News & Events

The Andalucían Coast to Coast Charity Walk for Children in Nepal
April 27th – May 17th 2011

Our fundraising walk for The SHERPA SCHOOL, was the most amazing all-round success.

AS OF NOW WE HAVE MADE OVER £20,000 AND STILL SPONSORSHIP MONEY IS COMING IN We will keep this updated until the figures have been finalised

The walk was based on Guy Hunter-Watts’s new guide The Andalucían Coast to Coast Walk, a 21 day, 430 kilometer trail through the mountains of southern Spain. Each of the legs was a beautiful walk in its own right, covering a distance of between 16 and 27 kilometres. In total over 90 people put time aside to join us, walking from anything between 2 and 10 days, whilst a group of 5 walked all 430 kilometres from Maro on the Mediterranean to Bolonia on the Atlantic coast. For many of the group this represented a personal challenge but one which was made easier in the knowledge that the cause was such a very good one. Everybody did their best to ensure it was as enjoyable as possible, and but for two days when it rained, the weather was kind, the scenery breathtaking and the profusion of fantastically coloured wild flowers breathtaking.

The trail began on the beautiful beach below Maro, winds its way through no less than 7 Natural Parks and ends beside the Roman ruins at Bolonia. Highlights include the mighty Maroma massif, the unique karst formations of The Torcal, the wild mountains of the Sierra de las Nieves and the ancient cork forests of Los Alcornocales. Passing through fascinating villages like Competa, Carratraca, Ronda, Jimena and Castellar the walk took us to the heart of Andalucía's magnificent sierras.

We were a very mixed group! People from Spain, Holland, Germany, Belgium, South Africa, Austria, Gibraltar and the UK came, and the ages ranges from 14 – 70! It was interesting to see the dynamics change as we went along, but everybody enjoyed themselves and many said that the group dinners at carefully chosen restaurants every night were such fun and the people they met so diverse and interesting, that this became almost as important to them as the walk itself. I know that we came away knowing we had met people who we will certainly keep in touch with and who will become good friends.

It is of no doubt that the success of the walk was due to a huge number of friends who gave of their time voluntarily to help. For example collecting everybody’s luggage from their hotels to take to their next. Then returning people to the village where they had left their cars when they finished their part of the walk. But there is not doubt that the major reason for the success was Guy’s skill and professionalism tirelessly guiding us with knowledge and humour throughout the walk.

All the money we raise will go towards the £75,000 we need for a new extension to the Sherpa School. This has been made necessary by the government of Nepal's recent declaration that all schools must go from Kindergarten to Grade 8. At the moment we only go up to Grade 5 - that's to say when the children are aged 13/14 - and the school is already bursting at the seams. So unless we raise enough money to build the extension by the end of 2012 we will be closed down. After all that has been achieved so far we are simply not going to let this happen!

We still have to raise the balance of the £75,000. If anybody reading this would like to help us – or have ideas as to how we might raise that money, please contact us and we will support any fundraising event we can.

We will post the next fundraising event here as soon as it has been planned.

 
  Descending into Alcaucin encounter with sherherds
 
  saying goodbye to Alison, Isobel and Esme Guy doing botany as we approach Tarifa
 
  Leaving Ronda entering Bolonia

 

 

Newsletter November 2010

The summer of 2010 was a great success in terms of achievement and fund raising. We are happy to report that:

  • A Golf Day organised by our sponsor, Dan Cutts, and a group of his colleagues raised
    a splendid £2,296
  • In June another group of sponsors led by Barry and Jo Thomas and a group of their friends gave a truly memorable fund raising dinner in Gaucin, Andalucia. The theme was ‘Spanish’, 94 people attended and everybody was encouraged to wear their flamenco dresses; tapas began the meal and huge paellas were served. There were many great raffle prizes and we were joined by our film crew who travelled from Madrid and Ronda for the evening.
    We were most generously supported by our sponsors, Ardtalla who are the Spanish representatives of St. James’ Place Wealth Management. With their help the evening managed to raise 8,500 Euros.
  • Also in June we were thrilled to receive an anonymous donation of 5,000 Swiss Francs (£4,261)
 

Listing these achievements would not be complete without thanking other sponsors who have continually worked hard to give us extra support for many years, such as Christina Hart-Davies for example who has, amongst other things, sales of home made produce etc.

