Cultural Exchange Activities * Nepali Language Classes

Nepali language classes are offered from introductory to intermediate levels. Nepali language classes have been offered non-stop since Aimo Cultural Exchange facilities began in 1995.

* Cultural Introduction to Nepal Cultural Exchange Parties

Cultural exchange parties are held which coincide with Nepal's major festivals. At these parties, there is interaction with Nepali exchange students and Nepali culture is introduced through food, songs, dance, movies and photo presentations.

Translations, Publications We are engaged in the translation and publication of Nepalese folktales as educational and cultural tools.

Cooperation with other Volunteer Groups We actively cooperate and participate in events such as

the "Multi-Cultural Symbiosis Festival" or the "One World Festival" and through cooperation with other volunteer groups, we encourage international collaboration and cultural exchange activities.

About NGO Bishwa NGO Bishwa was established in April, 2001 as a

volunteer group (NGO) whose activities center mainly on educational aid.

The word "Bishwa" in Nepali language means the "World." As former members of the Japanese Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) and the American volunteer organization "Peace Corps" with much experience in education in Nepal, we are thankful to the warm-hearted nature of Nepali people experienced through our activities, and as an expression of this gratitude, established this group.

Our goals are to introduce the splendid culture and lifestyle of the Nepali people to Japanese people through various events, and through scholarships and school construction aid, to provide educational support to Nepali children who are not able even to receive compulsory education again.

This group functions as a "bridge between Japan and Nepal" and has the aim that the two countries will be bound together through warm friendship.

Through cooperation with the local Nepali NGO group "ORCHID Nepal" from 2006, we have provided school construction aid and scholarship aid to schoolchildren in the areas around Katmandu.

Methods of Cooperation

* Please become a member. General Membership: Annual Cost 3,000 yen Scholarship Foster Parent Membership: Annual Cost 10,000 yen * Please participate in cultural exchanges. We welcome participation in cultural exchange events, volunteer activities and study tours. * We accept donations

Transfer: Postal transfer NGO Bishuwa 00910-8-80322

A Bridge to Nepal

Office・Contact Address

Higashi Osaka City, Mikuriyanaka 1-18-38 Tel: 06-6782-3566

E-mail: ngobishwa@gmail.com http://www13.ocn.ne.jp/~aimo/Bishwa.html

翻訳・出版された本

Scholarship System We provide scholarships so that Nepali children can

attend school. In Nepali villages where there is little cash income,

there are a lot of children for whom it is economically difficult to receive a school education. Education can be considered as the only means to improve the future of Nepali children and society.

Under this system, a member becomes a foster parent and provides an annual scholarship that helps with a child's studies. For 10,000 yen a year, support is provided for the school fees and activities (including school events such as excursions, medical examination, etc.) of a child. Under the Nepali education system ten years is required for graduation from high school. It is necessary to support for at least several years before a child can graduate from school.

Support for Foreigners Residing in Japan We are actively working on support such as providing guidance to foreigners residing in Japan. We have worked as interpreters and translators in cooperation with lawyers in support of Nepali people applying for refugee status.

Study Tours Tours are conducted to experience first-hand Nepali lifestyles and culture. Visits are conducted to the foster children's schools and one can experience homestay in a village. One can also enjoy trekking. The tours include sightseeing of world heritage temples and partaking of Nepali food culture. The tour is a bit physically and mentally hard, however, participants can learn the actual Nepali lifestyle that one is unable to experience in ordinary overseas sightseeing tours. 2006-2008 school visit (officer) 2009 March, 1st study tour (school visit) 2010-2011 school visit (officer) 2012 March, 2nd study tour (school visit) 2013 March, 3rd study tour (school visit)

Meeting between FP and FC

during a study tour

Children holding notebooks presented by NGO Bishwa

(Right) During Study Tour an exchange meeting with

local NGO ORCHID members

(Bottom) A welcoming party during study tour Back row second from the left: President M.J. Eynon Second from the right: Vice-president Rokuro Akashi

(Above) Cultural exchange in Japan Indian Dance at Dashain Party Performers: Amrita Dance Company

(Right) Study tour Supper during homestay

(Right) Study tour Chief Officer Jiro Kobi

presenting a soccer ball to a school principal