The Year 2019 AD is a historic year for the Nepalese school children as it is during this year, 20 students and 5 teachers from SHREE TRI SHAHID HIGH SCHOOL, Andhi Khola – 1, Syangja and 20 students and 6 teachers from Valley Public High school, Sundar Basti, Bhangal, were selected to join children from 14 British schools in North Yorkshire and participate in an international musical extravaganza, named KIDS ALOUD – 2019, at Harrogate, North Yoyrkshire. The event took place on the 29th and 30th of March 2019.
KIDS ALOUD is a major International Musical Extravaganza for school age children, which has been on going in Rotary District 1040 for more than a decade. It is one of the most popular projects carried out annually by Rotary and is appreciated by many parents and the locals of the Harrogate area in Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom.
The idea of Nepali children participating in and international musical event in the UK came from the visiting Rotarians from Harrogate, Yorkshire during their IT project visit in Nepal. However, the huge administrative and logistical tasks ahead were not for the faint-hearted. Having several virtual meetings between the key members of the project team in the UK and in Nepal the final decision to launch the project was made in Spring 2017. There was joy all-round. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Nepali children and the participating lucky teachers, of which I am one.
The selection of children and the teachers was carried out in July 2018. Thereafter, the training for the entire participants began in Kathmandu and in Sirubari simultaneously. During the selection, children’s aptitude towards music and plays were considered high priority. Their health, discipline skills in cultural program and their ability to learn quickly were also taken into consideration. Several difficulties had to be negotiated carefully by international coordinator of the Kids Aloud 2019, Major Lilbahadur GURUNG MBE. One such difficulty was of course raising of £100,000 for Nepalese children and the teachers to participate in KA2019. The fund required was for air tickets, UK Visa, dress for the children, including cultural and Nepali national dress, medical insurance for 40 children and 13 teachers. Valley Public High school and friends of international coordinator came to rescue with the funds.
With UK Visa approved and medical examinations completed in late February, the KA2019 participants left for Manchester airport in the UK in mid-March for 3 weeks of hectic but potentially rewarding trip. The entire Nepali entourage was given a rousing farewell by members of the RC THE HIMALAYAN GURKHAS and Valley Public family.
The Nepali entourage arrived in Manchester amidst a typical English weather, tired but high in spirit. They were received by international coordinator and the key members of the KA2019, Namely, Andrew Morrison – KA2019 project leader, Guy Wilson, Barry Pollard and President of Brigands Ruth Townrow. Captain (Retd) Rajendra Man Gurung of Sirubari made himself available and was in the welcome group.
During their time in Yorkshire and leading to KA2019 finale children visited more than dozen schools, historical sites, museum, and tropical zoo to name the few. KA practices and rehearsals were carried out in each school with the British children.
Then came the “D” day that everyone was waiting for. The Royal Hall was full to it’s capacity with local dignitaries, parents and the guardians of children of local participating schools. The chief guest was Nepalese Ambassador to London Dr Durga Bahadur Subedi. Ambassador thanked all organizers and the hosts for hosting Nepali entourage for KA2019 and requested all those who Can to visit Nepal in the days ahead.
The 2 hours of musical extravaganza began with a promotional speech at the start, by Nepali Ambassador to London. The Nepali children performed their best and British people publicly praised the Nepalese children as “show stealers”. A proud moment for the Nepali Ambassador and entire Nepali entourage.
The two days of musical extravaganza was followed by series of Farewell events for Nepali children by the Hosts in Harrogate and was reciprocated by the Nepali visitors in a true Nepali way. Three weeks of stay in Yorkshire, with extra hard work put in by all concerned came to a most satisfying ending.
The final stage of the UK visit for the Nepalese contingent was visit to London. The group visited historic sites including Buckingham Palace, Nepalese Embassy and was entertained by SONPAL SAMAJ UK. The entourage departed London Heathrow for home after exhausting but most memorable experience in the United Kingdom.
KA2019 was one of the most difficult projects to arrange administratively but equally satisfying to THE HIMALAYAN GURKHAS and HARROGATE BRIGANDES for their project well done. Nepali team have greatest respect to each and every one in Harrogate and in Kathmandu for making this event a great success.
KA 2019 event will be something the participating children of Shree Tri Shahid High school, Panchamul and Valley Public High school, Kathmandu will remember throughout their lives. I shall with my fellow teachers will also remember KA2019 experience throughout our life. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. My sincere respect and thank you to The Himalayan Gurkhas, The Brigantes and those who were responsible to make KA2019 a grand success!
