The upper hill village of Simergaun, has two churches but no school. The young generation says “I don't have a dream of my own.”
The Chepang community settled from semi-nomadic life to sedentary village life 50 years back. I’ve seen them dancing, singing, playing, thinking and dreaming. Dreaming for a better life.
The economic decline post civil war led to poverty prevailing in Simargaun which converted many to Christianity. Kids have to walk long routes to reach the only school in Silenge. Charity funded school have poor education quality that pushes youth to do labor intensive work in the gulf countries.
While grappling with the pace of strange development, it takes away growth possibilities of local resources and culture. However, being
a minority group, existing religious bias, organization’s charity and poverty left the youth disillusioned and aloof from acknowledging their own roots.
a minority group, existing religious bias, organization’s charity and poverty left the youth disillusioned and aloof from acknowledging their own roots.
