Hi everyone - I’m Abhay Mehta, a 65-year-old retired engineer living in Austin, Texas.

This October, I'll be trekking for eight days through the Himalayas to Annapurna Base Camp, along with a group of my old college buddies from BITS Pilani. It's going to be quite a challenge — about 45 miles, more than 20,000 feet of cumulative uphill, and thousands of stone steps!

I wanted those eight days to mean something beyond just attempting ABC. So, I’m partnering with the Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF) to help eight young people train for skilled careers and build better futures. I'm also hoping to introduce more of my friends to NYF and the wonderful work they're doing, because I believe this is an organization worth getting to know and supporting.

Through NYF’s Olgapuri Vocational School, each will receive a complete package: room and board, hands-on vocational training, life and business skills, and support for moving into employment or self-employment. The goal is to take a motivated young person with limited access to opportunity and help them become a skilled worker with a pathway to a sustainable livelihood. Nearly 90% of graduates find jobs in their chosen field within six months.

$800 can help one young person make that journey toward a livelihood — and an independent future. Our goal is $6,400: eight people, eight futures. Whether you contribute $25, $100, or more, I'd love for you to be part of this journey.

As a little extra thank-you:

- Contribute $25 or more: I'll send you a personal thank-you message.

- Contribute $100 or more: I'll also send you a special 4–5 minute highlight video of my entire Annapurna Base Camp trek, once I'm back!

My journey lasts eight days. With your help, those eight days can help begin eight journeys that last a lifetime.

The Eight Students Selected for This Fundraiser:

Future Electricians: Anil Kumar Pakhrin (23) & Adarsh Chaudhary (21)

Future Plumbers: Bhawani Kharel (24) & Manish B.K (20)

Future Carpenters: Samir Mizar (19) & Dinesh Medasi (22)

Future Welders: Dilip Shahi (19) & Hari Krishna Jaisi (21)