A first exhibition was held in Nepal, absolutely envisioned in what could be a life-changing event for some, given the circumstances. A second exhibition followed up, open currently in Finland. Both showcase the same 22 curated photos. In Dhungentar, we printed in PVC; while in Finland, in fine arts paper. Visitor could appreciate both qualities since we have brought home 3 out of 22, showcased currently in Kalasataman Vapaakaupunki, second floor REDI shopping mall in Kalasatama metro stop in Helsinki.
Nepali – An exhibition in Helsinki, Finland 2019. Design by Luis Alfonso Monje
This week we had the final presentation of the SGT Studio course. It was about the learnings of the adventure that the Nepali 2019 project has been. Summarising everything that has happened, has felt like a project of its own, it is hard to put to words all that the experience has given.
Coming into the project in November, I had no idea what was waiting ahead. The past half a year has been a skydive into the world of problem-based teamwork methods and international development project 101. I truly believe now that a diverse and multidisciplinary team can, at its best, work well as a tool to identify platforms of change. Three months post field trip, I am only beginning to understand how much I have learned about the value of broad-mindedness, dynamic communication skills and calm introspection to a projects success. Moreover, the process has set me on a path of re-framing my world view, I ended up meeting wonderful people whom I really love and respect, and together we had more fun than should be legal.
My oh my… It’s been a long way since this whole thing started – with months of planning, ping ponging of ideas, confusion, some more idea ping pong, and some more confusion – everything worth it.
From the start, our unstoppable team of idealists, the magnificent seven, were ready to go full-on and I had many wild expectations for the whole journey, and now as I think of it, maybe my anticipations were not so far from what actually happened…
It has been some time since we returned from our trip to Nepal – unfortunately, I had to come back earlier than the rest of the team. Nevertheless, my journey to Nepal was incredible. It was amazing how a group of 12 bright minds from different corners of the world -5 AITM students plus 7 Aalto students- got together for almost 2 weeks to work on a meaningful project such as social reconstruction of communities after disasters.
After almost two months in Finland after our trip to Nepal, remembering some specific moments of the trip has become part of my routine when I walk to university every day.
I’m still in the process of digesting the whole experience. Kathmandu, Dhungentar, the beginning of a friendship with the students of AITM, the different interactions with the inhabitants of the valley, interviews, photography. Today I don’t want to write about the most shocking moment of the trip, neither the happiest nor the saddest. Today, on my way to the university, I remembered the first walk after our arrival in Dhungentar.
