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30th October 2020

How Darlington changed the lives of thousands in Nepal

For the last 20 years, the Trust has been generously supported each November through a concert by The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas in Darlington. Organised by a stoic group of supporters and volunteers, and generously supported by everyone who has attended, this annual musical spectacular has become a regular in the calendar for many.

Over £200,000 has been raised in support of our work

Sadly, the concert is unable to go ahead in 2020 but hopes to be back next year. In its place, we look at the impact the funds have had on communities across Nepal. Our hope was to build some earthquake-resilient homes for veterans and widows with the funds raised. You are still able to donate to this appeal below.

2017: Kalika Basic School, Okhaldhunga

Six hours by vehicle on dirt tracks and a 30 minute trek on foot to the east of Kathmandu lies Kalika Basic School. Founded in 1963 and now with nearly 180 students from four to 13 years old, children were previously studying in cramped and unsafe conditions, lacking enough desks to go around. Money raised by the concert was vital to replace their bamboo and CGI structure and create a modern and secure learning environment.

The new building benefits from concrete ring beams which help protect the structure during seismic activity
The new building benefits from concrete ring beams which help protect the structure during seismic activity
A new CGI roof in green sits on top of the new classroom block
A new CGI roof in green sits on top of the new classroom block
The old classroom block had many broken wooden windows
The old classroom block had many broken wooden windows
A bamboo smaller building has now been replaced
A bamboo smaller building has now been replaced
During construction local building materials are used to keep costs down
During construction local building materials are used to keep costs down
The new building waiting it’s new roof!
The new building waiting it’s new roof!
This remote village sits up high in the East Himalayas
This remote village sits up high in the East Himalayas

 

2018: Chyandanda Lower Secondary School, Gulmi

Established in 1981, Chyandanda Lower Secondary School nestles in the hills in the Gulmi area of Nepal. This popular school had expanded over the years and also needed help with the replacement of a CGI and bamboo framed extension which had been damaged and was becoming exposed to the elements.

Donations from the concert saw the 240 students at the school provided with a new three-classroom block to enhance their studies. The previously dark, cramped classroom is now a warm and inviting place to learn.

Brand new benches complete the bright and safe classrooms.
Outside the brand new building, with a blue roof to match the new uniforms for students.
A lick of paint complete the ring beams, and some new shutters provide added security.
Students line up outside their old, dark classroom
The CGI building was not an ideal place to learn
Inside the old classroom, the students were learning in cold, dreary surroundings.
The school is just to the West of our Headquarters in Pohara

 

2019: Deuti Basic School, Dailekh

In 2019 the funds raised with your support helped to provide over 220 students from Shree Deuti Adharbhut Vidyalaya with a safe environment to study.

The school, which teaches years up to Year eight was in a dire state, with no lockable doors or windows and a persistent leak in the ceiling.

Despite a stunning location for a school, the run-down buildings needed replacing.
Not a skylight that you’d want! The damaged roof creates a persistent leak.
New footings for the replacement buildings.
Our skilled builders ensure the new buildings are fit for purpose.
A sunny yellow paint job and the new school is ready for use.
Inside, the new roof ensures no more wet students as they study.
The school resides to the far west of Nepal.

 

2020 Earthquake Homes

The intention for the 2020 concert was to fundraise for another earthquake-resilient building project, this time homes for our most vulnerable Gurkha veterans and widows. These houses provide a safe place to call home and are built to an architect-designed and earthquake-resilient standard, essential in Nepal’s unpredictable environment.

Read more about how these homes are improving lives and providing safe shelter, for veterans like Rifleman Uttamkumar Rai.

Help us build more earthquake-resilient homes in Nepal

You can still help us with a donation towards building safer buildings in Nepal this year, using the form below.

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We’d love to keep you updated with how your support is helping Gurkha pensioners and their communities including news and film footage from Nepal. You can unsubscribe or change the way we communicate with you at any time by emailing info@gwt.org.uk. We are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care to all of our supporters and promise not to share your details with other organisations or send constant appeals asking for your support.







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