Nepal was devastated by a massive earthquake on 25th April 2015; It was the worst earthquake to strike the region in over 80 years. The area was hit with a second 7.3 magnitude earthquake just 17 days later, on 12th May causing further damage & suffering for those who had survived the initial disaster. Nepal is known for its rich cultural heritage but is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia. Earthquake damage put an immense strain on Nepalese people.
Approximately 8 million people were affected by the earthquake: Nearly 9000 people died & over 22,000 people were injured. Over 1 million children needed urgent assistance & almost 3 million people needed humanitarian assistance. Homes & historic temples crumbled, roads damaged & communications severed. Avalanches & landslides destroyed entire villages in remote areas. Water systems in hillside villages were wrecked. Many roads were blocked, preventing aid distribution which meant much of the aid had to be delivered by helicopter.
This expedition is an incredible opportunity to help those who suffered from the devastating earthquake and hopefully make their lives better. I know I’d find it so inspiring to learn about their lifestyle, religion, & culture. The expedition also includes trekking in the Himalayas, an opportunity to visit to Kopan Monastry which preserves Tibetan cultural traditions, a visit to Kathmandu to see restored palaces & monasteries & how two major world religions peacefully co-exist. I will be volunteering on a high-impact poverty reduction programme in an isolated, vulnerable mountain community. The work includes rebuilding schools, hospitals & installing safe drinking water systems. I know this trip will widen so many eyes to the wider issues in our world; I'd be very grateful for the chance to be involved.
To raise money for the trip I am doing a series of activities including summer netball camps, quiz night + auction, and endurance events, my next being a 10k run in May.