In their own words: Why supporters think HVP is SO Special
“The true beauty of HVP lies in the smaller scale of its practical work – in the children. To create a truly good society, then, the place to start is on the smallest scale – the self. This is the work of HVP – to encourage each individual child to look inside him or herself. Too often society encourages us to look outside ourselves for our sense of self-worth and pride, for our principles and our opinions of ourselves and of others. “
- Jessie Hughes, 2000
“ This school is not just a school but a family community. The teachers are not simply fulfilling the duties of a job but are creating and living a way of life that they enjoy and believe in. The students are not statistics but individuals, children that are loved and cared for with dedication. In other words ‘teaching’ is defined by helping these children to better themselves in all aspects of their lives; intellectually, mentally, physically and spiritually.”
- Hannah Humphry-Baker, 2001
“The essence of HVP isn’t only about numbers of students, exams, buildings or even Nepal. It’s about something that matters at the core of what it is to be human; something enlightened yet fundamental.”
- Matthew Hilton-Dennis, 2001
“The HVP education places emphasis on critical thinking, open-mindedness, familiarity with difference, tolerance, and on developing a sense of social engagement and responsibility. I believe these are the chief values of an open society, and that HVP is playing a critical role in disseminating these principles in a society that is at present not very open. If Nepal is ever again to have a chance for democracy, and for that democracy to thrive next time, there must be more citizens educated in the HVP way ”.
- Danah Zohar, 2003
“Nobody can deny that HVP-Nepal is a truly remarkable concept. How true is it that people in the world have become inclined to patch up social problems once they have already caused their damage. Yet here at HVP the idea is to tackle the root of the problem by nurturing a new generation of spiritually aware people, ready to revive and regenerate society”.
- Sarah Best, 1997
“Here in the West we often emphasise the effectiveness of material resources. HVP reminds us that teachers are the most important resource that children have and in every class the teachers’ interactions and relationships with their students ensures that contribution of every individual student is valued and supported”.
- Dorothy Caddell, 1999
“ I was mesmerised by the open-mindedness and tolerance of the HVP philosophy. HVP provides the best of academic education and also imparts knowledge to the students and makes them realise their duties to the nation and society and not to rely on outward support. It does not preach narrow nationalism. It is the best of both. Through education like those provided in the HVP schools, Nepal can develop, and, at the same time, keep its culture and pride intact ”.
- Christine Russell, 1998
“The HVP schools are way ahead of their time. The schools are much more than just schools as us westerners might think of them. They are run in an idealistic and ethical way by teachers who care about the children, about morals, and about the future of their country. I believe HVP is creating the leaders of the future. Leaders with skills, not only in maths or the sciences, but leaders with ideals, initiative, thoughtfulness, belief, and a sense of responsibility. In a country where so much is unstable and the situation is deteriorating, the HVP schools are a total exception”.
- Miriam Cross, 2004
“ HVP is so much more than a school. It is a movement. A movement of hearts, minds, souls and motivation focussed diligently on one goal; humanity, maybe even spirituality. Here at HVP children are not just empty vessels to fill up with hard facts and knowledge. They are complete human beings. The policy at HVP is to fill up their souls as much as their minds. To give them direction and spiritual leadership-always that is the goal. To raise precious, inspirational women and men-always that is the aim. And from what I have seen, HVP has been successful “.
- Marissa Charles, 1999
“ It is inspiring to see a philosophy so convincingly translated into the lives of the students and their teachers, where a school is bursting with as much happiness, commitment and vision as this one “.
- Will Middleton, 1999
“The school is not just a place of learning but a place for self-realisation and cultural awareness for the students. This holistic training provides confidence for the students to face the competitive world. This is a place where students do not only learn from teachers but also from their peers. The school, as represented by its humble teachers, demonstrates the beauty of simplicity…. beauty that attracts friends from other countries. I hope the uniqueness of HVP will continue to flourish so that the coming generations could still benefit from its ripening fruits “.
- Sammy J. Perez, Phillipines, 1999
“ HVP is not just a school, it is like a family! It is like a home because through the school and the family you are totally absorbed into the culture and your roots grow deeply into Nepal…”.