Hosted by Evelyne, a group of members met in Auvillers-en-Gâtinais on 3 and 4 June 2023, a warm and fruitful meeting as usual!

The Nepalese government is now playing a tangible role in the development of the village, and Rapcha has slightly more resources at its disposal than in the past. There are, of course, a number of administrative, legal and tax constraints that complicate matters a little.

These measures have given Yadav and Jase a lot of work and worry, and are now making it difficult to transfer funds.

The Annual General Meeting decided to compensate Yadav and Jase for this work, to cover all the costs incurred and to consider ways of getting ANUVAM aid to the village.

– The activity report presented by the members present was adopted unanimously:

  • Evelyne sent the final report to CDC1. The organisation has made the final payment of the promised grant. The CDC was sensitive to the fact that this was a local economic development project. Many thanks to the CDC développement solidaire, which helped us make the reconstruction a reality.

1 Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations

  • Claudine S. organised a month-long exhibition of Jean-Claude R.’s photos at La Maison du Terroir in Genouilly (71) through the “Rencontre, animations rurales” association. At the beginning of April, Jean-Claude was able to give a talk, which was attended by around fifty people. Marc B. and Elisabeth M. read interviews given after the 2015 earthquake.
  • Jean-Claude continued to sell photos. Through his photo exhibitions, he has attracted memberships and donations. A conference in August near Montpellier brought together people who are regular donors.
  • Louis brought together participants for the October trip during the Pentecost weekend in the Cévennes. Of the 10 people who signed up, only 6 are still able to take part! So if you’d like to join the group, you’re very welcome.

– The financial report presented by Claudine J. was adopted unanimously.

– the autumn 2023 trip

Philosophy of this trip: It’s more cultural than sporting, with the aim of raising the profile of the village and the ANUVAM association and attracting new members.

On site, Louis is planning an evening of photo and film screenings in which the people of Rapcha will recognise themselves.

Marc B and Jacques are making their films available to Louis. Jean-Claude has digitised his old photos and slides and is offering them to Louis.

– Vincent and his partner Sarah went to Nepal for Christmas. The programme included a visit to Kathmandu, a week in Rapcha, a trek to Nuntala, Jumbesi and a visit to Chitwan Park with Yadav and his family. Friendship is always the order of the day!

Vincent tells the group about his findings when visiting the village regarding the maintenance of the houses built after the 2015 earthquake. Work needs to be carried out on some of the houses to prevent them from falling into disrepair. He will draw up a list of recommendations, which Yadav will pass on to the village. ANUVAM has a duty of vigilance in this area!

Vincent also shares some observations and thoughts on life in the village, the health of the inhabitants, etc…PROJECTS 2023-2024 :

The General Meeting examines all the projects submitted by Yadav on behalf of the village and votes on the resolutions.

School  Basakhali school: the science teacher’s salary will be paid as planned for the 2nd year.

Budget support for the 2 small schools in Rimku and Bodhu will continue.

Chandrodaya school toilets – We have received a quote for a set of 3 toilets to be built. We are very sensitive to the issue of sanitation and are in favour of the project. After analysing the quotation, Vincent gave some technical explanations and proposed some solutions to reduce the cost of construction.

We agreed in principle to the project, but are awaiting the reaction of interested parties to Vincent’s proposals before deciding how much assistance to provide.

Medicines for the dispensary – We are continuing to pay a small amount to the dispensary for the purchase of medicines. We are in line with the practice of dispensing medicines free of charge in other dispensaries.

The General Meeting expressed its concern for the smooth running of the dispensary and its upkeep.

Planting walnut trees – The Chandrodaya school wishes to continue the walnut tree planting operation with the aim of obtaining a little money for the pupils’ school fees from the sale of walnuts… In view of the setbacks of the first planting (half the trees did not take), we propose spreading the project over 2 years. Jacques, who knows a thing or two about the subject, sends some good advice to our friends!

The farm is running well, the team remains motivated and the harvests are good…The board:

– The ANUVAM board has changed slightly this year, with Marc L. replacing Evelyne as vice-president. Many thanks to Evelyne for her long term of office and her efficient skills.

Treasurer: Claudine Joly, assistant: Claudine Simonet

Secretary: JC Raimbault, assistant: Elisabeth Meignan

President : Gisèle Bonnet, vice-president: Marc Lubin

– There are no changes to the 2024 membership fee compared with the decisions taken in 2023:

Fee for people on modest incomes and under-30s : €15

All others: €60
ANUVAM 2024 General Meeting

It will be held on 4 and 5 May 2024

To be confirmed: Monts du Lyonnais, Massif du Pyla?

Full report of the General Meeting in the members’ area.