Kaua’i and Nepal are extraordinarily beautiful and are considered tresures by many. The Himalayan Mountain range in Nepal (which includes Mount Everest) brings visitors back year after year in much the same way Kaua’i’s green and nurturing land surrounded by the sea brings visitors to our island home.
One of the beauties of Kaua’i is the sharing of Aloha. North Shore artist Wicki Van De Veer and her husband, Michael Van De Veer, KKCR/FM talk show host, travel to Nepal every year. What began as vacation travel evolved into a continuing relationship with the people of Nepal through cultural exchange and support of the efforts of Nepalese people to improve their lives.
Nepal is one of the poorest nations on earth. In Nepal, a person is jailed if accused of a crime and then must prove innocence in order to be released. Many languish years in jail before their trial. Despite Nepalese law, children often go to jail with their mothers until they are able to be placed in a “nestling home.” These women are often shunned by society and, on their release, become beggars with their children.
SETU NEPAL, a nonprofit charitable organization, has established a transitional home for women released from jail and their children. SETU means “bridge” in Nepal and symbolizes support for women as they cross the bridge back into society. SETU provides a home, education for the children, and training and job placement for the women. This year, Wicki’s exhibition of paintings, ALOHA NEPAL, in Kathmandu benefitted SETU. The Nepalese people were curious and happy to learn more about Kaua’i and were specially interested that we are surrounded by water since Nepal is a landlocked country.
To share Aloha with SETU or to learn more about its work, contact Wicki at wickiart@hotmail.com or call her at (808) 634-8291. Tax deductible donations to SETU in the USA are made through the International Child Resorurces Institure (www.icrichild.org)