Who am I?
I am a high school science teacher from Honolulu, HI on a one-year sabbatical, volunteering in Nepal helping to rebuild schools, homes and communities. My first visit to Nepal was in June of 2014. I came to see the Himalayas, but fell in love with the people, especially those residing in remote and rugged communities high in the Himalaya. This love for the people of Nepal inspired me to apply for a sabbatical to learn more about these communities, their culture, history, language and lifestyle and to volunteer in an effort to help rebuild following the devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015.
(Working with children at a temporary school in Simigau - Rolwaling valley)
Who am I raising money for?
I am raising money for several remote communities of Nepal who have limited access to money, building supplies or resources to rebuild homes and schools following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015. I have chosen to focus my efforts on 4 major regions of Nepal and only work with people and projects that I have strong personal connections with to ensure that money and resources are being used wisely and judiciously. 100% of donations received will go toward these people and projects. There are no administrative costs or management fees; it's just me purchasing supplies or giving aid directly to people I know and trust.
(Students studying hard at a temporary school in Simigau - Rolwaling valley)
Langtang – To aid in rebuilding Langtang village, which was completely destroyed in a landslide triggered by the 2015 earthquake. Langtang village received more complete destruction than anywhere else in Nepal. Here, 116 homes were buried along with 176 residents. I personally trekked through this village in 2014 and it is now my desire to aid reconstruction and, more specifically, rebuild the Viewpoint Hotel in Kanjin Gompa where I stayed for 2 days with an amazing Tibetan family who not only lost their lodge, home and livelihood in the landslide, but sadly, lost their father, Chhowang Thiley Jhangdumba. Chhowang is survived by his wife, Chatten, sons, Tashi and Biswass and daughter, Ritu. Chhowang and I became good friends in 2014 and I am committed to help the family recover as best as I can.
Two good articles describing the devastation and rebuilding efforts in Lantang:
1) http://www.outsideonline.com/2016856/its-all-gone
2) http://nepalitimes.com/article/nation/%20Langtang-rising-after-april-25-earthquake,2610
(Langtang village before April 25th earthquake)
(Langtang village after April 25th earthquake and landslide)
Rolwaling – To build living quarters, a kitchen, a dining room, solar electricity system and a drinking water facility for the 21 children who attend Rolwaling Sangag Choling Monastery School in Rolwaling valley. This is the only school in the remote valley near the Tibetan border and is in desperate need of repairs, living facilities, electricity and water. The school was started in 2010 by Tulku Ngawang Lapsum Rinpoche (Head Llama for Rolwaling Valley) in an effort to educate children of the valley whom would either not receive an education or would leave to be educated elsewhere and never to return. The school started with 6 students in 2010 and is outgrowing it's current population of 21. This is a very important school for the community and children of Rolwaling and a real source of pride for the local community and valley as a whole.
School website with more information regarding it's founding, mission and projects:
-http://www.rolwalingmonastery.org/projects-main
(Sangag Choling Monastery School - Rolwaling valley)
(Headmaster and founder of Sangag Choling Monastery School, Tulku Ngawang Lapsum Rinpoche, with two current students - Rolwaling valley)
Gorkha – Support the efforts of the "Nepal Survivors Fund" to rebuild the Shree Bachek Primary School in Bachek, Gorkha. Gorkha was the epicenter for the April 25th earthquake and many villages in this area are still living in temporary housing and lack permanent school facilities. The winter has been particular difficult for the people here and many are looking forward to warmer weather, rebuilding and the future.
(Volunteers and locals breaking rocks for foundation of Shree Bachek Primary School - Gorkha)
(Earthbag technology being used to build Shree Bachek Primary School - Gorkha)
(Villager breaking rocks with child in tow - Gorkha)
Thangpalkot – Support the rebuilding efforts of Derek Cowan and "Help the Journey.com", a non-profit he started in 2015 to create community and rebuild Nepal. Working along side local villagers, volunteers from around the world (myself included) are helping Derek to rebuild the village of Thangpalkot from the ground up. The village lost 86 of 92 homes to the earthquake, however, the local people are optimistic, energized and moving forward with the help of donations and support. Supplies, materials and volunteers are desperately needed. Please consider volunteering, if you have the time and interest.
-Link to "Help the Journey" and a short video highlighting Derek's work in Nepal:
-https://www.helpthejourney.com/
(The jovial and inspirational children of Thangpalkot)
(Villagers and volunteers mixing concrete - Thangpalkot)
How will the money be used?
· Purchase building materials and supplies. Specifically, bricks, concrete, wood, nails, earth bags, steel framing and sheet metal.
· Transportation cost of supplies to building sites. Often, supplies need to be sourced several hours or days away from remote villages in Kathmandu or elsewhere. For example, transportation cost of supplies for one home in Thangpalkot runs $250.
