Devin has been given the opportunity to possibly do an update for NPR on the Dalit situation here in Nepal. Dalit's also known as the "untouchables" are the lowest in the caste system. They are disadvantaged and persecuted only because of their caste. There are no physical differences or anything really that sets them apart from other Nepali's. Devin has been here in Nepal working for a local NGO this summer doing journalistic work to create awareness on the issue. This NPR opportunity was a side project he took on himself.
Most of my time in Nepal, we travelled to the rural Terrai to visit Dalit's themselves. Our group was Me, Devin, Ted (another peace fellow), and Prakash (a Dalit, and friend himself). Devin was interviewing and getting audio so that he could add their stories to the broadcast. The Dalit's that we met with were so grateful to Devin for taking an interest in them.
The Dalit caste that I had a chance to sit and talk with were those from the "Body Caste". That means that these woman are resorted to prostitution. That is their lot in life and the "job" that they are allowed to do. They are used for their bodies and not able to get work or training to do another job.
The circumstances that took me to these parts of Nepal make me sad, but I feel very lucky that I had the opportunity to see this part of the country and meet people that I would never otherwise meet. Most westerners don't travel to these parts of Nepal. The families that we visited have such horrible circumstances that I will never fully understand, but they were so kind and welcoming to all of us. They brought us fresh milk coffee, and one woman actually fanned me to keep the flies off of me. My heart was touched by the generosity of these Nepali's. They were just happy to know that someone has taken an interest on their unfortunate situation and wants to report it so that others may know and hopefully help.
I felt very lucky to be involved in this story. I didn't really do anything but sit and listen, but I was happy to be there and am grateful that I could be. I will remember the experience forever.
Most of my time in Nepal, we travelled to the rural Terrai to visit Dalit's themselves. Our group was Me, Devin, Ted (another peace fellow), and Prakash (a Dalit, and friend himself). Devin was interviewing and getting audio so that he could add their stories to the broadcast. The Dalit's that we met with were so grateful to Devin for taking an interest in them.
The Dalit caste that I had a chance to sit and talk with were those from the "Body Caste". That means that these woman are resorted to prostitution. That is their lot in life and the "job" that they are allowed to do. They are used for their bodies and not able to get work or training to do another job.
The circumstances that took me to these parts of Nepal make me sad, but I feel very lucky that I had the opportunity to see this part of the country and meet people that I would never otherwise meet. Most westerners don't travel to these parts of Nepal. The families that we visited have such horrible circumstances that I will never fully understand, but they were so kind and welcoming to all of us. They brought us fresh milk coffee, and one woman actually fanned me to keep the flies off of me. My heart was touched by the generosity of these Nepali's. They were just happy to know that someone has taken an interest on their unfortunate situation and wants to report it so that others may know and hopefully help.
I felt very lucky to be involved in this story. I didn't really do anything but sit and listen, but I was happy to be there and am grateful that I could be. I will remember the experience forever.
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