project

130 7^th Avenue #354 | New York, NY 10011  | 774.238.7761

You Should Join Our Adventures. Dive in here:
pinterest | facebook | email updates

Sherry Weinstein has been TPRF’s Manager of the Peace Education Program for the past two years. In last week’s post, we explored the dynamic expansion of the PEP program in 2012. In part two of this update, Sherry provides a detailed look at new programs developing around the world plus TPRF’s priorities for continued growth in 2013.

EXPANSION

Currently, there are 9 new areas where PEP workshops are being offered in addition to the original prison programs around the world: colleges/adult education, community-based programs, hospice staff programs, nursing homes, retirement communities, parolees, and youth programs. PEP programs for veterans and for end-of-life patients are also in development.

New PEP workshops are starting in 12 countries in the first quarter of 2013: Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Trinidad, and the United States.

The following 2013 new programs have started or been expanded:

• Near Seattle, the Evergreen Hospice workshop averages 15 staff members each week.

• In Sun City, AZ, a retirement community program averages 30 to 40 people each week.

• Denmark’s largest adult education provider (AOF) has welcomed the PEP as a pilot program.

• Yunlin Prison in Taiwan averages 68 attendees per week.

• In South America there are 14 programs offered: Argentina (4), Bolivia (1), Brazil (3), Colombia (1), Peru (4), and Uruguay (1).

• Spain now has 13 prison programs, and volunteer teams are forming to introduce PEP in nursing homes and universities.

There are also opportunities for PEP to be presented at various conventions worldwide.

 TRANSLATION

Besides expanding PEP to other institutions or community-based services, translation is a big priority for 2013. Currently, translation is almost complete in seven languages: French, German, Italian, Portuguese for Portugal and Brazil, Serbian, and Swedish. Eight more languages are well on their way to completion, including Spanish for Europe and South America.

“I can see the PEP in programs around the world, from colleges to retirement communities,” Sherry says. “This program can enrich a person’s life, no matter where they are. These innate resources are already within each person and can help bring even more appreciation for life.”

To find out more about PEP, go to the PEP homepage.

Oxnard California Parolee Program

Sherry Weinstein has been TPRF’s Manager of the Peace Education Program for the past two years. In this two-part report, Sherry brings us up to date on the dramatic expansion of the program during 2012 and the TPRF plan for continued growth in 2013.

What do some inmates in Zonderwater, South Africa; a small community in Subotica, Serbia; and senior citizens in Sun City, Arizona all have in common? They all are students of the Peace Education Program (PEP), a 10-week multimedia workshop based on discovering inner resources such as joy, peace, and hope.

As the PEP Manager, I have witnessed the inception and evolution of PEP from its beginning as a prison-based program to one that is being received enthusiastically in all kinds of organizations across the globe.

The Peace Education Program (PEP) has expanded rapidly over the past year.

At the end of 2011, more than 55 PEP workshops were offered in 10 prisons to 1,200 participants with the help of 100 volunteers. By the end of 2012, there were more than 125 workshops with 8,549 inmates attending in 33 prisons in 12 countries, with hundreds of volunteers involved in setting up the workshops.

PEP is gaining recognition from various organizations that are seeing the impact in the participants’ lives. For example, in the Dominquez State Jail in San Antonio, Texas, the former head of Correctional Officers said, “This program has been so effective. There have been no incidents of violence among the participants and very few returning to this prison.”

Catherine Gavigan taught a pilot PEP class at an international business college in Brisbane, Australia. One of her students wrote, “I never knew we had inner resources.”

One of the parolees in the Oxnard, California PEP program asked, “Can I continue to come after I have finished all the sessions? I want to share with other parolees what I have enjoyed discovering and experiencing.”

In a recent PEP for staff at the Evergreen Hospice in Washington, one of the participants commented, “It gave me a lot of hope hearing Prem Rawat’s words that peace is possible.”

TPRF Founder, Prem Rawat, visited three prisons last year: Dominguez State Jail in San Antonio, Texas; Ezeiza Women’s Prison, unit 31, in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Zonderwater prison in South Africa.

Comments from inmates at Zonderwater prison about PEP:

“I wish that Peace Education could reach the ends of the world.”

“I would like to thank each and every person who made it possible for me to know about peace. It really changes my life a lot, and I wish that it can change other people’s lives, too.”

