A Regular Work Day

Today was a normal work day. I spent the day at TEWA discussing the Marketing Plan Project. It is difficult to communicate with the Marketing director, given I do not speak Nepalese and she only speaks a few words in English. I believe the language barrier will be an issue in all my projects. About 20% of the population speak English.

The challenge is everyone is busy at TEWA with their everyday job. The marketing plan is really essential to increase rental of the facilities. The goal is to have the rentals cover the administrative cost of the organization. There is a large investment in the facilities.

This is definitely a new concept for TEWA and they do not have anyone on staff with marketing or sales experience. I am excited about what I can accomplish, but must realize that I have to consider culture, resources, and backgrounds in moving forward. Tomorrow we will be doing a SWOT analysis as part of the marketing plan.

I believe I was dismissed from ABC (even volunteers get fired). I knew that I would offend them when I left the girls hostel; I really had no choice. The staff of ABC owns the hostel. Although I believe they are doing a lot of good helping the women in transit, I was not impressed with how dirty the children were that were staying at the hostel. I never had a chance to visit the hostel, so I did not get to see it firsthand. Without seeing it, I would feel uncomfortable asking for donations. My project was to developing a funding source from local non-profits in the US. I can still do this with another NGO.

I finally found a great restaurant in Patan. In fact, the street was filled with really nice restaurants. They are not cheap. A pizza and wine was $22. Compared to simple Nepali food, this is expensive. Given my budget, I will treat myself once a week; otherwise it is Momos (steamed dumplings) or cookies for dinner. I get lunch at TEWA and breakfast at the hotel.

Nameste