There were some boys flinging stones from handmade slings from a rooftop. They were good! I was curious about them and approached. The boys were equally as curious.
I watched for a bit and then the boys who spoke some English ask med where I was from and what my name was. They told me about the school studies and their plans for the future. I meanwhile took some photos and videos of their expert flinging skills. It was fun. Some of the boys hoped to go to college in larger towns and cities, but I fear money will stand in their way.
One boy who will graduate soon said that he and his family cannot afford tuition and that his hopes for a professional future will probably not come to be. I asked if he had interest in being trained in a hospitality college for a future working in cooking or hotel management. His name is Dimit. He said he would be very interested.
I got his phone number and told him I would call. Later, I checked with my friend Khem who is founder and owner of this college and asked if a scholarship could be arranged. Khem trusted my instincts and said he would arrange it either in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
When I got to Lo Manthang, the manager of the hotel where I stayed helped me call Dimit to schedule a visit together or at least a phone call. Now, Dimit and I will speak together in a few days so he understands exactly what he is getting into and I will find out more about his motivation and his willingness and ability to do the work expected of students in the college.
Of course, it would give me great satisfaction if this were to work out, but it’s got to be a good fit. He’s a great kid. Plus, he’s a good rock flinger.