Texas PEP Panel Members

On Friday, November 16, 2012, Prem Rawat addressed the inmates at Zonderwater Maximum Security Correctional Facility in South Africa. The event had a powerful effect on the inmates, who were keen to express their appreciation.

Please Note: Photos from Zonderwater Prison are not available at this time.

When I heard that Prem Rawat was coming to Zonderwater, the expectation was indescribable, that this great man was giving of his time to speak to us. It lived up to every expectation that I had and more. We still talk on a daily basis about what he said here and are still pinching ourselves to make sure that we are awake and it was not a dream.

Zingisile

I was so blessed to have an opportunity to see and listen to Mr. Prem Rawat. He has inspired me a great deal, knowing today that peace is not something we can buy over the counter. It lives within us every day.

Sizwe

To be a guest at Mr. Prem Rawat’s speech on Friday was really a great honor to me and the experience of a lifetime. It made me feel very humble.

Dumisane

It was a big day to me to see someone like Mr. Rawat come to our prison. It really touched me. Even tears were coming in my eyes. I wish for a second chance to see him again. I was very touched by his phrases and especially by the story of the man on the donkey who carried the load on his own shoulders.

King

Friday was a very good day for me, the moment I’ve been waiting for—to meet Prem Rawat and see him with my own eyes. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to ask him a question, but it was very nice to hear him talking and telling us stories, which I enjoyed very much. I think that from now on I will change my behavior and do the right things in life, because of what I’ve learned about peace from Prem Rawat and the whole team as well.

Jeremy

It was overwhelming to see the man himself. His eyes were so deep.

Vusi

I was very excited. I have been longing and wishing to see him in person. I thought that maybe when I get out of prison one day I might hear that he is nearby and would go to see him somewhere in Africa. But he came here to us.

It was overwhelming. I had tears in my eyes and I felt like crying. I was skeptical that he would come. But to finally meet him was an honor. Also, we are fortunate to be part of the first group having the PEP in South Africa.

Themba

I am thankful for his effort in coming to South Africa. It shows me how concerned he is about us here in Zonderwater. It changed my mind when I started to listen to him. It made me feel that I’m still a human being. When I lie in bed before I go to sleep, I try to remember all his words. It helps me a lot. And I want to be that lion he talks about [who knows who he really is.]

Simphiwe

I am thankful for the privilege of this PEP course. I’ve learned a lot. For me, being in prison has been a blessing in disguise. I’ve understood what peace means. For me, being in prison means we are here to learn. I know what I’m capable of without having fear. And for that, I thank Mr. Prem Rawat for taking the time to come and teach people like us.

Fuzile

Meeting Prem Rawat was wonderful. Even before he spoke, just him being there, I was restored as a human being. When he speaks, he says life is simple, and we make it complicated. I wished his talk wouldn’t end and would go on and on. I listen to his talks every day, even repeats, and every time I get something new.

Pepsi

I enjoyed myself listening to Prem Rawat. It was the first time I ever enjoyed myself in prison.

Amos

It was a wonderful, wonderful day. I enjoyed the story of the donkey. It made me realize that if I want peace, I have to leave my old ways. I can’t have peace with so many things in my mind.

Ephraim

On Friday I woke up sick, so I could not go. I was so disappointed. But I caught a glimpse of Mr. Prem Rawat walking into the prison, and it was like candy to a child. I was so inspired that he took the time from the outside world to come and see us. Some of those who leave go back to their old habits or commit suicide. But I want to go out and do well. I’d like to thank Prem Rawat.

Linda Pascotto reports on Prem Rawat’s recent visit to Food for People, Otinibi.

Some Background:

“You’re going where for Thanksgiving?” “Ghana?” “You mean Africa?” “Can’t you leave after Thanksgiving?” “Can’t you go just a few days later?”

The American tradition of gathering family and friends together during the 4th Thursday in November, i.e., the Thanksgiving holiday, is so strongly embedded in the American culture that I feared it would be awkward to intentionally miss the occasion—but that is exactly what I did this year.

It was early in September when I had confirmation of the event. I immediately started planning (scheming really) how I could gracefully remove myself from the Thanksgiving family dinner table. Luckily, my husband was the easiest to convince, as he is my strongest advocate, gracefully accepting my extended travel schedules and weekend work habits.

