One consequence of recent changes in the Nepalese government is an emphasis on unity and integration of all faith traditions in bringing peace to the nation. RYS can therefore play a crucial role toward this objective through modeling interfaith service and cooperation.
Nepal 2008 RYS is scheduled for November 20-28 in a small medieval town known as Sunakothi, about 15 kilometers from Katmandu. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains, paddy fields and rivers. The total population of this village is around 8,000. The common heritage of the local community is multicultural and multifaith. In Sunakothi popular temples, monasteries, churches and mosques can be found.
The motive of this project ties in with the 7th UN Millennial Goal - To Ensure Environmental Sustainability. Accordingly, the residents of Sunakothi will have access to safe and pure drinking water. The project will attend to needs at two work sites:
Work Project 1: To Build a Drinking Water Tank
During the proposed RYS Nepal Project 2008, participants will work with the local community of Sunakothi putting up a large water tank near the pond. The tank should serve the community's needs as well as the needs of those in surrounding areas to provide pure water for drinking, especially during the summer when there is a scarcity of water due to dry season.
Work Project 2: Cleaning the Peace Pond
Once we have properly cleaned the pond, we will formally name it the "RYS Peace Pond." Local communities will use the pond water for many purposes, including the irrigation of their paddy fields, crop cultivation, washing clothes, gardening and finishing water to animals such as chickens and ducks.
RYS is an international and interreligious service learning program. RYS education will include exercises in intercultural communications, interreligious visits to various sacred sites to help facilitate understanding among different faiths, thereby breaking down religious barriers. At the same time, international participants will have opportunities to learn about the Nepalese culture and traditions, with their deep rooted religious background and history.
We cordially invite dynamic youth volunteers from all over the world to attend this amazing service project. Participants should be between 16-40 years old.
