Children on the other side of the world will have a post-secondary education, thanks to the efforts of a Thornton woman.
Vanessa Higgott is founder and director of Learn for Life, a non-government organization and fledgling charity that provides select Nepali students with a paid post-secondary education.
There are holding a fundraising event at the Village Inn in Thornton Saturday beginning at 7 p.m.
“I have travelled to Nepal twice and have fallen in love with the country and it”s people. I want to see a better future for Nepal, and I can do that, one child at a time,” she said Thursday.
Higgott started the charity in May to give orphans in Nepal a chance to go to university and hopefully stop the cycle of poverty.
During a recent visit to the country, she volunteered at a Kathmandu orphanage and saw the great primary education the kids were getting.
“But at 18, they had to move out and make their own way without any more skills or support. Traditionally in Nepal, only the rich go on to post-secondary education,” she said.
To finance a year of university for one young adult, it costs between $300 and $1,500 per year - including living expenses, tuition and books, she added.
When an orphaned little boy told Higgott he wanted to be a doctor when he grew up, she knew he didn”t have a chance of following his dreams with the current system.
“I am doing this because there is no other chance for these kids to advance their studies past Grade 10. The average annual income in Nepal is $450,” she said.
Although Learn for Life is only a few months old, the charity has already sent three young men to university.
Higgott said girls are eligible, too.
“There just aren”t any of the right age at the moment.”
The boys are all working hard to contribute to the program while at school, she added.
“Learn for Life requires good marks be maintained and community service hours. One of the students, a pharmacy student, has written a book of poetry and obtained sponsorship to have it published,” she said.
Proceeds from the sale of the book are going back to the charity.
Learn for Life sponsors their tuition and textbook expenses, as well as a monthly allowance that affords them independent living accommodations, away from Hopeful Home Orphanage, in Kathmandu, the orphanage that they have grown up in.”
“This is truly the next step for these kids and a way to safely transition out of the safety net that has been their home for so many years,” Higgott said.
The inaugural year of 2008 celebrates the first three scholars to attend college from Hopeful Home. They are Ram Kaji Thapa, Roshan Sharma Gauli and Milan Wosti. Ram Kaji will be studying in the pharmacy program for three years, while Roshan and Milan will enroll in the two-year business program.
Saturday night”s fundraiser will include an extensive silent auction (featuring jewelry made by the kids).
There will also be Nepali clothing, hand-made stationery and other items. Two live bands will provide entertainment and a light fare will be served. Cost is $10
For tickets or more information, call Higgott at 705 458-2226 or visit www.learnforlifenepal.com.