Civic Engagement Student Profiles
Student: Subhash Ghimire ’10
Major: Political Science
Program: Davis Projects for Peace Grant
Project: Six-week summer camp in rural Nepal
Please describe the program you developed.
I ran a six-week summer camp for 42 war affected children in my village in western Nepal. I also established the first library in the region with 1600 books and 2 computers. Currently, I am working on building the first peace school in the country in my hometown to help 250 war affected children go back to school and lead normal lives.
How did you have an impact? What was your greatest contribution?
I think I am able to contribute to the process of reconciling and healing a nation that was badly torn apart during ten years (1996-2006) of civil war between the Maoists and the government forces. The project is enabling people to come together and work for common good. The ongoing peace school project is very exciting for the people. I have been able to bring together former rebels and villagers to work together for the greater good of their children. I hope to engage in moving forward the society in a way that we do not invite war in the future.
How did this experience change you?
The summer camp and the subsequent programs have enabled me to understand my own country and society better. The more I interact with people, I learn something new every time. Despite harsh poverty and hard life, people are amazingly patient and hopeful. They trust young people like us and see that the future of the country lies on our shoulder. I have always been inspired by their stories and audacity of dreams. It has also humbled me a lot. The privileges that I have are just a distant dream for all my villagers and friends back in Nepal. It makes me realize my responsibility to help people that so much faith and hope in me.
Any additional information or thoughts about civic engagement?
Honestly, the CEL has been of great help to me. I say this everywhere but will repeat again- CEL is like my second home after the Library! The people at the CEL are AMAZING!