Slammin’ in Surkhet – A 10 Day Poetry Program

Have you ever arm wrestled with a Poet?  Had breakfast, lunch and dinner with one?  Had one come to your school and teach you the beauty of poetry?  That is what happened for 10 days in the lives of the Children of Kopila Valley.  With great thanks to the Five Word Warriors who came all the way from their homes and lives in Kathmandu, did all the teaching (and a bit of arm wrestling to break the ice).  They did a fabulous job of showing Children from all over the valley the power and vast range of poetry.  I have been waiting to get better internet capabilities, but I don’t want the story to grow too old or the Children to all be grown up.  So here is some of the video from the day long competition that was held at our school.

Seven schools participated, each had a workshop at their school for their students, then auditions were held here at KV Childrens’ Home in our Satsung Room and 20 finalists were selected.  On Final Day, all the participants, their families, fellow students and dignitaries from the city all joined us for a day at KV School.  There must have been 400 kids and I would guess at least 125-150 adults and they all saw a great show.

The Kopila Valley Kids were fearless, poised and practiced on stage as they spoke before the huge crowd.  Because they were the home team they often got the biggest applause and reactions, but it was the decision of the judges that determined the winners and none of the judges were from Kopila.

Thanks to our Sponsors who made this terrific ten days happen, not just for our Kopila Kids, but all the Children of the Surkhet Valley.  In order of their appearance on the banners please thank: The American Embassy and The American Corner, QC Books in Kathmandu, the Word Warriors, Quixote’s Cove, Yeti Airlines and of course all you Sponsors and Supporters of Kopila Valley Childrens’ Home and Schools.  A special Kudo for our “Kelly-Miss” (as our Teachers are addressed) Redmond Washington’s own Kelly Skillingstead who was the driving force behind making this all happen.

Here is one in Nepali, feel the emotion and see if you can interpret what he is feeling and saying:

Sosaliza also chose to deliver her thoughts in Nepali.

I have several more hours of video and tons of pictures, but I want you to see this right now, so I hope you enjoyed it and and feel free to let me know if you have any questions or special requests.  Here is the announcements and prizes awarded to the 5 top winners.  Please note that 4 of the five are from Kopila Valley School!!

Love to all,

Uncle Ed