Ambassador Gislesen used the opportunity to promote social inclusion and equal rights for all children and youth, in particular their right to quality education. In one of the VDCs in Kailali, Gislesen met with children in a Badi community who live in a care home supported by the Community Support Group and Save the Children, with a focus on low caste and children of mothers in sex trade.
Through this intervention, children are protected from abuse and neglect and are supported with an education package that allows them to go to school. So far, during the 10 year running of the programme, 3 children have completed BA-studies and 13 have passed the School Leaving Certificate. This achievement is also supported by an active Child Club.
The Ambassador and the children had an enlightening and moving encounter. One boy took the challenge to share his aspirations. He wants to become a teacher and was keen to learn about discriminatory practices in Norway and a way out of what he characterised as a “backward” society. - Do you also have casts in your society? And how do you really feel about supporting us, he asked.
Equality between people and genders, is a fundamental right in Norway, as it should be everywhere, the Ambassador replied. - You can be anything you want if you are committed and study hard enough. Education is the key to opportunities, and never forget to ask “why”, he stressed. It is up to each and every one to make use of this programme. Especially the girls need to be encouraged to get an education. Only if you do not let the prevailing situation continue, then you can you take charge of your own development.
A young girl inquired about what can be done to stop the abuse of children. - Children should feel confident that they can report such cases, and that there will be consequences for the perpetrator. In Norway, there is a national children’s “ombudsperson” (barneombud) who represent the interests of all children. In addition, laws and regulations are important to prevent misuse of children and youth. This may be something that Nepal can use to establish a similar hotline to address difficult cases.
It was striking to see the number of landslides that had blocked the road from Doti to Achham in particular. This had also caused serious challenges for many schools and communities in the area. – I feel privileged to have seen the situation with my own eyes, the Ambassador says. We were met with warm hospitality everywhere we went and I am grateful to everyone who shared their experiences with us.