For several days, I thought about all the excuses I could offer my mother, my siblings, and loved ones for missing this most significant holiday, for the first time in my life. None of the excuses seemed nearly as compelling as the real reason I longed to attend, and so in the end, whenever someone brought up the subject of Thanksgiving, I enthusiastically blurted that I had already made my plans for Thanksgiving. I was going to Ghana!

After a few expected protests, sweet resignation followed, and then curiosity and interest in my latest adventure involving TPRF. I offered some poignant reminders about the other Food for People facilities that are well established in India and Nepal, the profound impact these programs have had on the children and local communities, and my unbridled enthusiasm to see this newest FFP first hand. Calm was restored, and I sensed that everyone appreciated and respected my viewpoint to attend this important event.

The flight to Accra from Los Angeles was very long, somewhat delayed, but mostly uneventful. Finally, settled in my hotel room in Accra, I felt excited about my morning’s visit to the Otinibi FFP facility, and began thinking about the important event scheduled to take place with Prem Rawat in two days.

We left after the morning rush hour and although much of the hour-long drive was along paved roads, construction interrupted many segments, and potholes were an ongoing safety concern.

When we finally came into Otinibi Village, it was really a thrill to see the Food for People sign hung on the crisp white wall of the facility. When we arrived, the children were just heading into the dining hall. They were dressed neatly in their school uniforms, walking and chatting and seemed very happy. They even thought it was fun that I wanted to take their photographs and posed a little before running off, giggling.

Ms Grace Ninsaw

It was the first time I met the headmistress, Ms. Grace Ninsaw, an absolutely delightful person, thrilled with the prospect of tomorrow’s event. With her eyes shining and a smile so broad and beautiful, I couldn’t help offering a wide smile in return. We had hardly said two words to each other, but somehow I felt very connected to the woman who has been so helpful in managing as liaison between the school and TPRF.

Ms. Ninsaw was on cloud nine as she showed me around the school. I visited the very modest classrooms and noticed there did not seem to be enough of anything for the 400 plus students. They managed remarkably well with the assortment of desks, tables, chairs, and benches. What they really longed for, she said in a shy response to my question of what they needed most, were computers. If the children were going to compete for jobs, they needed to have computer skills. Even she, the headmistress, did not have anything more than an old typewriter. I thought surely that we could manage to purchase a couple dozen computers locally to help the students begin learning these important skills.

Accra Street Vendors–Photo by David Andeweg

I left that afternoon for a much longer and interesting ride back to Accra. I was happy that I had a chance to see the facility grounds, to discuss the plans for the next day’s event, and to go through the proposed rundown of what we expected to happen during the ceremony. The traffic was much more congested than in the morning because it was now rush hour. There was a continuous bumper crop of street vendors walking and sometimes running after a customer when the traffic moved ahead. They zigzagged deftly between the rows of cars looking for customers. The items they sold were as varied as any you’d find in grocery stores, fast food shops, clothing shops, automotive shops, or toys and school supply stores. It seemed like a very convenient way to shop while waiting in traffic. The vendors even offered men’s suits and shoes!

This, combined with women carrying massive quantities of foodstuffs on their heads, was stunning to watch. Several woman had piles of peanuts stacked on a tray, which they carried on their heads—I was amazed to watch as they walked, never dropping their load. It seemed a convenient way to manage, leaving both hands free for other activities.

(Continued next week in Part II)

Students Gather Before the Daily Meal

Parolees Enroll in Peace Education Classes in Oxnard, CA

Chantal Berclaz and Peter King are two of the volunteers facilitating the PEP curriculum now available to parolees in Oxnard, California. Upon their release from prison, parolees are required to attend a resource meeting where presentations are made by several groups for the purpose of providing guidance and encouragement to help with the transition back into society. Chantal and Peter wrote this informative update about the efforts being made to provide peace education classes to former inmates.

Since last April, Peter King, Bill Sparks and I have had the privilege of presenting a PEP video, ”Peace on the Inside,” at the bi-monthly meeting for parolees in Oxnard. After watching the DVD presentation, many parolees approach our table for further information, and several sign up to attend the PEP sessions, which are now held in Oxnard every week.

