| First name: |
Michael |
| Last name: |
Chirayath |
| Gender: |
Male |
| Age: |
61 years old |
| Location: |
Kathmandu |
Family
I am the 7th member of my family of 12 members. I am originally from Kerala, the southern State in India. I lived only the first 24 years of my life in Kerala, and the rest of my life I have been out of Kerala. I am now approaching 60. After leaving Kerala, for the next 29 years I was in Uttar Pradesh, in North India. Since last seven years I am working in Nepal.
What I expect from YouBridge
My work in this institution requires a lot of correspondence and contacts. The long hours of load shedding has become a big problem in my work on the computer. I would be profoundly grateful to 'YouBridge' if I am provided with a laptop to me under its programme, to facilitate my work amongst the Chepangs.
About me
Originally, I am from India, where I grew up in a very catholic family with 8 children. I live in Nepal for 7 years. All the time before I lived in India as a priest. A ‘job’ I still do now.
When I arrived in Nepal (in a poor region), I started a school and hostel for poor children. The children can come there for free, and I try to help them to get good education and a good living.
I was informed about the Chepangs, a small indigenous community in Nepal which is categorised as ‘the most marginalized’by the Government’s indigenous authority. Because of the remotness of their settlements they are geographicaly and socially isolated and they have no opportunity for education and development. I was interested to work with them and dedicate my life for their development. A school named Navodaya with a hostel, in Ratnanagar, Chitwan, have been established exclusively for the education and skill development of the Chepang children. We also have undertaken some development program in selected Chepang dominated villages for their education, livelihood and promotion of Chepang Identity. Now I am working for these programs basing myself in the above institution and wish to devote my life for their education.