"So long as little children are allowed to suffer, there is no true love in this world." - Isadora Duncan
I'm not sure how many of you studied at the Wilson Academy in Kathmandu. But recently I got to meet its Principal, Patrick C. Wilson via emails. It is said that there are Principals, and THERE ARE PRINCIPALS. And Patrick is one great Principal. A school principal is the most important person because he's like a Mahaguru. His experience and knowledge becomes a guidepost for the teachers. His understanding nature and compassion for the students will mould the nation's leaders. Having originated from Darjeeling more than 18 years ago, Nepal is where his heart is.
Patrick runs a special program called "ASHA" for the underpriviledged children; children who come from an abusive environment and orphans. He is a principal who looks into the needs of the needy and deprived. Food and water helps a body to grow but only education makes the mind and heart bloom. What will we all be if not for education? If our parents failed in their duties to send us to school, the nation will disintergrate. But there are hundreds of parents who for various reasons are unable or not willing to educate their children.
The lack of funds and forethought, gives some parents no other choice but to keep a child away from knowledge and a brighter future. But there are also some parents who intentionally are not bothered about taking their child's education seriously. This stigma is seen especially on female children. Why bother to educate them, when at the end of the day they are only useful in the kitchen or farm. Their main function is to propagate the family line and attend to household chores. Who cares about the nation?
Some families look upon the female child as a burden to be borne until married off. Education is the last thing on their mind. The father would rather spend his meagre earnings on a bottle of beer and a roll of grass together with friends who have similar characteristics. But there are also fathers and mothers who desperately want nothing but the best education for their children. They fight against all odds to give a child a better future.
I just hope that such a child will never grow up to show ingratitude towards its teachers and parents. Ingratitude is the biggest sin. How many of us are truly thankful to Guru and God for having given us parents who care for our education? Only those who are deprived of education, long for it....dreams of becoming doctors...engineers...lawyers...accoutants...teachers....postmen... etc etc.
Patrick C. Wilson makes dreams come true. I thank God for creating him.
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