Khumjung School Golden Jubilee
Nepal is still going through a difficult transitional period without conclusive political stability, with much to be done before achieving the main political goals. In December 2010 the Himalayan Trust NZ/Nepal renewed the 5 year agreement with the Social Welfare Council which allows the Trust to continue its work in Solukhumbu. During 2010 the Trust successfully carried out all the regular activities in Solukhumbu. The UK Himalayan Trust has its own agreement for work in The Taplejung District of East Nepal.
In May 2010 Lady June Hillary’s visits included Kunde Hospital and a meeting in Kathmandu with the Nepal Committee which receives the petitions and oversees all work. It is now mandatory to have an NGO (Non Govt. Org) in Nepal dealing with projects; accordingly, the Nepal Committee is now registered as the Himalayan Trust Nepal. The UK Trust works with REED, (Rural Education and Environmental Development).
During 2010 there were visits from the American Himalayan Foundation including their Vice president Norbu Tenzing; the Chairman of the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation of Canada, Karen O’Connor, who went to Khumbu to visit Kunde Hospital and the Sagarmatha Forestry Project which are both funded from Canada; The Vice Chairman of the Sir Edmund Hillary Stiftung in Germany, Manfred Haupl, visited the Phaplu Hospital in Solu which receives their funding contribution. Chairman of the UK Trust, George Band and Susan, visited Kathmandu and had a more lengthy stay due to the volcanic ash cloud.
In May 2011 there promises to be a large gathering in Khumbu to attend the Golden Jubilee of Khumjung School, built in early 1961. The building of this school signalled the start of Sir Edmund Hillary’s annual humanitarian work in Solukhumbu. Apart from guests who raise funds in their own countries there will be many former pupils of Khumjung School who have used their education to develop good lives for themselves and their families. From the UK, Trustees plan to give good support; Chairman George Band and Susan, Dave Capps, Mary Lowe will be there and Rebecca Stephens plans to time the visit of her trekking group with the celebrations. The new ‘Gateway’ building at Khumjung School will be officially opened. Good funding towards this building has been provided from the UK with the project conceived by Ray Illman, a supporter from Shropshire, and masterminded by the headmaster Mahendra Kathet and Ang Rita Sherpa, chief administrator of the Himalayan Trust NZ/Nepal for the last 25 years.
Ang Rita will retire from his post following the Golden Jubilee but he will continue as Chairman of The Himalayan Trust Nepal. Ang Rita’s long serving assistant, Pasang Lama will take over the responsibility assisted by Baween Tandukar.
Mary Lowe, Hon Secretary.
March 2011
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| Jan Morris |