The video had a noticeable impact on the resource people present in the room as well. Some of them inquired about the possibility of offering the program to other communities. They commented in particular about how focused and moved the parolees appeared as they watched the DVD. This kind of focus is rare, as most parolees become disoriented from their efforts to engage in a world that has changed during the 5 or 10 years they have spent in jail. It is difficult process for each of these individuals to figure out how they are going to make it “on the outside.”

Only a few people made it to the first session of the program in Oxnard when we began it in August, 2012. But even those first classes were beautiful and moving. We felt confident that the class would grow as the parolees learned more about their inner resources. Session after session, we have been witnessing a transformation in attendees.

We have been particularly moved by one of the parolees in the Oxnard program. After watching each DVD, Jim thinks about it, takes notes, and then shares what he is feeling. One day he asked, “Can I continue to come after I have finished all the sessions? I want to share with other parolees what I have enjoyed discovering and experiencing.”

Jim has already begun inviting people to attend the sessions. “This morning,” he said, “I was overwhelmingly happy, for no reason.” With great kindness in his eyes, he continued, “It is hard to see the greed and the lack of care of this world. I want to help, maybe by smiling at someone, or whatever I can do to make the person feel better.”

It is extraordinary to see hope, love, joy, gratefulness, and kindness surfacing no matter what has happened in the past, what the current circumstances are like, or what the future may look like. In a world where hope is so thin and daily life so challenging, I am moved to see PEP touching the human side—that heart that has never lost its beauty or it’s innocence, even though it may have been buried for years or decades.

Bruce Keenan, founder of the Himalayan Children’s Charities (HCC) in Nepal, forwarded these letters from college students who recently visited Food for People in the village of Tasarpu, Dhading District, forty kilometers from Kathmandu. The students live in an HCC group home called Kushi Ghar (happy home) while they are attending school. Bruce is a supporter of the Food for People program and a TPRF adviser. He is profiled in a previous blog article posted on July 12, 2012.

Laxmi:

I was really delighted to go to the FFP mainly because it is far from the crowded city. The other reason is that when I come here, my mind is at peace. I came here two years ago in 2010, and  I was really amazed to see everything in the same condition.  Nothing had changed.  For example, the environment was orderly and clean, the maintenance of the kitchen was spotless, and everything looked perfect.  Seeing the kids and the elders enjoying their meal, I really wanted to express my gratitude to all the people who collectively generated ideas for opening this kind of organization.  In the future, if I am able to save enough money, I want to open an organization to help poor people and eradicate poverty.

I want Food for People to extend its services in areas of Nepal like Humla, Jumla, Solukhumbu, and other remote locations.

Manmaya—My Visit to Dhading:

My happiness knew no bounds when Bruce decided to take us on a trip to the Dhading Food for People a week ago. I was eagerly waiting for that day to come, and on the 6th of October we went.

We started our trip at around 6:30 a.m. with fifteen people. We reached our destination at 9:15 a.m. My heart leapt with joy when I got the chance to see the FFP for a second time. The environment was so peaceful and pleasant. I wanted to stay for a week, so that I could help there and learn something new from them. The FFP had its own beautiful and well-managed kitchen garden where there were various vegetables.

The kitchen was well managed, neat and clean. Now I have made a promise to myself that I will plant various vegetables in my kitchen garden and keep my kitchen and store room as I saw it at the FFP.

Nari:

I had visited the FFP three years ago. I was excited to know about our next trip to Dhading. Waking up early at five AM and taking a two hour drive on a bumpy and winding road was a little boring. However, getting out of an overcrowded city with pollution and traffic made me relaxed and happy.  We arrived on time, and I started talking to the kids who were there for lunch.

We then went inside the kitchen. There were nine staff members doing their duties sincerely. The kids sat on the floor with a TV in front of them. We were taken to see the store and kitchen. I had never seen the system of covering your hair before entering these places. It prevents your hair from falling out into the food. After that we were served tea and biscuits. Then they took us to see a home provided to some staff from the village.  Since everyone was hungry, we went for lunch. I must say the food was quite tasty in spite of being cooked in such a large quantity.

Khil:

When Dinesh told me we were going to the FFP in Dhading, I thought it would be a general kitchen like a restaurant, serving a different variety of food to many people. We often see kitchens like these in the capital. When I reached the FFP, I was so amazed to see a different food kitchen serving many children the same food.

