The first day at Life Vision Academy had been long-awaited. The day started with an empty pastel yellow and white room, but ended with a resounding achievement of a fully operational computer lab. The Envision team had completed our third bridge, connecting our hopes with reality and connecting the students of Life Vision Academy to the vast expanse of the digital realm. We stood at the doorway, looking at the rows and rows of wondrous devices that would guide these children to a better future.
Life Vision Academy is a school dedicated to a better future for its students: orphans, the homeless, or those left behind by their parents. At Envision, we aim to increase the field of view of their vision by connecting them with the digital world. As we stepped foot in Life Vision Academy, we were welcomed with a tika, a symbol of honor and welcome, from a well-spoken, outgoing “senior sister,” Namu. After the effusive welcoming, we were deeply touched by the series of remarkable performances by the school’s ardent students, from traditional Nepali dances to fun K-pop dances of nine-year-olds. The festive atmosphere surrounded everyone: children were clapping, laughing, and shouting, “Again, Again!” in response to the performances. For lunch, we were honored to be treated to a freshly baked pizza, as the school’s bakery runs in an attempt to make the school sustainable.
Curious children watched us as we began the time-consuming process of assembling the devices. The experience from the day before guided us through a complicated process, and before long, we had created a delightfully chaotic but functional computer laboratory ready to inspire minds and change futures.
The scene of four rows of sleek black computers sitting nicely on wooden tables with keyboards fit comfortably in compartments under the tables looked highly satisfying. It had been a long journey to get to this point, but looking at the fascination of the children made overcoming the literal and metaphorical challenges worth it. Envision was founded to improve students’ lives by bridging the digital divide, and tomorrow, we will lay yet another bridge.
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