rebecca Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 From UNICEF Orlando Bloom visits UNICEF programmes for children in Nepal © UNICEF/HQ07-2007/Sokol Orlando Bloom greets a young child on his visit to a village in Nepal. By Rupa Joshi KASKI AND CHITWAN DISTRICTS, Nepal, 10 January 2008 – Another Hollywood movie star might feel strange in a remote and impoverished area of Nepal, yet actor Orlando Bloom seemed perfectly at ease. A recent UNICEF-supported visit to Nepal took Mr. Bloom on a four-day journey to various programme sites in the western districts of Kaski and Chitwan. Accompanying Mr. Bloom on the trip were UNICEF Regional Director Dan Toole and UNICEF Representative in Nepal Gillian Mellsop. Besides touring UNICEF programmes, he visited Chitwan National Park and Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. © UNICEF/HQ07-2007/Sokol Women in Kalika Village welcomed Mr. Bloom by smearing his forehead with red ‘tika’ and putting garlands of flowers around his neck. A village shares success stories In Kalika Village, Mr. Bloom’s forehead was smeared red with the ‘tika’ with which local women had welcomed him, and he wore garlands of flowers they had given him upon his arrival with the other guests from UNICEF. “There was a time when we could not walk alone on that hillside, where the villagers used to throw their dead babies,” one village resident told the visitors. “They said their spirits used to haunt the hills. Not any more. Over the years, with improved health, there are no dead babies being thrown over the ridge. And no more spirits wandering these hillsides.” “Look at the comparative indicators of the last six years,” added village facilitator Chali Subedi. “Things have taken a turn for the better since the men and women got organized.” Mr. Subedi directed the guests’ attention to a chart on the wall of a village home. “Six years ago only 84 per cent of school-going age children were enrolled in schools,” he said. “Now every boy and girl goes to school. Previously only 25 per cent of the households were taking iodized salt [to prevent iodine deficiency disorder]. The figure now has increased to 38 per cent. Similarly women's workload has decreased from 17 hours per day to 14 hours a day.” © UNICEF/HQ07-2007/Sokol Mr. Bloom visited a school in the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal, where he got involved in a friendly battle of balloons and bubbles. ‘Talk about your problems’ The members of a children’s club at a local school in the hills of Pumdi Bhumdi had a different success story to narrate to Mr. Bloom. As the children explained, they have been instrumental in promoting safe hygiene and sanitation practices in their village. In Pokhara Village, Mr. Bloom mingled with over three dozen blind girls and boys. He also played a small role in a mini-drama the children were recording that day for the UNICEF-supported radio programme ‘Saathi Sanga Manka Kura’ (Chatting with My Best Friend). The drama dealt with the plight faced by girls in a hostel without a female warden. Mr. Bloom played the role of a guest who tries to offer the girls advice. “Talk about your problems,” he said, consulting the script provided by the children. “There’s no need to feel shy. It’s always good to talk about issues that concern you.” Later, sitting cross-legged in the yard with children surrounding him, Mr. Bloom learned more about their studies, their ambitions and their world. “I may be disabled, and might need assistance from others for everything I do,” 10th-grader Sujan Dhakal told him. “Yet the world I see for myself is one where I can be of assistance to others and work for the betterment of my society and my country. (Formatting and picture placement by Jan) Original article here. Link to post Share on other sites
KLSMom Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Way to go, Orlando! We are so proud of you. Thanks, rebecca, for the news. Link to post Share on other sites
Kim Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 I just read the article and saw the wonderful pictures of Orlando from his UNICEF tour in Nepal and I am so proud of him and full emotion right now. He is so wonderful with the children and reading the different stories brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much Jane for bringing this over, once again he has proven to us just how big his heart is and how he cares about the world around him, he is truly an inspiration! Kim Link to post Share on other sites
LenaLove Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Thank you for this, Jane. That last picture of him especially with the bubblegun and balloons just melts my heart, but the article itself breaks my heart. Once again, Orlando strives to highlight the poverty and hardships that go on in this unbalanced world. Rona XXX Link to post Share on other sites
pjfla Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Awwww! He is just the cutest thing! I love the last picture! How like him!! Link to post Share on other sites
sagebutterspanky Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Ahhh, after reading this article and seeing those wonderful pics (can’t wait to see them larger), I am heading off to battle rush hour with a smile on my face. Maybe I’ll even smile at my fellow rough riders. Eh, doubtful. Thanks for bringing this news to light! Spanky Link to post Share on other sites
Adrianne Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 I can't wait to see an upsized version of the picture of Orlando kissing the baby. It already has me giddy, as does his natural compassion and the energy of heart, soul and body he expends to bring light to the world and share the light of others. Thanks, Jane, for this wonderful article. Link to post Share on other sites
Welshwoman Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 Thank you, Jane, for sharing this wonderful article. The pictures may be small, but they are full of light and love. Orlando, we are so proud of you for your caring, giving self. Barbara Link to post Share on other sites
