PROJECT "Robin Hood" Orphanage
Chitwan: NEPAL
Updated: 04.09.2013
The Trustees of the Museum are pleased to sponsor this page for the Project "Robin Hood Orphanage School" initiated and managed by Ex Corporal Owen (Smiler) Blackwell
His current project is to raise the sum of £5000 to build an orphanage which will be named the 'Robin Hood Orphanage School' in Chitwan to care for the children in the surrounding area. Those wishing to make a donation or offer of help should contact Smiler on ++44 (0)1773 760 613 or e-mail him here For details of his new project click here.
Smiler served 27 years with the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (V) and continued to serve with the Army Cadet Force as an Instructor for over 23 years, he has now retired. He is no stranger to fundraising projects in Nepal. The reason he has adopted Nepal for his fundraising efforts are explained in his own story which can be read by clicking here.
Through his efforts in 2001 an extension to a local school in Bamti Village was completed (renamed the 'Foresters School') and the following year saw a new toilet block being erected at the school.
In 2003 he provided a 'Rickshaw Recycler' in Copon on the outskirts of Khatmandu so that the local water supply wouldn't be polluted by the dumping of rubbish.
In 2004 he initiated a 'Toolbox Library' where a box of tools is placed in a village and is available for loan to anyone who requires it.
In 2005 he provided a toilet and passenger carrying rickshaw in Chitwan
In 2006 he provided 5 Toolboxes to various locations in Nepal
In 2007 he has provided another Rickshaw and dug a Well in Chitwan, a Water Pump in Saura and the first toolbox to Tibet. The library now consists of 30 toolboxes.
In May 2009 he distributed a further 7 toolboxes bringing the library total to 37.
In April 2010 he distributed a further 4 toolboxes bringing the library total to 41.
In March 2011 he distributed a further 2 toolboxes bringing the library total to 43.
In November/December 2011 he distributed a further 8 toolboxes bring the library total to 51.
In March/April 2012 he distributed a further 9 toolboxes bringing the library total to 60.
In April/May 2013 he distributed a further 5 toolboxes bringing the library total to 65.
LATEST NEWS: May 2013 - Smiler has now distributed 64 toolboxes. The sum of £400.00 has been raised to build a new classroom at Shree Ishwori School with plans to raise a further £2000.00. Contact Smiler if you wish to donate on [email protected]
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'Smiler' supervising the laying of the foundations in 2001 |
The interior of the school |
Smiler with the new sign for the school extension |
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The finished school |
The children of Foresters School Bamti Village |
The new toilet block completed in 2002 |
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'Smiler' with the Foresters Rickshaw in 2003 |
Surveying a possible site for the Orphanage School 2004 |
'Smiler' surveying a possible site for the Orphanage School in Chitwan 2005 |
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Toilet donated to Chitwan |
Will he - won't he |
Smiler with the Notts ACF Sgts Mess Winners of the Fundraising Raffle in 2005 which raised £250 |
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Smiler at Base Camp Mount Everest on the Tibetan Side |
Smiler and family in Chitwan 2007 |
Smiler presenting the 21st Toolbox to Pradip and Rajendra Kharel |
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Pump maintenance at Saura Village 2007 |
Smiler inspecting excavations for Foresters Well at Chitwan 2007 |
Smiler looking down the 72 feet Foresters Well Chitwan 2007 |
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November 2007 - Forester Well complete and working |
Smiler's accommodation in Elephant Lodge, Chitwan November 2007 |
Smiler presenting the 27th Toolbox in Chitwan in November 2007 |
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Chitwan May 2009 |
Smiler and Family May 2009 |
Lobi Kancha Smiler |
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Foresters School Bamti
Village |
A visit to Western Nepal in November 2011 to present the 49th Toolbox. This is a blind basket weaver, he is fantastic, he lives in small house in the jungle with his family, when I gave him the tool box he checked all the tools by his hands, I've never seen such a clever person. Smiler.. |
Smiler presenting the 50th and 51st Toolboxes and a monetary donation to Khatmandhu Rotary Club
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Smiler presenting the 60th "Diamond Jubilee" Toolbox April 2012 |
Smiler with the Headmaster's son, inspecting the new railings installed at Shree Ishwori School in conjunction with the local Rotary Club- Katmandhu Valley April 2012 |
The new railings after a coat of paint at Shree Ishwori School 2012
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