Food for People, often called the “Food Kitchen,” is a social organization started by Prem Rawat through Premsagar Foundation Nepal. The general objective of Food for People is to serve a healthy meal to poor and underprivileged school children before going to school. Everyday around three to four hundred people are served by nine staff members. I was really surprised to see how well-managed and clean the food kitchen was as it serves poor and needy people. It made me motivated, and I hope I can do such great work someday for poor and needy people.

Food for People is the first step in Nepal. Now the time has come to unite the people of Nepal to help our own brothers and sisters. Such a food kitchen or alternative should be opened to rural areas where people are dying of hunger. If we unite and work together nothing is impossible.

Lastly, I feel great and lucky visiting such a place.  I am very motivated to work for people. I would like to thank everyone for providing me with such an opportunity.

Photos Courtesy of Bruce Keenan and Himalayan Children’s Charities

Bobby Hendry is the man responsible for planning menus and setting up hygiene and staff service procedures for the Food for People facilities currently operating in India, Nepal, and Ghana.

In a supervisory role, Bobby recently made a surprise inspection at the FFP in Otinibi, Ghana, to ensure that the operational guidelines were being followed and a high level of service was being maintained.

The reason for the trip to Accra:

I arranged to fly to Ghana unannounced on July 26, 2012, to make an inspection at the FFP facility in Otinibi. The reason for making the journey without telling anyone in Ghana beforehand was to enable me to see if the facility was being run properly on a daily basis. I needed to see the facility “as is,” and I have to admit that I had some trepidation.

I had a number of concerns. Was the team possibly slack in their daily running of the facility? Would hygiene and service be a big issue (which it cannot be allowed to be)? Would the food be prepared and cooked properly? Do the menus consist of a balanced diet? Do the children enjoy the meals?

I wondered if the facility, as an operational unit, was being run smoothly. Were the teams gelling and working well together? Were they following the procedures we agreed on and trained for before the facility officially opened?

A series of surprises:

The long drive from Accra to Otinibi is still hot and dusty. The unfinished, jammed highways still require knowledge of local shortcuts. Arriving at Otinibi, the neat, clean, blue and cream facility building is a very welcome sight. The driver and I wait until the main gate is unlocked and we drive into the courtyard.

First surprise: When I departed on my last trip just before the opening, the courtyard had been unfinished with a team of workmen raking dirt. Today, it is very neat with a gravel bed and a well-tended, walled border with mature flowers.

Another surprise: I had planned my arrival to coincide with the dining room tables laid up and ready for the children to arrive for lunch. Great, I thought. It looks good. All the tables are neatly laid and the floor is gleaming and clean.

Another really nice surprise: The team suddenly realized I had appeared in the dining room and starting shouting and doing something akin to what looked to me to be an uncoordinated Scottish wedding jig. The staff wanted to know why, when, where, and how long I would be at the facility.

I joked that I had come to check up on them. After we calmed down I told them it was not a joke.

Next surprise: They took the explanation of the visit seriously and then we did a tour of the whole place. To say my previous worries disappeared is an understatement. That they were replaced with relief mixed with pride and gratefulness was something I won’t forget. The facility looks really good—very clean and well-ordered. The team has even started growing vegetables in a plot at the end of the building within the compound.

Another surprise: The older children arrive for lunch.

The younger children had gone home for the holidays the day before. Despite their absence, the dining room was packed. I saw that the staff really did not have to organize the kids. They already knew the routine well. The big surprise is that after finishing the meal, the children took their stainless steel plates to the sinks, rinsed them quickly, washed them in the soapy water provided, and then stacked them neatly.

Why was I so surprised?

During the first days before the opening, we tried to organize the kids to do this same routine exactly, but because they were so unused to the whole facility setup, the routine was a bit of a shambles. So we decided to abandon it on the second day. Now, the kids are so accustomed to the routine that they do it themselves unbidden and efficiently. They ate their lunch and cleared up well and departed back to school—all within their allotted break time. Yeessss!

Also, seeing some of the village elders coming for lunch made me realize that the facility is now known and accepted by the community at large.

A final note:

As I was leaving, I knew that the FFP facility and the staff had matured very well in a surprisingly short time. With such a dedicated and organized team working in such a lovely place, I wondered why I had been so apprehensive.

Photos by Bobby Hendry