The FNEL Scouts and Guides Luxembourg recently embarked on a remarkable journey of cultural exchange, scouting, and community development with the Shikharapur CLC in Nepal. This partnership was made possible through the ONGD-FNEL, an organization that focuses on agriculture entrepreneurship development in rural areas of Kathmandu and Makwanpur. Since 2017, the SCLC has been working hand in hand with the ONGD-FNEL, implementing innovative and successful activities that spurred the scouts exchange program.
In April 2023, the scouts’ camp was held at the newly constructed Agriculture Learning Resource Centre (ALRC), which was an extension project of the Bottle House Agriculture Farm. The building was constructed through the support of the Nepal Government, Local Government, ONGD-FNEL, and other generous partners. The scouts’ primary task was to complete the remaining construction and finish up the top floor during the ten-day camp.
A group of 44 camping scouts arrived at ALRC on April 3rd and mobilized themselves in various activities such as carrying/fitting of doors, windows, construction of bathrooms, painting of walls, railings, eco-sitting made of bottles, gardening, cleaning, and fencing of land, bottle house fencing and maintenance, natural mud coloring of the bottle house, art, cultural exchange with Newari instrumental band, Newari food exchange, Nepalese cultural and food exchange, hiking, and meditation. Moreover, they supported farmers in the field and maintained wasted metal benches using ply board and paint. The camp is led by Nora Heinen Sender, Chief of the camp assisted by Philippe Berschied along other 10 staff members.
The hardworking scouts also organized an event in which they invited partner organizations of ONGD-FNEL and also offered Luxembourgish Dinner. At that moment, SCLC and Scouts team shared the overall plan and progress of camp to them.
The scouts did the maintenance and painting of benches which they carried to Open School and put them in the classrooms themselves. During their scouting time, they also had some important exchanges with Nepal Scouts. The camp was graced by Consular General H.E Shreeram Lamichhane’s visit, and on the last day, Dakshinkali Municipality felicitated all scouts at their municipal hall for their contribution to the development of SCLC and society. Mayor and Deputy Mayor thanked the scouts team for choosing Nepal and specially Dakshinkali Municipality. Mayor Mohan Basnet expressed his joy in the selection of Shikharapur CLC within their municipality, and acknowledged the challenge of compromising during a 10-day stay, but recognized it as a valuable opportunity for lifelong learning as a scout. The mayor expressed trust in the management of SCLC and expressed gratitude for their contributions. He extended an invitation to return to the municipality again and again.
As per the plan, the scouts completed all the given tasks, and SCLC put a sign of contribution on the front wall of the second floor. Every scout was delighted to have stayed in an enchanting place of Pharping, beneath the forests, with mesmerizing views and meeting nice people who were always cooperative. The camping site itself was in such a wonderful height that every person would feel happy to be there.
In totality, the camp was a great success, and both the FNEL Scouts Team and SCLC team worked hard to make it a grand success. This type of scout’s camp has created a good culture of exchanging ideas, supporting mechanisms, and creating positive vibes in communities. The ONGD-FNEL deserves gratitude for approaching SCLC for this camp, and FNEL Scouts and Guide deserves thanks for all their kind support in this ALRC development process.
This camp has not only contributed in a financial way but also in exchanging ideas and innovation, making it a true exchange both ways. Leaders Scouts, SCLC Team, and all scouting members should celebrate this success, as every part has been of significant help along the camp. The journey of cultural exchange, scouting, and community development continues to inspire us to explore the beauty of cultural diversity and cooperation for a better world.
Report By:
Niroj Shrestha
Program Manager
ONGD-FNEL / SCLC Project
Nepal