MEND

MEND is in the process of setting up Sister Schools between New Zealand schools and disabled children who are in, or would like to attend, school - in Nepal to start with.  This page will change as we gather more information and resources for this project.

Memorandum of Understanding  ( M.O.U)                   December 20, 2008

WHERE:    In the remote mountains behind Arjai, Gulmi District, Nepal where 150 children have have no school and who live on self-sustaining farms. 
DONORS:  Kathy & Len Light
AMOUNT:        $5000 NZ
AGREEMENT: 

That MEND will ensure that Hope Centre in Tamghas, Gulmi, Nepal

1. will manage the building of  a  30’X 30’ quality stone, slate roof and cement  floored school in 2009 on  suitable donated trust-deeded land.
2. will  provide the donors  with an accurate  account of expenditure and income quarterly.
3. will link with  local community to provide free construction labour in return for waiving of school fees
4. will seek district council support & any government education grants
5. will utilise  the Sister School programme to ensure the longterm sustainability and expansion of this community school.
6. will name the school “Hope n’ Light”  

                      …linking schools in NZ with schools in poorer countries
  
AIMS:   

1. To create awareness of the different lives school children have in developed and developing countries
2. For schools in NZ to  share resources with  schools in poorer countries.
3. To  promote better school conditions, learning environment and quality of education in developing countries. 
4. To support those who cannot afford to go to school in poorer countries.
5. To make longterm links between schools through networking and fundraising that will uplift the poorer schools.
6. To be partners in development!

HOW:     

1. Schools interested in joining the programme will register with MEND.
   
2. A website will be set up  where all networking links between schools are maintained and accessible to all participants.
   
3. Each school will be invited to form their own SISTER CLUB and appoint  their  Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary  who will look after development of ideas, banking and administration  and to liase with their partner schools ! 
   
4. Each Club will be required to update their website with information, newsletters and fundraising activities.
   
5. And most of all, CLUBS must report on  success stories  showing how each school helped their partners!

PARTNERS:  

1.  Special needs’ schools for disabled children
2.  Integrated schools where disabled mixed with able-bodied kids
3.  Clubs can choose partners from villages in Nepal, Kashmir, Uganda,  Ghana, India and other countries as the programme develops.

                                     ---------------------------------------------------


Rob Buchanan    Director                           
Diane Emerson  Treasurer
Peter Baker        Secretary