Will you join us please in making next year another splendid fund raising year? There are so many things that can be done, large and small.

Here are some of the things we are planning to do and which you might like to consider at home:

A ‘Promises’ Evening.

A group of friends get together, all bringing some food and drink to put in the middle, and they all offer ‘Promises’ which are auctioned. One of us is going to offer a week’s ‘house sitting’ which, here in Spain, is much in demand. Another excellent cook is going to offer to cook a dinner party for the purchaser in their own home. Dog walking for a set period of time could be an option. A bit of gardening another (I’d go for that!) etc.

A Golf Day

If any of you are members of a Golf Club could you please put forward the idea of having a fund raising day for us. The same goes for tennis clubs etc.

Pub Fund Raising Event

Get your local pub to have a fund raising event of some sort or another – a sponsored Quiz evening, darts match etc. Or ask them to come up with an idea for you.

An organised ‘Dinner’

Given with either a theme or not, but incorporate good music, a raffle and possibly an auction. We will give one with a Nepali theme here in Spain with Nepali food and music – but bringing on some dance music either jazz or modern (depending upon who we can persuade to donate their time!). A local restaurant will put this dinner on for us charging us food at cost thus enabling us to make money on the tickets.

A Sponsored Walk – details on ours later.

A School Spelling Bee

 

Newsletter May 2010

Since our visit to Nepal in March 2009 the political situation has, if anything, changed for the worse. The government is still dysfunctional, there are still power shortages and cuts, and even more strikes and demonstrations. Sometimes the schools have to close and it is difficult to get sufficient food in. During the last strike shops were only permitted to open between 6.30pm - 8.30pm. No fresh food could get in from the country and there were shortages in everything. Because of this we have had to postpone any plans to extend either project. Instead we have done some very much needed renovations and improvements at the Sherpa School and are delighted to report from the Buddha Academy Boarding School that the SLC (School Leaving Certificate) results continue to be some of the highest in the country.

THE SHERPA SCHOOL

Some of the things that have been achieved this year at the Sherpa School:

  • New winter coats were bought for all the children and staff. They were sorely needed for the severe Himalayan winter and are worn both inside and out. There is no heating in the school.
  • We were given a grant by the British and Foreign School Society enabling us to buy very much needed new school books and stationary. It gave a huge morale boost to both pupils and staff.
  • The most important task of completing and heightening the school wall was completed for the security of the children.
  • The rebuilding of the Infirmary and Boy’s Shower Rooms was started. Very sadly an accident, during which our tractor driver was killed, halted the work and it is now behind schedule. His wife and son are now destitute. We have taken Bhuvan into our school and he is one of the children we are hoping to find a sponsor for. Work has started again.
  • A projector and screen were bought. Until now none of the children had seen a film and we are now able to show them excellent and interesting educational films, as well as some recreational.
  • A table tennis table and equipment was bought.
 
  The old books Children & teachers with new books & jackets
 
  Sherpa School Assembly Infirmary & boys Shower House under construction
 
  New boundary wall Ang Tsering Lama distributes new jackets

 

THE BUDDHA ACADEMY BOARDING SCHOOL

Despite forced closures (enforced by the Maoists), power shortages and inflation, all 30 students who took their SLC in June passed in either Distinction, Ist and 2nd Division. Indeed, since we started in Class X, after which the students take their SLC none have failed. Some now go on to Class XI and XII and, should they succeed these with good passes, may then go on to higher education or university. 13 of the girls are now training to be nurses.

At the end of June we had planned to take on 30 new young children who will replace those graduating with their SLC. However, we have had to take even more now due to the appalling situation families who have recently approached us find themselves in. So please, if you can, join us in finding such people who will sponsor these desperately needy children.

The Farm Project, which we support, continues to supply a good amount of food. This last harvest gave us 2066 kilos of rice, 5159 kilos of potatoes, 1000 kilos of maize and other seasonal vegetables.

GENERAL

In 2009 one of our children was operated on in Kathmandu for a difficult heart condition. Mr. Ang Tsering stayed with her throughout her illness but despite all that was done for her, she died. Sushila was luckier. After an accident in which her eye became damaged, she too was operated on in Kathmandu. The operation was a success and she is now studying at the Sherpa School. These operations were paid for out of the emergency funds and it is one of our goals this year to raise money to replenish them.

