Hello! My name is Bella Hoffert-Hay and I am excited to be a part of this class! My goals are to learn more about global issues which ties into my major of political science. I also think that this class will help me in all other classes I’m taking this term, such as my Modern Europe class, which discusses globalization, or my WR 123 class that has the theme of Food (In)Justice. I’m also taking French and I’m hoping to eventually do a study abroad!
Here’s a picture of me and my sister in the Louvre!
Nepal
My country for our project is Nepal. It is a small country in Southeast Asia with a population of 29 million despite being about the size of Minnesota. It includes much of the Himalayas and is known for having Mt. Everest on its border. 8 out of 10 of the worlds highest mountains are found in Nepal!
It is a culturally diverse country with 125 ethnic groups, and only 44% of the Nepalese population actually speak the official language Nepali. Much of the Nepalese is Hindu, over 40%.
Current Events
- 38 people have died and over 28,000 have been infected with dengue in the past 3 months. Risk of spread is more common in rural areas with less access to health facilities, but it is still spreading everywhere. Dengue becomes more rampant in the post-monsoon season when mosquitos are able to breed in standing water. However much of this year has been very dangerous for dengue. Many people are asymptomatic, and upwards of 90% of the population can spread the disease with no knowledge of their infection.
- Independents are doing well in local elections. 70 independent candidates have recently been confirmed, as there is a general want for new leadership and removing those in power who have been for decades and have done very little. We can see this trend in the United States as well.
- The 15 day Hindu festival Dashain is starting October 5th, and many things are closing down. Some businesses close for five days or more, and people come from all over the world to celebrate. This week 100,000 people left Kathmandu Valley to go celebrate. This celebration is celebrated in many different ways regionally, but all of it includes, prayers and rituals, burning effigies of gods, and food.
