Responding to Nepal's Needs

Last summer (2015) I fulfilled my dream of planning my own volunteer trip to Nepal. I began creating my project many months before the massive earthquake hit in April, 2015. Even with the added risk and uncertainty, I felt it was more important than ever to carry out my plans.

For years I had been longing to return to Nepal where I attended a Tibetan school in 2010. I was excited for the opportunity to give something back to the beautiful, fragile cultures of the Himalayan people. There are so many needs in Nepal, but I chose to volunteer teach at the same school where I was a student five years earlier.

Another goal was to somehow share the amazing, tragic and beautiful stories of the Nepali and Tibetan people. To do this I interviewed several individuals, and produced a series of videos to post on my YouTube channel. These are the "Kathmandu Voices" that I want to share...

You can view this old video about my project, understanding that my original goals changed somewhat based on the earthquake aftermath, and the needs of the school and students with which I worked.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

THREE WEEKS until DEPARTURE!!!!

Hello, Namaste & Tashi Delek!

In just 3 weeks, I'll be flying to Nepal with my Dad to volunteer, work hard, teach & tutor, learn as much as I can, and report back via interviews and online videos.  I am so excited, but also a bit nervous.  The end of my own school year, studying for SAT tests, and final exams leaves me little time to do all the things I want in preparation for my Nepal project.

My Dad and I have been contacting friends in Nepal, and they are all very thankful that we still plan to come over to volunteer. They want us to help with teaching & tutoring, leading outdoor activities and hikes, and just spending time playing with the younger children.  Some of these kids come from far away villages, and have been living outdoors in tents for 5 weeks.  They are physically and emotionally exhausted by the stress of this earthquake tragedy.  The directors requested us to spend some time just playing with the younger students.... educational games, any sports, silly games, etc.  Just to help them be kids again.  (Hmmm... I think I'll bring my favorite soccer ball...)

Sometimes I think I should be more nervous than I am about this trip, but I feel pretty relaxed and confident. The airport is operating normally now, many hotels, shops and restaurants are open, and according to our friends, the huge Kathmandu traffic jams are getting back to "normal."

 Traveling with my Dad, and knowing we have several close friends in Kathmandu, makes me feel supported and safe.  Also, YOUR generous support gives me strength and purpose to go out and do whatever I can to help these wonderful people.

Thank you again for helping me fulfill this dream!  I will try my best, and share what I learn.

Love,
Eliza
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