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November 16, 2010
A little school in Nepal inspires a big commitment
This past April, Alan and I were thrilled to send a group of nine Boston-based and regional OAT associates on a “Recognition Journey” to Nepal & the Mystical Himalayas—a reward for their outstanding service and teamwork on behalf of our travelers and the company (we recognize such associates throughout the year). And while we’re always inspired and gratified by individuals who “go the extra mile,” what this group has done since returning from their trip has been especially inspiring ...
Among the many sites they visited during their life-changing trip to Nepal was the Laxmi School—a three-room village school in the foothills of the Annapurna Mountain Range. Grand Circle Foundation began to support the Laxmi School in 2009 by helping to fund a new classroom, but Maggie Nevins—a Senior Travel Counselor who went on the trip—explained that the tiny primary school needed some additional support.
According to Maggie, “The children were absolutely adorable! They sang their ABCs and counted to 100 in English for us. But,” she continued, “they looked hungry. Some had shoes, but others didn’t. They sat on splintered wooden benches and had virtually no school supplies.” What’s more, the Laxmi School had very limited plumbing facilities and was unable to provide meals for the students. “Even with less-than-ideal conditions,” Maggie assured me, “the kids had great attitudes and were obviously excited to be in school.”
Touched by the students they met at the Laxmi School, Maggie and the other award-winning associates returned home with a commitment to continue improving the school —and set out to raise $5000 for another new classroom, new benches and desks, and better lavatory facilities. They sought donations from their families, friends, and fellow OAT associates. One associate—Dan Solovay, our Lead Web Developer—even “auctioned off” some of his unique talents, such as reciting poetry in Latin, to help raise money. All in all, the group exceeded its original goal by raising nearly $6500, which included matching funds from Grand Circle Foundation. And in the process, they’ve inspired everyone around them—and will ultimately enhance the lives of the students at the little Laxmi School.
Have you ever been inspired to support a cause based on an experience you had during an OAT adventure? If so, I’d love to hear more about it. Share your thoughts with others by posting your comments below this Journal entry, or email me directly at harriet@oattravel.com.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be spotlighting our OAT Small Ship Adventures. If you’ve ever taken one—or more!—of these enjoyable vacations with OAT, I hope you’ll send your stories and pictures to me harriet@oattravel.com.
Harriet Lewis