CHAILSA and THUBTEN CHOELING Monastery Solu Khumbu region, NEPAL
SUKETAR, Tapeljung Region, north east corner of NEPAL
Our group are merely postmen, delivering the exceptional kindness of our friends to those in need whose karmic forces have drawn them to us. Our support base: Australia-Oman-Germany.
This October, we went back to Chailsa (1 ½ days jeep and about 6 hrs. trek), and afterwards held a new camp a further 6 hr trek up the track, on the Everest Trail. After returning to Kathmandu to restock, and change some team members, we held a new camp, past the Ilam tea fields and into the top N.E> corner of Nepal, Suketar, in the Taplejung region.
And so, more than 1000 attended the NAHOH (Keshab and monk Dorje) primary ear camps. Cleaning, diagnosing, treating and referring for medical operations (which they organise in free camps in Kathmandu). Sangye (from Kopan Monastery would then screen the hearing levels and if the best ear had a 3FA HL > 50 we would fully assess and where possible, fit hearing devices.
This October, 41 new recipients were fitted with behind the ear hearing aids with temporary moulds.
Keshab will make the custom moulds in Kathmandu, thanks to our German friends, and will send them to be fitted at the three sites by staff trained by us.
We will follow up next time. 22 MINI body level alternate listening devices and 9 MAXI devices. These were fitted with either ear buds, head sets or neck loops, depending on ear canal configuration and HL.
We insist that the older members of the community are supported by a relative or friend that can follow basic instructions relating to the devices, and understand where they can get further local help from health workers we have trained.
Clients we have seen over the years return, to collect more batteries, have their aids repaired and cleaned. We rejoice in their renewed ability to feel part of their community, and in the younger ones, the enthusiasm for life lives in their smiles!
Samjana BK , now 10 yrs old has been wearing a bone conductor fitted two years ago, battered, and still working. She now sports a pink head band which conceals both the aid and the conductor. Seen here with her Dad, she is reason alone for us to return each year to Sailsa! So if any clinics wish to donate a spare head band so we can fit her spare bone conductor to it, contact us HERE. We also need a sponsor for her batteries.
Our “waiting rooms” vary in nature, but usually “embrace” the outdoors. We also take into account, at the registration desk, manned by locals, how far the people have to go home, and prioritise them accordingly.
Jikdol, the monk whose family sponsored our food and accommodation is all smiles as he poses with recipients and team members.
There was timeout for peaceful reflection………….
And the journey to and from the camps, was always something to look forward to!
