Guest Blog by Mark Sobralske:
Dear Friends,
Himalaya Project stands in solidarity with those suffering in Nepal following the 7.9 that struck on April 25th, 2015, 50 miles northwest of Kathmandu.
Thankfully, all of our directors, advisers, volunteers, and friends in Dolpo and Kathmandu are confirmed ‘safe’ for the time being.
In the days following the earthquake, Himalaya Project members have been very active in providing assistance in any way we can, namely through actively communicating and cooperating with the international NGO community offering up whatever contacts and information we may have in the west and on the ground in Nepal, and sharing it with anyone and everyone who needs it.
In these times, cooperation and communication are king.
The situation in Nepal was already fragile before the earthquake. Very little medical aid makes it to areas like Dolpo, Mustang, Yolmo, Manang, Langtang, and other districts in the Himalayan range north of Kathmandu.
In these remote districts, NGOs many times fill that role when the government health care system cannot.
It is for this reason that Himalaya Project exists.
By building a school for Tibetan medicine while simultaneously providing training in first aid, we seek to provide a sustainable health care solution to a community separated great distances geographically and culturally, from Kathmandu.
Himalaya Project is registered as a charitable organization that provides education, not immediate disaster relief. It is for this reason that we are encouraging our donor base, all of you, to donate to NGOs that do specialize in disaster relief. That is what is needed now. Donate to organizations that have vast networks of resources and personnel in SE Asia and can get help to Nepal quickly.
For this first phase, we recommend donating to the American Red Cross, UNICEF, Doctors Without Borders, and Karuna-Shechen.
We are all deeply touched and shocked by the images we’re seeing in the news. If you haven’t already given, please donate to whatever you can spare to whichever NGOs mission moves you the most, and of course, please include the people of Nepal in your thoughts and prayers.
WBEZ’s Worldview Interview on Nepal Earthquake
Our director, Mark Sobralske appeared Chicago Public Radio’s Worldview to talk about the Nepal Earthquake, this Monday, 4/27.
The goal of our media appearances now and in the future in relation to the Nepal earthquake, is to spread as much information and awareness as possible to the Chicago community, while calling to action and inspire compassionate action in anyone who may be listening or watching to donate to the relief efforts.
Click here to listen to the program.
Dolpopa Youth Safe in Kathmandu
Students from Dolpo, living in Kathmandu are safe at their hostel, Action Dolpo‘s Snow Leopard Residence. They remain camped outside for the time being.
Message from a student from Dolpo in Kathmandu:
“Dear sponspors, parents and friends, we the SLR family members are in safe now after the devastating quake. Great to know that all other friends and hostel students are also fine. But sad to hear that thousands of people had lost lives and hundreds of thousand have been displaced and sad to learn that still no relief has reached in some places. We pray for them n all our heart goes for them.”