However, the political uncertainty here of a minority government means that there are many strikes and so the buses and other transport have not been running. Last time it was for a month. Across the country, teachers have been on strike. Nepal is the poorest country in Asia and it has run out of options on how to govern itself (with the literal demise of the Royal family, the overturn of the Maoist government and now a socialist government that has no power). The uncertainty hits even such a remote spot as this village which is 100 miles from a road. So it is difficult to make plans to enroll children until the teachers actually arrive. Local tailors are at the ready to make school uniforms and we still hope to open for a full term.'

We have tried to extract more news but have been unable to phone or get email contact in the last week. Electricity is a sparse resource and signals are often lost in the mountains. We are left hoping that the school is progressing and that the electricity will be extended, children enrolled and food made for them at lunch-time. The difficulty of communication is an example of how challenging life is high in the Himalayas and how much this school is needed to help the villagers out of subsistence and poverty.