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Vimla Devi lives with her family and her community of approximately 80 people very close to Boudha, Kathmandu in Nepal. They live in a ‘plastic village’ of makeshift dwellings in extremely poor and deprived circumstances. Their opportunities for income are particularly challenging and meagre – making it very difficult to improve housing and sanitary conditions.
Our appeal is to raise funds to purchase key items and supplies, which Vimla tells us will make a considerable difference to the welfare of her community.
- There is an urgent need for sturdy tarpaulins ahead of the deluge of monsoon, with which to dry proof homes, belongings and people as much as possible.
- Blankets are essential for the next winter.
- The community is always in need of food supplies such as rice and oil.
History
We have known Vimla since she was a very young and lively presence in the bustle of the streets of Boudhanath. During our many Buddhist pilgrimages to Kathmandu, she has been a constant bright and friendly presence, and has become a great friend to many of us. Increasingly Vimla has taken on significant responsibilities for the welfare of her village, emerging as community leader. She is both champion of, and carer to the village.
Vimla’s community originates in Rajistan. Like many before them, they have family connections there but have been settled in the multi-ethnic Kathmandu Valley for a long time. Their village is a few minutes walk from the great chörten of Boudhanath, a famous and significant site of pilgrimage for Buddhists, a world heritage site and popular tourist destination.
Our immediate goal is £4,000
Tarpaulins 800
Blankets 2,000
Food and miscellaneous items 1,200
TOTAL 4,000
Our GFM team member Kira O’Reilly will be in Kathmandu from March this year, and will support the distribution of funds and purchasing of necessary goods, followed up by Mé-tsal Wangmo in the autumn, to help the purchase of blankets for the winter season.
Look out for updates from Vimla and our team of GoFundMe Co-organisers.