Bicycle repair is a profitable occupation	Child laborers are everywhere	Most Nepalis survive by subsistence farming

Counseling Center | Nepal is in its infancy as far as psychological counseling is concerned. There is much trauma among children because of the insurgency which has been raging in the country for the last 13 years – hopefully on its way to resolution. Disabled children also suffer from oppression and discrimination, and they, too, are in need of counseling.

In order to meet this need, NYOF has established a counseling center aimed at training Nepali counselors to provide professional services to the many children who need it and to others whose job entails dealing with children and their problems. The Nepali counselors will also provide direct therapy to children.

The center has introduced sand play therapy to Nepal – a form of therapy which transcends language and is therefore particularly suitable to the needs of children. Barbara Jones, NYOF’s loyal volunteer, has donated two valuable sand play collections for this purpose and has trained counselors to utilize this type of therapy.

Vocational Counseling | Another major deficit in Nepal is vocational counseling. The unemployment rate in Nepal hovers around 50%. We select children for J and K House and scholarships (other than college scholarships) on the basis of need rather than on their academic ability. Many of these children are not gifted academically but have other abilities which would enable them to find employment, if only they had some idea about what they wanted to do and were trained to do it.

The center will provide counseling for J and K House children and others supported by NYOF, from 8th grade onward, exploring their interests and aptitudes. If, after discussions with these children over a period of time, they decide to pursue vocational training rather than attending college, the center will find the best training program for their chosen field, pay for the cost of training, and help them to find employment following the completion of their course. There are well-paying jobs available in such areas as construction that are filled by foreigners because there are few Nepalis who have the proper training.

The consultation services will be available to youngsters in addition to the J and K house children.

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