The former England captain and Manchester United talisman went straight to Bhaktapur for a video shoot with children of earthquake-ravaged Padma High School, said the school's Vice Principal Surya Ram Dhoju.
According to Dhoju, the celebrity footballer distributed books and sports kits to the children, who have been attending classes in Temporary Learning Centers (TLC) built in the vicinity of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square after their vintage school building--constructed during the Rana regime by then Prime Minister Padma SJB Rana in 2003 BS--got destroyed by the devastating earthquake of April 25.
"Our school has a rich legacy. It was established by Juddha Shumsher in 1981 BS and was elevated to a high school by his successor Padma Shumsher. But now we are in a sorry state. We are hopeful that Beckham's visit will help highlight the problems of the school," said Dhoju.
Dhoju told Republica that the children have been learning at TLCs built by UNICEF Nepal following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that killed over 9,000 people in the country.
Beckham also visited the shelter of one of the earthquake-displaced students of the school, Saral Koju, and consoled the family members of the 10th grader. He then played a charity match with the students divided into red and green teams, to the delight of a rapturous crowd. According to the match referee Deepak Mool, Beckham played for both the teams on each half of the game and did what he is quite good at - setting up a goal for Koju.
"I couldn't have scored without Beckham's cross. It was the most memorable moment of my life," said an excited Koju, after the match ended with a 2-2 draw.
UNICEF Nepal's communication chief Rupa Joshi told Republica that the tour is being organized by UNICEF UK and the Nepal-based office of the United Nations body only facilitated them in acquiring permits to make the documentary.
According to media reports, Beckham will travel to every continent and play a match in some of the most remote places around the world - from Papua New Guinea to Antarctica, finishing at Old Trafford stadium in England.
The AFP reported that the celebrity superstar began the world tour from Mount Hagen in the Western Highlands province of Papua New Guinea earlier this week to kick off the seven-nation trip, to raise funds and awareness for the United Nations' children agency, UNICEF.
Officials of Padma High School said that Beckham is scheduled to fly to Argentina on Saturday morning. He will also visit the United States before the final charity match in Manchester, England on November 14.
APF further reported that the documentary, 'Beckham: For The Love Of The Game', will also see Beckham off the pitch, as he explores "the lives of those who struggle to make a living in environments that present a daily challenge as well as those who get to live the dream when they make it to the big leagues."
Beckham, who is well known for his crossing ability and trademark free-kicks, has been a UNICEF UK goodwill ambassador since 2005. He hung up his boots in May, 2013 after 20 years of stellar career during which he won 19 major trophies.
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