Little Princes

1. Volunteering in Nepal: A Life-Changing Journey Begins

"Being an American, I assumed the writers of the brochure were doing what I did all the time—exaggerating. No organization was going to send volunteers into a conflict zone."

Unexpected reality. Conor Grennan's journey begins with a seemingly casual decision to volunteer at an orphanage in Nepal for two months. He initially sees it as a way to impress others and justify his year-long world trip. However, upon arrival, he's confronted with the harsh realities of a country in the midst of a civil war.

Cultural immersion. Grennan quickly finds himself adapting to life at the Little Princes Children's Home in Godawari. He learns to navigate:

• Language barriers
• Local customs
• Basic living conditions (no running water, limited electricity)
• Caring for 18 energetic children with no prior experience

Personal transformation. What starts as a short-term volunteer stint evolves into a profound, life-altering experience. Grennan forms deep connections with the children and begins to understand the complex issues facing Nepal, setting the stage for his future commitment to the country and its children.

2. The Little Princes: Uncovering the Truth About Child Trafficking

"The Little Princes Children's Home was not an orphanage at all. These children had parents who were alive."

Shocking revelation. Grennan discovers that the children at Little Princes are not orphans, but victims of child trafficking. Key facts:

• Children were taken from remote villages by traffickers
• Parents were deceived, believing their children would receive education and safety
• Many families sold everything to pay traffickers

The trafficking cycle. Understanding the process:

1. Traffickers exploit parents' fears of Maoist rebel abductions
2. Children are promised education and safety in Kathmandu
3. Instead, they are abandoned or used for child labor
4. Some end up in orphanages or on the streets

Emotional impact. This revelation deeply affects Grennan and the children. It shifts his perspective from simply caring for "orphans" to realizing he must work to reunite families and prevent further trafficking.

3. Returning to Nepal: A Mission to Find Lost Families

"I'm going back to Nepal."

Renewed purpose. After completing his world trip, Grennan feels compelled to return to Nepal. His motivations include:

• Finding seven specific children who disappeared
• Reconnecting trafficked children with their families
• Establishing a non-profit organization to combat child trafficking

Challenges faced:

• Limited resources and funding
• Navigating complex Nepalese bureaucracy
• Overcoming language and cultural barriers
• Operating in a post-conflict environment

Strategic approach. Grennan forms partnerships with local officials, like Gyan Bahadur from the Child Welfare Board, and other NGOs. He begins to build a network of contacts and supporters crucial for his mission's success.

4. The Perilous Journey Through Humla: Searching for Parents

"For five days, I waited on the mountain, on the rocky surface, in the sun and in the shade. The helicopter did not come."

Extreme conditions. Grennan's journey through Humla, one of Nepal's most remote regions, is fraught with dangers:

• Treacherous mountain terrain
• Lack of infrastructure (no roads, limited communication)
• Threat of Maoist rebels
• Severe weather conditions

Emotional encounters. Despite the challenges, Grennan experiences powerful moments:

• Meeting parents who believed their children were dead
• Witnessing the joy of families receiving news of their lost children
• Uncovering stories of desperation that led to child trafficking

Personal growth. The journey pushes Grennan to his limits, both physically and emotionally. He learns to:

• Adapt to harsh conditions
• Trust in local guides and team members
• Persevere in the face of setbacks and uncertainties

5. Establishing Next Generation Nepal: Rescuing Trafficked Children

"We have all seven children," Farid said, trying the words out, slowly, as if trying to convince himself it was really true. "Who would have believed this? You?"

Building an organization. Grennan founds Next Generation Nepal (NGN) to:

• Rescue trafficked children
• Provide safe housing and education
• Reunite children with their families when possible

Key achievements:

• Establishing Dhaulagiri House as a safe haven for rescued children
• Developing a network of supporters and volunteers
• Creating systems for finding and verifying children's families

Ongoing challenges:

• Securing sustainable funding
• Navigating legal and bureaucratic hurdles
• Balancing immediate care with long-term reunification goals

6. Love Across Continents: Building a Relationship with Liz

"I'm not saying I proposed to this girl I just met. But I am saying that I understand now why people get married: it's because they meet Liz Flanagan."

Unexpected connection. Amidst his work in Nepal, Grennan forms a deep bond with Liz Flanagan, a volunteer he initially meets through email correspondence.

Long-distance relationship. Their relationship develops despite significant challenges:

• Physical distance (9,000 miles apart)
• Limited face-to-face time
• Cultural differences
• Demanding work schedules

Commitment and growth. Despite the obstacles, their relationship flourishes:

• They support each other's passions and work
• They find creative ways to stay connected
• Their shared values and experiences in Nepal strengthen their bond

7. Reuniting Families: The Challenges and Rewards of Repatriation

"We were committed to doing what was best for the children, and the children were desperate to return home. We believed they had a right to be raised in their own homes, in their own communities—a belief shared by UNICEF and virtually all major child protection organizations."

Complex process. Reuniting trafficked children with their families involves numerous challenges:

• Verifying family relationships
• Assessing home situations for safety and stability
• Overcoming poverty-related obstacles
• Addressing emotional and psychological impacts of separation

Ethical dilemmas. Grennan and his team grapple with difficult decisions:

• Balancing children's desires with their best interests
• Addressing parents' reluctance to take children back due to financial strain
• Avoiding incentivizing further trafficking through financial support

Measured success. While not every reunion is possible or successful, each reconnection represents a significant achievement:

• Children regain their sense of identity and belonging
• Families heal from the trauma of separation
• Communities become more aware of trafficking risks

Through these experiences, Grennan and NGN continue to refine their approach, always striving to act in the best interests of the children while addressing the root causes of trafficking in Nepal.

Last updated: November 18, 2024