In April of this year, with the help of an amazing team of young mothers in London, Norfolk and Somerset, we collected 330 kilos of good quality children's clothes. The Lumbini Dana Group kindly donated money which paid for half the shipment, two other generous donors paid for the rest. The clothes were collected in London. Layla Paterson, together with two supporters, worked for nearly three days sorting, packing and eventually shipping them to Kathmandu. They arrived after the volcanic ash cloud stoppage ceased and they are now in Kathmandu awaiting distribution.

 
  Some of the clothes waiting to be sorted in London Boxes of clothes having arrived in Nepal

 

Both schools urgently need help with the sponsorship of new children, and for those who go on to either the local High School (in case of the Sherpa children) or to another school to take Class XI and XII (BABS). For those sponsors whose children continue their studies elsewhere, we would be grateful if you could continue to sponsor them through us. Reports will be sent in the usual way.

Extracts From A Report On The Trustees Visit In March 2009

Trustees Layla Paterson and Caroline Yardley spent 10 days together visiting both the Buddha Academy and the Sherpa School. There had not been a visit since filming in 2006. Much had gone on since that time, and we felt we needed to form our own opinions as to what the position was in order for us to give you a correct, up-to-date report, to assure ourselves your money was being well spent and to find out what future plans were. It was a very informative and successful trip – and tremendously uplifting.

THE SITUATION IN NEPAL

The situation in Nepal is desperate. The Maoists are controlling government. The leader, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ( Prachanda ) is Prime Minister. He talks about conciliation, cooperation of all parties, building a new nation whereas the parties do not cooperate, all work to their own agenda and the militant Maoist Unions – there are dozens of them, paralyse and destroy the country. All key ministeries are in the hands of the Maoists and blackmail, corruption and violence are the order of the day.

Layla arrived in Nepal some 10 days earlier than Caroline. During that time she visited Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha, in southern Nepal, the area known as the Terai. The people are mostly extremely poor, of very low caste, and have some 53 differing groups of communist/Maoists, all fighting for their individual rights to be given voice to in the new constitution, yet to be agreed. There was a strike on which increased in its intensity whilst she was there. No vehicles, other than rickshaws and motorbikes were allowed on the streets. Several people were killed. An ambulance, bearing a very ill person, was not allowed to proceed. A tourist bus stoned and, with a busload of hysterical passengers, was turned back to India. She got out with some difficulty.

Other travellers tell tales of extortion and demonstrations by students and workers causing traffic chaos in various parts of Nepal.

Inflation is officially 14%. The most damaging effect on the economy and life of the people is the power shortage. During the time we were there we had only 6 hours a day of electricity a day, and that often between the hours of midnight and 6 am. BABS is totally dependent on a generator and has to buy approximately 200 litres of diesel per month to bridge the electricity failures.

Because of the strikes, fuel cannot be brought through from India and there are long queues at every garage. Neither can food be brought in from the Terai affecting prices in the capital, as well as crippling the Terai economy.

THE BUDDHA ACADEMY BOARDING SCHOOL

Inauguration of the new girl's boarding house

The New Girl’s Hostel for the 14 – 18 year olds initially with two stories and inaugurated in 1996, now has three stories; the kitchen has been enlarged and renovated; there is now a covered outdoor washing place; two new separate shower places for boys and girls and a new water supply and storage for drinking water. They have also bought a new van which, amongst other things, brings in food for the 590 children and staff. They also bought 10 new sewing machines to replace the old ones which needed repair and for which spare parts were no longer available.

The children, without exception, look well and happy. We spent several days visiting at various times and spent time talking and playing with them. We watched them in class, at meal times and in the evening.

The Staff

With the exception of Mr. Suman Lama, the headmaster, all members of the management have worked for BABS for well over 10 years. There is most certainly a good ‘team spirit’ in the staff and loyalty to Dorje absolute. There are 74 people on the payroll. We were again impressed by the dedication of the staff, especially the Mamas who show so much commitment to the younger children. A Mama is responsible – together with the older children – for up to 35 girls and boys. She helps them from 5 o’clock in the morning until bedtime at 9 pm. She assists with the washing of the clothes, gets the children ready for school and replaces mothers and fathers.

School Dispensary

The medical centre, run by a trained nurse who was previously a pupil of BABS, looks well equipped. This is due to a generous sponsor from Singapore. The usual problems needing treatment are coughs and colds and other problems with respiratory tracts. (There is no heating in any of the BABS buildings.)

