Issue #8 August 2006
Introduction


To make it easier for you to follow our progress, we have divided the projects into those that are long-term (at least 5 years) and those that are short term ‘one-off' projects. At the end we have mentioned the three projects we have just approved for funding, thanks to all your contributions.

LONG TERM PROJECTS
1. Mugu Health Post

The outreach program started by the two healthcare workers funded by HeNN covering Rara, Pina, Seri, Khamale, Kalai of Mugu district has proven so successful that neighbouring VDC's have requested they be included in the program. In the last two months the health post and outreach program treated 1200 patients mainly for respiratory and gastrointestinal problems.

In our desire to ensure good on-site training for the healthcare workers, we obtained a grant of US$2750 from Everest Marathon Fund. This will be used to fund an expert in Obstetrics and Nutrition to work in the area supporting the local staff.

Staff teaching locals about sanitation, hygiene and nutrition.


2. Conflict impacted Children's Shelter
Architects view of completed shelter

We are building this shelter in partnership with Nepal Balbalika Trust, a UK based charity. The aim is to house upto 50 children who have been orphaned through the conflict. We have raised US$35,000 so far. Construction will begin after the monsoons and will occur in stages depending upon the funds we raise.

We have been fortunate to have a reputable team of architects and designers volunteer their service for this project in Nepal. (Creative builders Collaborative and Silt Consultants)

3. Child sponsorship (Bhai – Bahini)

So far 11 sponsors have been found in the USA and 7 in the UK . We have a further 20 children desperately awaiting sponsors to enable them to continue with basic education. The children have been identified through trusted third parties in Nepal.
Cost of sponsorship is US $15 / month

Example of the children on our database:

Name: - G.B

Age: - 6yrs

Class: - 1

Address: - Haripur - 4, Surkhet

Father dead in conflict 2004.

Mother living with relative

Name: - A.M.S

Age: - 11yrs

Class: - 4

Address: - Satakhani - 4, Surkhet

Father dead in conflict.
Mother living with another husband


SHORT TERM PROJECTS

1. Saraswati Primary School in Salyan

We learnt about this school in the remote western region in March 2005. Through the help of a local journalist we made contact with the community and supported them in the building of a proper school. HeNN contributed US$4,225 for the construction of the school.

The construction of the building was completed in May 2005. At present, 64 children have benefited from this project. The local community plan to expand the school in future.

 

Children enjoying the new school building – June 2006

2. Light Up Humla

HeNN is funding the installation of solar powered light in 100 homes in this remote western region. So far approximately 50 have been installed. Solar light stops the burning of forest wood, subsequent inhalation of smoke and permits children studying after dark.

HeNN handed over US$5600 on 11th November 2005, for this project. The project is being carried out in partnership with SIDC, an environmental group based in Nepal.

Solar Panels being installed on the rooftop of the houses in Humla – June 2006

3. Supporting SAHARA NGO

SAHARA is a NGO in Nepal that has been managing an Emergency transit Center for Conflict Affected Children in Nepalgunj for the last three years. SAHARA has been instrumental in reintegrating conflict impacted children into the community. Currently, 37 children have been integrated into the community.

HeNN has funded a contribution of US$2828 to SAHARA. This amount was handed to SAHARA in the form of dictionaries, school bags, cloth for school uniform and a cheque of US$1834 on 13th June 2006.


These are some of the children who have been re-integrated into the community.

NEW PROJECTS JUST APPROVED

 

1. United Nations Development Program project - Promoting HIV/AIDS awareness

 

We are delighted to announce our selection as partners in UNDP's efforts at promoting HIV/AIDS care in Harpurwa VDC of Sarlahi District. The initial contract with UNDP is for 4 months with provision to extend for 2 years.

The main objective of this project is to provide comprehensive information and awareness on HIV/AIDS to the people of 20 VDCs of Sarlahi District. HeNN will deliver this through employing local counselors and healthcare workers in Sarlahi.

  2. Health post construction in Harpurwa VDC, Sarlahi District
 

Haripurwa VDC has a population of nearly 13,000. This huge population needs to walk long hours to centre of the district Malangwa to reach the district hospital. There is not even a single health facility in Haripurwa VDC.

