The very short version of the big picture:  developed nations need to level the world's economic playing field. (Perhaps the biggest reasons are: 1) It's the right thing to do; 2) It is in their long term best interests--what goes around comes around; 3) economic inequality creates instability especially in a highly technological world.)

The fun part of this story is that two 13 year old Nepalese girls, living in Bhaktapur, took the initiative to connect with an American (Peggy) in order to practice their English speaking skills. As the three walked through the streets of this ancient Nepalese city, one girl, Listha (see photo), asked Peggy if she would consider giving her a gift. Peggy inquired what it was. They walked to a small shop, where the merchant dug through a pile of papers to produce a large hardback book: a Nepalese/English dictionary. It was $8. Peggy got her the book, which she carried as if it were her most prized possession.

I was hoping to offer Roshna a gift as well; my idea was to offer her 50 hours of internet time at a local cyber cafe. She knew almost nothing about computers. However, given that she was bright and wanted to become an eye doctor, I was sure she'd have no trouble picking up this skill. I got her an email address and told her if there was only one thing she needed to know about the internet, it was "google". After a few minutes, she was up and running.

Nepal, (capital is Kathmandu) is a poor country by western standards. Educational opportunites are meagre. It is by no means alone. If you wish to learn about the challenges of education in the himalayan countries, from Afghanistan eastward through Pakistan, northern India, Nepal and Bhutan, and how lack of education especially for girls can lead to political instability, consider these resources:

The Central Asia Institute, founded by Greg Mortenson, who wrote Three Cups of Tea. Another option for supporting kids is the Room to Read program started by a former Microsoft employee, John Wood.  Start here to learn about how microloans are transforming the lives of the poorest.

(Should you travel to Bhaktapur, Nepal, a lovely place to stay is the Bhadgaon Guest House, where we met with Roshna and her friend Listha.)