Sonam Choky D615, Sarzum, Konchok Lhamo D710

Interview with Sarzum by our kids

1. Please could you introduce yourself?

Tashi delek! My name is Sarzum lama and I am from Humla, which is really far from the capital, Kathmandu. Humla is one of the poorest and most underdeveloped districts in Nepal. People have no good facilities for education, health, transportation and employment. It is extremely cold in winter. I came here due to my hip problem and my mum is too old so I stayed here to help her. My dad passed away two years ago. Now I am 40 years old.

2. How did you get to know about SMD?

Initially a woman in my neighborhood, Tashi Dolma helped me to know about the school because her two daughters are studying in SMD. After that Shirley called me here to teach Humla dance and knitting to our students. So I am very happy to join a school like SMD, which provides modern education to the poor and needy Himalayan kids. I am also thankful to Shirley and of course to Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche for their kindness towards me.

3. How do you feel working and knitting in SMD?

I feel very happy working in SMD with all the kids. Now I don't have much problem about food, and clothes compared to before. So I feel extremely happy to be a member of SMD family and teach the kids to knit.

4. How did you learn knitting?

I learned knitting in my village near the airport where I had to knit sweater, socks, hats etc. The government sent the sponsors. We got chance to learn and in addition to that we could earn some amount to feed our families the wool and needles were provided by the sponsors. In this way I learned knitting.

5.At which age you started knitting and who inspired you to engage in this work?

   At the age of 28 I learned knitting and government gave us this chance. Saying the truth, no one inspired me to knit. It was my own interest so; I want to say to all the kids that you should always grab the good chances, which come in front of you.

We should not despair when we fail to reach our destination that we are thinking of.  

6. What is the difference between your past and present life?

In the past it was really difficult for me to run my life because I couldn't even afford the basic needs of my family. I had no job to do because I am uneducated. Afterwards, I got to know about SMD and the school helped me to get a job, which was to knit and teach Humla dances to the school kids. I don't face as many problems like before because of SMD's generosity to me. I want to thank Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche for all of his help to me and also for providing the education to my two cousin daughters. 

7. What is your suggestion to all the SMD kids?

 My suggestion to all the kids in SMD is that "Now you all are getting a great opportunity due to Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. So don't waste it and study hard also learn good behaviour from your elders. To fulfill Rinpoche's aim you should never forget your language, culture and religion, which have been taught in the school every time. If we are educated then we can help the people who are needy and uneducated. It is also very great to help the people of your own community in different fields in which they are lagging behind.

(Interviewers: Tsering Thinley B292 and Lhakpa Dolma B334a from grade 8)