Hello my name is Kate and a few months ago, I left Nepal to return to living in the UK after spending a number of years working at The British School Kathmandu. Although I am no longer a member of staff, Nepal remains a place very close to my heart, and it has been heartbreaking to see the scale of the devastation caused by the recent floods and landslides.

Hundreds of people have lost their lives, many more remain missing, and tens of thousands have been affected. Homes and livelihoods have been destroyed, communities have been cut off, and search and rescue teams continue to work in extremely difficult conditions. The scale of this disaster is extraordinary, and for many families the need for practical, immediate support is immense.

I know that my former colleagues and the wider community at The British School are determined to do what they can to help. The school is running a disaster-relief donation drive, collecting essential items and using financial donations to purchase additional supplies. These are being organised into practical kits for families who have lost homes and possessions, as well as supplies to support those involved in the rescue and relief effort.

The items being collected and purchased include essentials such as school supplies for children, basic household and kitchen equipment, hygiene items and other practical resources that people may suddenly find themselves without. They are also providing PPE kits for those working in rescue and recovery. The school is working with established organisations, including the Nepal Red Cross, whose local networks and distribution capacity can help ensure that assistance reaches communities where it is genuinely needed. The Nepal Red Cross is already providing food, blankets, mattresses, hygiene kits, drinking water and other emergency assistance across affected areas.

Having known The British School Kathmandu community for many years, I have every confidence in the seriousness with which it is approaching this effort. This is a community that knows Nepal, cares deeply about the people around it and understands the importance of turning generosity into useful, practical support.

For those of us who have been fortunate enough to call Nepal home, even for part of our lives, it is difficult to watch such suffering from a distance. Nepal has given so much to so many of us: friendship, hospitality, extraordinary experiences and a sense of community that stays with you long after you leave.

Now, communities across Nepal need that spirit of friendship returned.

As a longer term project The British school is also working with the Nepals Ministry of Education to help support the rebuilding of school that were damaged or lost in the floods.

Any contribution, large or small, will help the school purchase essential supplies listed above and get them into the hands of families and relief workers who need them.

Thank you for helping us stand alongside the people of Nepal at this exceptionally difficult time.