Nepalhilfe Beilngries e.V.

32 Jahre Nepalhilfe Beilngries e.V.
deutschenglisch

Activities in difficult times Aid efforts and construction progress

In these times, as the Covid-19 pandemic has been affecting Nepal as it has most of the world, Nepalhilfe Beilngries has been focusing on supporting the local population. More than 54,000 have contracted the virus, and 345 have died of it (as of September 14th, 2020),and this is only the official count. The actual number is sure to be several times higher. As late as early August, the numbers had surged frighteningly, which prompted the government to impose drastic curfews knowing that given the country’s rudimentary health system, this was the only way to contain the disease.

Food for members of the lowest Hindu cast

Mary ward nuns handing over food
Mary ward nuns handing over food
Families receiving aid
Families receiving aid

Current aid effort have been directed at those working in the country’s collapsed tourism industry, the country’s army of day laborers and the members of the lowest Hindu caste, the Dalits. To support the latter in a focused way, Nepalhilfe Beilngries built on the experience gained by the “Falate Dalit Network”. The different aid efforts were coordinated by local Nepalhilfe workers. Support goods totalling 20,000 euros in value were purchased and distributed to the population in different districts, such as in Lubhu or Sindhupalchok, where Nepalhilfe is active. 500 kgs of rice and 700 kgs of lentils for the national dish Dal Bhat were purchased, as were 450 liters of oil, salt and hygiene articles. Moving moments occurred when Nepalhilfe handed over 10,000 euros in food aid to the sisters of the Mary Ward order. The food was paid for by donations for the daily school meal made available to 200 especially affected families. This was possible because of the lockdown of schools which has been in effect for several months.

Construction of a new daycare center now the highest-priority project

Visitors at the day-care house
Visitors at the day-care house
The new structure already stands taller than the corrugated-steel
The new structure already stands taller than the corrugated-steel

As far as new building projects are concerned, the current main focus is on building a house for individuals with a physical and or mental disability. The three-story structure has been going up in Lubhu since early this year, the same location as the Shaligram children’s house and two schools finance by Nepalhilfe Beilngries e.V. When the new building is finished, the 32 pupils, ranging from children to adults, will leave behind the one-story corrugated-stelle construction erected four years ago. This houses two group rooms and a kitchen. In their daily work, the institution’s personnel is supported by the children’s parents.

Six years ago, the parents concerned joined to form the “Intellectual Disabled Parents Forum” with the goal of providing daily care for their children. Some walked up to an hour and a half to participate. The parents purchased the building plot themselves but lacked the money for the house itself. The building, costing an estimated 120,000 euros, will now be financed by Nepalhilfe Beilngries, with the parents and the municipality covering operating costs, a very important point for the project’s success. 

The day care pupils suffer from autism, Down syndrome, various physical disabilities or learning disorders. This list shows that a differentiated care and training would be necessary. This can now be provided. 

If all goes according to the project’s planners, the new house is to be completed in early 2021. Currently, the rooms are being outfitted. Completion of the “Lubhu Day Care Centers”, the fourth project in Lubhu, will see Nepalhilfe Beilngries’ goals of investing in education, child care and health realized in so close proximity for the first time.

One source of financing for these projects will be the sale of the “Himalaya 2021” calendar, which is to begin in the weeks ahead. More information can be found HERE.