· Technical supplies related to water and electrical projects. These include: solar panels, wires, batteries, converters, pumps, pipes, tubing and holding tanks.
· Basic needs for families short-term survival. For instance, food, clothing, medicines/medical supplies, blankets, beds, mattress', school supplies, books, basic cooking and living supplies.
(Derek and a truck full of supplies destined for Thangpalkot via Kathmandu)
How soon do I need the funds?
Funds are needed right away. Rebuilding in Gorkha, Thangpalkot and Rolwaling has already begun. Survey work is still being conducted in Langtang valley, however, rebuilding will hopefully begin in Spring 2016. The acquisition and staging of supplies has already begun. Due to the cold weather in these mountainous regions and the fact that many families are still surviving in temporary living conditions (tents, mostly), communities are in desperate and immediate need of food, drinking water, clothing, blankets, cooking supplies, cooking gas and medical supplies. Building materials and supplies are currently being ordered and delivered to Gorkha, Thangpalkot and Rolwaling, while Langtang remains in a holding pattern until funds can be raised and the government gives permission for rebuilding to take place.
(Enthusiastic volunteer in Thangpalkot)
Why Nepal?
My first visit to Nepal came in the summer of 2014 where I trekked the Khumbu valley surrounding Mt. Everest, as well as, the Langtang valley north of Kathmandu. I had the intention to see and experience the communities and mountains of the Himalaya, however, was immediately overcome by the kindness, humor and generous spirit of the Nepalese people, especially those in more remote, mountainous regions. I did not speak the language; I was cold, wet and hungry most days as I chose to trek during monsoon season. However, the smiles, warm cups of milk tea and invitations to be warmed by yak dung-fueled fires, truly touched me. I genuinely felt looked after and cared for by complete strangers who didn't know who I was or where I was from. The local people I met were genuinely invested in my welfare and I hoped to find a way to express my gratitude for the compassion and good will the Nepalese people so graciously extended to me.
(Village elders Sherpa dancing in Pangboche - Khumbu valley, 2014)
How thankful will I be?
I, for one, will be extremely appreciative for your donation and support. However, the real appreciation and gratitude will come from the Nepalese people who will benefit from the education you will help to provide, the homes you will help to rebuild, and the communities you will help to recreate. Your donations have the potential to impact present and future generations of Nepalese families and they will be forever grateful for your act of compassion and investment in their welfare.
(Playful villager in Pangboche - Khumbu valley, 2014)
Thank you very much for your donations and support. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
Mahalo,
Rick
I am a high school science teacher from Honolulu, HI on a one-year sabbatical, volunteering in Nepal helping to rebuild schools, homes and communities. My first visit to Nepal was in June of 2014. I came to see the Himalayas, but fell in love with the people, especially those residing in remote and rugged communities high in the Himalaya. This love for the people of Nepal inspired me to apply for a sabbatical to learn more about these communities, their culture, history, language and lifestyle and to volunteer in an effort to help rebuild following the devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015.
(Working with children at a temporary school in Simigau - Rolwaling valley)Who am I raising money for?
I am raising money for several remote communities of Nepal who have limited access to money, building supplies or resources to rebuild homes and schools following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015. I have chosen to focus my efforts on 4 major regions of Nepal and only work with people and projects that I have strong personal connections with to ensure that money and resources are being used wisely and judiciously. 100% of donations received will go toward these people and projects. There are no administrative costs or management fees; it's just me purchasing supplies or giving aid directly to people I know and trust.
(Students studying hard at a temporary school in Simigau - Rolwaling valley)Langtang – To aid in rebuilding Langtang village, which was completely destroyed in a landslide triggered by the 2015 earthquake. Langtang village received more complete destruction than anywhere else in Nepal. Here, 116 homes were buried along with 176 residents. I personally trekked through this village in 2014 and it is now my desire to aid reconstruction and, more specifically, rebuild the Viewpoint Hotel in Kanjin Gompa where I stayed for 2 days with an amazing Tibetan family who not only lost their lodge, home and livelihood in the landslide, but sadly, lost their father, Chhowang Thiley Jhangdumba. Chhowang is survived by his wife, Chatten, sons, Tashi and Biswass and daughter, Ritu. Chhowang and I became good friends in 2014 and I am committed to help the family recover as best as I can.
Two good articles describing the devastation and rebuilding efforts in Lantang:
1) http://www.outsideonline.com/2016856/its-all-gone
2) http://nepalitimes.com/article/nation/%20Langtang-rising-after-april-25-earthquake,2610
(Langtang village before April 25th earthquake)(Langtang village after April 25th earthquake and landslide)Rolwaling – To build living quarters, a kitchen, a dining room, solar electricity system and a drinking water facility for the 21 children who attend Rolwaling Sangag Choling Monastery School in Rolwaling valley. This is the only school in the remote valley near the Tibetan border and is in desperate need of repairs, living facilities, electricity and water. The school was started in 2010 by Tulku Ngawang Lapsum Rinpoche (Head Llama for Rolwaling Valley) in an effort to educate children of the valley whom would either not receive an education or would leave to be educated elsewhere and never to return. The school started with 6 students in 2010 and is outgrowing it's current population of 21. This is a very important school for the community and children of Rolwaling and a real source of pride for the local community and valley as a whole.