THE SHERPA SCHOOL

The reception we received upon our arrival was overwhelming. Some 400 children and villagers lined the road to the school bearing garlands of flowers and the traditional blessed scarf, the Khaadaa. Monks were chanting and, in the new dining cum all purpose hall and on a makeshift stage the children gave a welcome concert with dance and song. Speeches were made praising and thanking the generous benefactor who had, through BMCHT, paid for the construction of the new girl’s hostel and dining hall. We stayed there for three days and learned a great deal, not only about the home and school, but about the depth of commitment Mr. Ang Tsering Lama and his entire family show towards this poor community.

 
  The reception was overwhelming  

From dawn to dusk people came with their problems to Ang Tsering. None were turned away empty handed. Mothers and grandmothers came with their children begging him and us to take them in – one lame woman had walked for three days to get here with her little daughter (she has now been admitted), another man came with half his face badly burned – the family have already had one tragedy when boiling water was spilled onto his baby son’s feet causing him to loose all his toes. Mr Ang Tsering had already had the child fitted with orthopaedic shoes, and now the man needed more help. And as the word got around that he was here, more people came and his wife, Ang Kandy never stopped giving rice and clothes that had been donated and, before the petitioners left, tea and biscuits to them all.

Without doubt the most important thing that has been achieved recently is the construction of the girl’s boarding hostel to house about 60 girls, and the dining cum all purpose hall. Before this boys and girls were cramped into what has now become the boys hostel and all 56 of them shared 2 showers. Now space and privacy permit them to be much more comfortable and to have more space to study. The dining hall is used daily not only for meals, but for meetings, dancing and singing.

 
  The New Girl's Hostel The New Dining / all purpose Hall

The Situation in Bamti Bhandar

The political situation affects the Sherpa School in quite different ways to BABS. The political unrest is not felt in this community as much, but it has huge consequences upon the cost of living and communication. Little can reach Kathmandu because of the strikes in the Terai and whatever can be bought is much more expensive. The fuel shortage has made prices skyrocket – if indeed it can be got hold of at all - so that by the time things reach Bampti they are over 3 times the price they are in Kathmandu. Roads are often blocked for 10 days or so because of strikes - often these days because of the enforced (electricity) power sharing causing havoc with businesses - so that what is bought may not reach Bampti for some time. Because of the monsoon staple foods such as rice and lentils have to be bought and stored for a year at a time. These at least do not suffer from a delayed delivery. There had been a drought for 7 months causing much hardship amongst this rural community. Now the opposite has started, the monsoon, and in its first electrical storm 5 people were injured and two killed.

The School

The children all look wonderfully well and happy and the school exam results continue to be excellent. None of the children who come to the Sherpa School are able to finance their own education and so those who go on to the Secondary School also have to be sponsored – as do the children taken to Kathmandu.

The Staff

The teaching staff are led by the Headmaster, Mr. La Tsering Lepeha. During the four days we spent at in Bampti we witnessed the close relationship the staff have with the children, disciplined, but full of fun and affection. We have seldom seen such happy children. They seem to be proof of one of the many quotations painted on the walls and doors of the school ‘What you learn with pleasure you will never forget’.

There are also kitchen staff, cleaners and security staff as well as a Mama in overall charge of the girl’s hostel, Manju Mahat, once a pupil at the school.

Vocational Training

We have been given 7 computers, 6 with flat screened monitors and one printer copier. This has already been installed and we have sufficient electricity to be able to have morning lessons. The IT Centre is in the main boys boarding house and is used by children from both the Sherpa School and Secondary School. In April 2009 we will extend this to include carpentry and tailoring. We have been given funding for two teachers for a year and have been bought the necessary equipment.

 
  The IT Centre The Dispensary & Shower Block

The Dispensary

This is in a building that is old, and becoming dangerous and it is our intention to renovate it and enlarge it as soon as funds permit. At the moment it houses our little dispensary, and two shower rooms, all that the 25 boy boarders and day boys have for washing.

The dispensary now has a nurse (educated and qualified in England) in charge. Lakpa, whose father was in the Gurkhas, is our Deputy Director Nuri’s bride.

Both projects are constantly struggling to make ends meet without any financial support from local authorities. They depend upon us to be able to continue their work.

 

 

 

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