Welcome to the web site of The Brick Children School, Tikathali, Nepal.
The BCS was established in November, 2001 and is the brainchild of David Phoenix of Wrexham, North Wales who, when visiting a friend from Kathmandu, witnessed the hundreds of families from the foothills of the Himalayas who spend 8 months of each year in the brickfields of the Kathmandu valley producing bricks by hand. While breathing smoke and brick dust young children work alongside their illiterate parents who are too poor to provide them with an education. They literally cannot afford to purchase school uniform or any necessary books and equipment.
In October 2001 an agreement was reached between the Rotary Club of Wrexham Yale, the Rotary Club of Yala (in Patan, Nepal), the District Red Cross Committee of Kathmandu and the Community Development Committee to lease a building and, with the help of the parents themselves, the ‘barn’ was converted into four classrooms, an indoor play area and an office.
The school was initially established for 89 children but by December 2007 the number had increased to 250 as well as two adult literacy classes, two sewing classes and a health education class for adults.
Forthcoming events
Watch this space for the next supporters Thank You evening at Yale College Bistro. Details to follow.
Next trustees meeting: Monday 13th July 2009
New Satellite school opens
The plan to open a new branch of the BCS at the RK factory, just 1 mile from the original school, is now a reality.
The factory owner, Mr. Ram Kazi (pictured), agreed to the proposal to establish classes for the children of the brickworkers in his factory. After some delay, partly due to the political unrest in the country, building began in January, was completed in March and Mr. Ram Kazi was present at the official blessing and opening ceremony of the new building on April 5th. 2008.
The charity now funds the salaries of 2 teachers and the necessary clasroom resources have been provided. The New Help Association is overseeing this exciting new venture and has provided training for the staff. The new satellite of the Brick Children School will allow even more children working in the Kathmandu valley to have an education. Hopefully this development will encourage more brick factory owners to provide ’satellite’ schools for their employees’ families. Discussions have already taken place with two factory owners about establishing one further satellite. Watch this space!