Absolute Gurkha's Keep Warm Winter Campaign

2015 has not been kind to Nepal, in fact it has been cruel to the extreme.  Two devastating earthquakes rocked the country in April and May, claiming the lives of over 9000 people, and injuring and displacing tens of thousands more.  This was followed by political instability and a fuel blockade, which has resulted in the disruption of public transport and health services, dealing further blows to those who have already endured horrendous suffering.  The price of petrol has risen three-fold, having a knock on effect of raising prices of goods in a land where a large proportion of the country live well below the poverty line.  Many schools have been closed for months, hospitals are running low on essential medicine, in fact, stocks have even run out in many places, and aid agencies are struggling to procure fuel to enable them to deliver vital aid to the earthquake affected regions.  An already disastrous humanitarian crisis is worsening as each day draws to a close.

In the months since the earthquake, Absolute Gurkha in partnership with Rise For Nepal and Shanghai Nepali Community have been involved in the distribution of aid and the building of Temporary Learning Centres (TLC’s) to enable children to return to school and continue their education.  However the fuel blockade has all but put a stop to the construction of TLC’s due to the heavy costs associated with shipping materials out to the rural areas.

As winter draws close, we have identified a need to adjust our strategy.  Many people in the countryside are still having to live in tents, or makeshift accommodation with little access to heating.  These shelters, often consisting of corrugated iron and tarps, are inadequate at dealing with adverse weather conditions and are unable to trap in the heat when the night time temperature plummets to below zero.  As a result of these conditions, Absolute Gurkha has decided to switch the focus of constructing TLC’s and instead will be using funds to procure warm clothing and blankets in an effort to help these people survive through the bleak winter months.

In the coming weeks, Absolute Gurkha will head to Dabkha Village, Ramechhap to distribute clothing and blankets to 75 families in the area.  Dabkha village is located in a poverty stricken area populated by Dalit people, considered to be one of the lowest castes in Nepal. These people are often discriminated against by the higher castes, and there have been instances where aid has been diverted away from the Dalits. Absolute Gurkha’s aim is to provide aid to those who need it most regardless of their caste or religious beliefs.

We would like to send our heartfelt thanks to those who continue to support our projects and who enable us to increase the chances of survival in these areas.

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