Bidding Them Adieu

Its hard to put into words all that was achieved by Jacky and Viva in Umbrella and even harder to write down how everyone in Umbrella, especially the children, felt to see them go.

A traditional Tika ceremony would not have been enough to say goodbye to this pair but in planning the farewell it became clear that there just isn’t an 'enough' when it comes to thanking Viva and Jacky for all they had given.

On the 18th of June Sagarmatha playground was transformed into the stage for a surprise farewell party. The guests of honour were welcomed by all their friends in Nepal. Once the pair were seated in the dimly lit tent the first seven children to be rescued by Umbrella entered, each holding a candle. The candles were layed down on the stage and were then followed by 320 more as every Umbrella child came into the tent caring their own light.

It was an emotional scene as the playground filled with light, children and tears.

The ceremony opened with a speech from Sushil Chettri, Umbrella's first child to sign out and is a perfect example of the product produced from Viva and Jacky's love and care, as he has gone onto open his own charitable organisation caring for the city's rag pickers.

There were traditional dances from the girls, hip-hop dances from the boys and there were songs sung and written by Umbrella's kids.

To some it may have seemed like a showcase of the children's talents but in reality it had noting to do with showing off, it was all about showing appreciation.

The children wanted so much to express their appreciation and love so this goodbye party was as much for Jacky and Viva as it was for them, to give the children an opportunity to show what Umbrella really means to them!

The show neared its end with a shadow play, playing out the story of Umbrella and Jacky and Viva. The idea of the play, the performances and the night was ensure that Viva and Jacky realise all that they achieved and how much it means to everyone here.

Bob Marley's words were borrowed to close the evening

Viva don't worry about a thing

Cause every little child, gona be alright

Jacky don't worry about a thing

Cause every little thing, gona be alright.