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.
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.
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.
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.