Jan Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 In our ongoing efforts to bring you all the news, we posted it twice! From Jan's post: You'd have to be living under a rock (as an Orlando fan) to not know that Orlando was in Nepal in December with UNICEF. Hold on to your heart. I'm all farklempt. Talk amongst yourselves. Link to post Share on other sites
Sparkles Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 God bless him. That's the cutest, sweetest thing ever. Aside from the fact that he's doing something good for someone else again, I love the fact that he looks like the younger, more free and uninhibited Orlando in these pictures - like a little kid again from the LotR days. Thanks, Jane! Link to post Share on other sites
Charlotte Anne Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 Rebecca, thank you for bringing this over. Love those pictures of Orlando and I hope we can get larger copies. A hi-res picture of him kissing the child would be lovely. Charlie Link to post Share on other sites
Annabelle Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 It's wonderful to see Orlando looking positively radient and healthy laughing and playing with the children in the Nepal village. Thank you, Jane, for bringing this article to our attention. With no publicity and no fanfare (unlike some "stars" we won't name) Orlando continues on his charitable efforts around the world to bring joy and hope-- this time via UNICEF -- to children in poverty. God bless him. Link to post Share on other sites
Geri Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 Is it any wonder why he's so loved? You just can't help it. Thanks for sharing this, Jane. I was hurrying home to see it after Jan called me to warn me against 'imminent ovarian combustion'. Link to post Share on other sites
Kit-Kat Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 This really touches my heart, I've been one who has always been interested in UNICEF and I love hearing about all the great things people do with it too. To see Orlando taking a part in this organization really warms my heart and makes me love him even more. Thanks for bringing this over Jane. ~Kit-Kat~ Link to post Share on other sites
Junebug Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 This is clearly something close to his heart and it's heartwarming to read about it. Another person just trying to make the world a better place. Thanks for the article, rebecca. Link to post Share on other sites
Geri Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 Bigger (but tagged) photos can be seen at Getty. There's a couple more than what is shown on the site. Link to post Share on other sites
aliza Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 How sweet is that? The picture of Orlando kissing the baby is precious and you just see the kid in him in the bubble fight one. He is the salt of the earth and an all around good guy. Thank you Jane. Aliza Link to post Share on other sites
CaliMom Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 In Pokhara Village, Mr. Bloom mingled with over three dozen blind girls and boys.You know they had to have felt his warmth, even without seeing his face. It's just the vibe he gives off. I like the comment at the beginning of the article saying that Orlando 'seemed perfectly at ease'. Many thanks for this wonderful article! Link to post Share on other sites
Serenity Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 Wow. The heart of this man. He never ceases to amaze me with his genuine interest in the welfare of others. He has a truly beautiful soul. Thanks for posting this, rebecca Link to post Share on other sites
serendipity Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 I knew he had been to Nepal, but I had no idea he was doing all this. He looks so much happier here than he has in many of his "public" appearances. It comes as no surprise that he lends more than just his name to organizations such as this. My prayer for him has always been stay true to himself and don't let the "suits" change who he is. I don't think there's any fear of that after reading these articles. Go Orlando! You never disappoint us. Link to post Share on other sites
Kim Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 Thank you Geri for the link to the Getty Images pictures. I sure hope someone will be able to get these. I love the ones with him walking with the little girl and playing with the children. I also noticed at the top of the article it says International Ambassador for UNICEF! They couldn't have gotten a better one! Kim Link to post Share on other sites
Jules Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 This has made my night! What a wonderful human being he is. Thanks for finding this! Jules Link to post Share on other sites
nezisme Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 Oh, my gosh! These images are some of the best I have ever seen of Orlando. Seeing him interacting with the children is so beautiful. Orlando seems totally engrossed in the little ones activities. I "want" the Getty image of him walking and holding the little boy's hand. Thank you so much for bringing them to us! Link to post Share on other sites
Debbi84 Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 Thanks for posting Rebecca. Another exceptionally worthy cause. Orlando looks so at ease playing with the children. I keep thinking he's going to be a great father some day. Debbi Link to post Share on other sites
desertflorece Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 God bless him. That's the cutest, sweetest thing ever. Aside from the fact that he's doing something good for someone else again, I love the fact that he looks like the younger, more free and uninhibited Orlando in these pictures - like a little kid again from the LotR days. Thanks, Jane! I had the same thought as I looked at the pictures, Sparkles. What a great experience it must have been for him. I know I say it often, but Orlando has such a generous and loving spirt. Thanks for bringing this over! Link to post Share on other sites
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