Kavre, Nepal - UPF-Nepal organized a Religious Youth Service project that included renovating an orphanage and building a wall at a Buddhist monastery in Kavre, central Nepal, December 2 through 9.

The Dhyankuti Buddhist Monastery was established more than 50 years ago in order to serve the people around Kavre and has been a center of social service and education. The leader, Ven. Ashwagosha, is the supreme Buddhist leader of Nepal recognized by the government of Nepal.

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Ven. Ashwaghosha is the patron of the Metta Orphanage, which was established 11 years ago to serve children who were orphaned in the ongoing conflict and other under-privileged children, giving them a free education, food, board, and clothing. More than 50 children have benefited from its services, and 14 children from all parts of Nepal are currently living there.

Since interactive education is at the core of RYS projects, various religious leaders, scholars, teachers, and NGO representatives interacted with the participants and led devotional programs so that young people would have ample opportunity to learn and understand each tradition, culture, and faith and communicate their experiences back to their local communities.

Just east of Kathmandu on the highway that leads to Tibet, Kavre is home to many notable religious sites, including the world's tallest Shiva statues and the oldest Buddhist monastery as well as churches and mosques. The schedule included visits to different religious sites to help people understand each faith.

Furthermore, international participants learned about the Nepalese culture, tradition, deep-rooted religious background, and history by visiting local families and communities.