School website with more information regarding it's founding, mission and projects:
-http://www.rolwalingmonastery.org/projects-main
(Sangag Choling Monastery School - Rolwaling valley)(Headmaster and founder of Sangag Choling Monastery School, Tulku Ngawang Lapsum Rinpoche, with two current students - Rolwaling valley)Gorkha – Support the efforts of the "Nepal Survivors Fund" to rebuild the Shree Bachek Primary School in Bachek, Gorkha. Gorkha was the epicenter for the April 25th earthquake and many villages in this area are still living in temporary housing and lack permanent school facilities. The winter has been particular difficult for the people here and many are looking forward to warmer weather, rebuilding and the future.
(Volunteers and locals breaking rocks for foundation of Shree Bachek Primary School - Gorkha)(Earthbag technology being used to build Shree Bachek Primary School - Gorkha) (Villager breaking rocks with child in tow - Gorkha)Thangpalkot – Support the rebuilding efforts of Derek Cowan and "Help the Journey.com", a non-profit he started in 2015 to create community and rebuild Nepal. Working along side local villagers, volunteers from around the world (myself included) are helping Derek to rebuild the village of Thangpalkot from the ground up. The village lost 86 of 92 homes to the earthquake, however, the local people are optimistic, energized and moving forward with the help of donations and support. Supplies, materials and volunteers are desperately needed. Please consider volunteering, if you have the time and interest.
-Link to "Help the Journey" and a short video highlighting Derek's work in Nepal:
-https://www.helpthejourney.com/
(The jovial and inspirational children of Thangpalkot)(Villagers and volunteers mixing concrete - Thangpalkot)How will the money be used?
· Purchase building materials and supplies. Specifically, bricks, concrete, wood, nails, earth bags, steel framing and sheet metal.
· Transportation cost of supplies to building sites. Often, supplies need to be sourced several hours or days away from remote villages in Kathmandu or elsewhere. For example, transportation cost of supplies for one home in Thangpalkot runs $250.
· Technical supplies related to water and electrical projects. These include: solar panels, wires, batteries, converters, pumps, pipes, tubing and holding tanks.
· Basic needs for families short-term survival. For instance, food, clothing, medicines/medical supplies, blankets, beds, mattress', school supplies, books, basic cooking and living supplies.
(Derek and a truck full of supplies destined for Thangpalkot via Kathmandu)How soon do I need the funds?
Funds are needed right away. Rebuilding in Gorkha, Thangpalkot and Rolwaling has already begun. Survey work is still being conducted in Langtang valley, however, rebuilding will hopefully begin in Spring 2016. The acquisition and staging of supplies has already begun. Due to the cold weather in these mountainous regions and the fact that many families are still surviving in temporary living conditions (tents, mostly), communities are in desperate and immediate need of food, drinking water, clothing, blankets, cooking supplies, cooking gas and medical supplies. Building materials and supplies are currently being ordered and delivered to Gorkha, Thangpalkot and Rolwaling, while Langtang remains in a holding pattern until funds can be raised and the government gives permission for rebuilding to take place.
(Enthusiastic volunteer in Thangpalkot)Why Nepal?
My first visit to Nepal came in the summer of 2014 where I trekked the Khumbu valley surrounding Mt. Everest, as well as, the Langtang valley north of Kathmandu. I had the intention to see and experience the communities and mountains of the Himalaya, however, was immediately overcome by the kindness, humor and generous spirit of the Nepalese people, especially those in more remote, mountainous regions. I did not speak the language; I was cold, wet and hungry most days as I chose to trek during monsoon season. However, the smiles, warm cups of milk tea and invitations to be warmed by yak dung-fueled fires, truly touched me. I genuinely felt looked after and cared for by complete strangers who didn't know who I was or where I was from. The local people I met were genuinely invested in my welfare and I hoped to find a way to express my gratitude for the compassion and good will the Nepalese people so graciously extended to me.
(Village elders Sherpa dancing in Pangboche - Khumbu valley, 2014)How thankful will I be?
I, for one, will be extremely appreciative for your donation and support. However, the real appreciation and gratitude will come from the Nepalese people who will benefit from the education you will help to provide, the homes you will help to rebuild, and the communities you will help to recreate. Your donations have the potential to impact present and future generations of Nepalese families and they will be forever grateful for your act of compassion and investment in their welfare.
(Playful villager in Pangboche - Khumbu valley, 2014)Thank you very much for your donations and support. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
Mahalo,
Rick