Today is my first bandh. A bandh is a strike, by a organized group of workers, ethnic minorities or a union, to remind the political wheels of their desires and needs.  It can involve large demonstrations, many road closures, which shuts and entire city down.  Not unlike a strike in Canada in fact, except that it is announced about a week ahead to notify the citizens.  We were scheduled to have class in the VSO office today but the bandha road closures have prevented staff from getting to work, so we have the day off!

This weekend I have been asked to attend a 2-day workshop entitled “Quest for Quality Education” which is organized by a number of local NGO’s.  This will be my first opportunity to meet the partners who form the coalition, the Global Campaign for Education, Nepal, for whom I work.  Nerves, anticipation, anxiety, and excitment abound – will I have the right skills?  Will I be of use?  Can I do this work?  Nothing I can answer yet, but hoping this workshop will put my mind to rest a little bit.