Listening to the plight of Haripurwa VDC residents, HeNN has approved the Health Post construction project proposed by Aanada Community Development Committee.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be US$28,279. HeNN will be contributing US$18,239. The health post is targeted to be complete before 31st December 2007.

 

3. Computer library in Adarsha School, Dang

  HeNN has this month approved funding of a computer library in Adarsha Higher Secondary School in Rapti Zone, Lalmitiya VDC, Dang. HeNN will be providing the total sum of US$6966 in different phases.

There are 1400 students studying in the school. With establishment of this library not only will the school benefit but so will the neighbouring schools which will be allowed to access the computers one afternoon a week for their own students.

The library will be equipped with printer, fax, internet and email facilities.
NETWORK NEWS
 

MAHA program in USA raises over US$10,000 for HeNN

 

HeNN USA successfully completed the MaHa US Tour - a month-long fund-raising event with famous comedian duo Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bamsha Acharya supported by Prem Raja Mahat, Kiran KC, Narendra Kansakar, Pooja Chand and Yaman Shrestha.

MaHa captivated the Nepali audience in the US with prahasans “Abhinandan” and “Sharaddha.” The viewers described the program as very sophisticated and relevant to the current situation in Nepal. After each show, the audience lined up for autographs and photo opportunities with the superstars. Many were touched by documentary “HeNN in Action” that preceded the show. The documentary highlighted HeNN’s missions and achievements and the cumulative power of small donations collected from Nepalese diasporas around the world.

MaHA praised HeNN for their dedication, willingness to help people from Nepal and appealed the audience to contribute at least a dollar a month.

MaHa also praised Help Nepal Network for helping the needy people in Nepal and appealed the audience to do the same by contributing at least a dollar a month. Hari Bamsha appealed to the audience - “सबै अमेरिकामा बस्ने नेपलीको घरमा हुने चानचुनको सिसी बाट एक एक् मुठ्ठी चानचुन महिनाको एक पल्ट दिनु भए नेपालमा बर्शमा झंडै एक अरब रुपिया जम्मा हुन सक्छ.”  

HeNN would like to extend our gratitude to MaHa Sanchar for helping in our efforts to raise funds for a 13-bed health post in Haripurwa VDC in Sarlahi and to promote Help Nepal Network in the US. The tour raised a net amount of $25,447.44 after expenses. Out of this, $14, 686.49 was paid to MaHa Sanchar and the artists; and $10,760.90 was set aside for the health post.

HeNN is very grateful to all the organizations mentioned here for their help in making this tour a grand success - San Francisco (Motherland of Nepal), Denver (Rocky Mountain Friends of Nepal), Dallas (Nepalese Society Texas), Boston (Greater Boston Nepalese Community), New York City  (Xavier’s and Mary’s Alumni, and Ridgewood Nepalese Society), Washington DC (RP Entertainment), Baltimore (Baltimore America Nepali Association), Connecticut (Nepal Association of New England), and North Carolina (Nepal Center of North Carolina).

Special thanks to HeNN-USA members Prerana Shrestha (New York) and Navin Dhakal (Baltimore) for their leadership in organizing the events at their respective cities.

Australia Everest Extravaganza raises over US$6000

A total of US$6450 was raised for Conflict impacted Children projects from both Melbourne US$2750 and Sydney US$3800 in two separate events. Of this amount, US$3800 has already been sent to Nepal team and the remaining amount will be sent in August through Nick Farr who was involved as a major player in Melbourne fund raising event. In both events, Daughter of Everest film was screened along with other programs such as cultural dance/auctions/raffle etc.

Perth team has also raised US$ 180 and deposited the amount into HeNN-Australia account for future projects.

Nepalese artists to visit Australia for fund raising

A group of 10 Nepalese artists will be visiting Australia in September 2006 to raise funds for HeNN. The artists will perform three major programs on September 23rd and 24th in Sydney and on 16th September in Melbourne . The money raised through these events will be used for future HeNN projects. Please contact admin@helpnepal.net if you wish to receive further details.

 

UK fundraising dinner – Saturday 9 th September 2006

 

If you live in the UK and would like to come to this event in London, please email admin@helpnepal.net or click here (pdf file format) for more information.

Bulletin team
Help Nepal Network