On the very first issue of 2023, we are revisiting our time in Luxembourg last November where we participated in the ESD Weeks organized by ONGD FNEL. In this interview, Ms. Kritishma Karki and Mr. Bijeysh Ranjit Co-Founders at SAATH will share their experiences and interactions with us. 

A Conversation with Kritishma and Bijeysh, Co-Founders at SAATH

1) In November 2022 you both traveled to Luxembourg to meet one of your partner organizations ONGD-FNEL and to participate in their ESD-Weeks. During these two weeks you have certainly gathered many different experiences. How would you describe the overall impression of your trip to Luxembourg?”

Kritishma: Traveling is mostly about meeting people. And I had one of the most interesting and if I may say a learning experiences. Mostly we were engaging with students where we showcased 2 of our documentaries from our projects. The observations and questions that were asked during the workshops were at times very intense. Besides, we got to meet with so many individuals from our partner organization, scout groups, and enterprises and I must say, it felt like home away from home. 

Bijeysh: My two-week visit to Luxembourg was an incredible experience for me. The trip was a time for pause and rethink; an exposure to different work environments; and an enriching experience meeting with school students, ONGD FNEL team members, and others involved at ONGD FNEL as I had the opportunity to understand their diverse backgrounds, thought processes, and learn from all of the valuable interactions I had.

2) One of the main activities was to conduct workshops in different elementary and high schools in Luxembourg. What did the workshops look like and what was the aim behind them?

Kritishma: It was mostly to help the students develop an understanding of Nepal and mostly also to look at it from a different lens. As SAATH has been working with Musahar women and children for more than 4 years, the students were able to witness their lives, their challenges and their determination. It was a very interactive workshop where the students had a very meaningful participation.

Bijeysh: Activities with elementary and secondary school students were designed to introduce them to Nepal's culture, socioeconomic status, and educational system. The discussion was participatory, and participants had the chance to learn about the women and children of Musahar communities and their socioeconomic and cultural characteristics through a variety of mediums, including a quiz and question-and-answer session and, in particular, the presentation of two of our documentaries. They also had the chance to hear about the ways in which we are trying to improve the lives of Musahar women and children by using education and training as a key.

3) What other activities did you participate in besides the workshops in the Schools?

Kritishma: A conference on "Education: the leverage point for change in a community" was held at the Bank of Luxembourg where we as Co-founders had the opportunity to share our personal journey. We also took the opportunity to talk about our programs and our vision to grow bigger and better. We also took part in a “Charity Dinner” organized by our partner organization Ongd Fnel where we showcase our Documentary “Awasar”. 

Bijeysh:  In addition to the activities with school students, we were able to interact with members of the general public and supporters of ONGD FNEL at a Charity Dinner and a public conference. We showed one of our documentaries, "Awasar," and had a great time interacting with the audience and got chance to share about the work we are doing.

4) You have given us a generous insight into what you have encountered during your trip. Can you share one of your favorite situations or moments you experienced during these two weeks?

Kritishma: Meeting The Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Mr. Xavier Bettel was probably one of the highlights of the trip. And this cannot go unnoticed. He was so humble and It was a complete honor to sit down with him and have a generous discussion about our work over a cup of coffee. He really appreciated our working model of SAATH and Danfe and not to forget he loved our Mithila Painting all the way from Dhanusadham and the Cashmere Shawl was quite a hit. 

The other highlight of the trip for me was the warm welcome by our partner organization and all the team members, volunteers. I am very grateful to each and every one at the organization member for organizing such a meaningful program.

Bijeysh: The people I met were the biggest highlight of the entire trip for me. We have been acquainted with the ONGD FNEL team since 2019, but our interactions have primarily been with office personnel. It was incredibly good to get to know everyone who is helping ONGD FNEL fulfill its objective as part-time employees, board members, interns, and other volunteers. Additionally, it was extremely admirable to see how each person was putting up a sincere effort to support fund-raising and other activities of the organization so that partner organizations like ours could carry out the work that we are doing.