Laptop computers make a world of difference in distant Nepal: R Star supporters make it happen

Getting necessary teaching and educational equipment to R Star’s one school in Nepal is quite a challenge. (R Star helps people in the poorest parts of Nepal to gain the education and the means to support themselves financially – women in particular.)

So it was a great thrill for the Founder of R Star, Lagunan Rosalind Russell, when two stalwart supporters offered to help.

In early October Pam Wicks and Susan Brown were on their way to India, and then to Nepal, for the spiritual work they enjoy.  They both agreed to add laptop computers to their packed suitcases, meaning two computers were soon en route to R Star’s school of 65 children, TOW-N (Top of the World Nepal elementary school).

“For more than six months I have been attempting to get 30 desktop computers to Nepal, but the Nepali government requires ‘new’ items or the tax is more than the cost to purchase a computer there,” Rosalind says. “Creative as I am as a result of living in this very creative environment in Laguna, I haven’t yet been able to get this accomplished.

“I am getting closer with the help of my new Nepali contact, who will help with the paperwork to get 15 of the 30 needed. He will locate 60 people to transport all of them… the tower with one person, the monitor and mouse with another person. The computers are all refurbished and with new programs ready to go, but they are in Montreal of all places, where the person who donated them lives.”

Submitted photo

Pam Wicks, Susan Brown (not pictured) and Rabin bonded immediately

With half the desktop computers not able to get to TOW-N, the plan to take laptops made sense. Generous donors gifted their not-so-old ones to R Star for a write-off, while helping rural children who have very few opportunities to become computer-literate.

And so the first two laptops headed out with Pam and Susan.

“Both women were hoping to see at least our school out of the ones in the 51 villages we serve, but their preplanned trip didn’t allow more than a few minutes to visit,” Rosalind says.

The lead man in Nepal, Rabindra, (or Rosalind’s son who adopted her along with his siblings years back), was able to meet Pam and Susan personally, picking up the laptops moments before the two departed to see a temple.

Rabin said his heart connected with both of them immediately, just as Pam and Susan had connected with Rosalind upon first meeting her. Rabin called to tell his maaytae (Mom) Rosalind just how wonderful their connection was.

Rabin learned from the caring computer carriers that Rosalind loves the low heeled highly decorated shoes the Nepalese sari-wearing women wear, in all colors. So Pam and Susan agreed to help to bring a gift from his heart to his mom.

Rosalind says she is beyond excited about the delivery of the computers, but as any shoe-loving woman, would be, she is ecstatic about the shoes due to arrive next week.

Interested in helping R Star with a used, in perfect condition 4 years or younger computer or perhaps a Kindle which R Star has an intern load for immediate use, or just wish to donate?  Call 949 497 4911 or write RStar@pacbell.net  or use the website to donate: www.RStarFoundation.org  There are many ways to help and bless others.

Original Article, link here