During April/May 2008, Christopher Rae from our Edinburgh Property team spent a month in Nepal assisting with community improvement
projects including:
- Hyrdo Projects
- Child rehabilitation
- Teaching English
- Working alongside social workers in factories
- Building libraries, underground watertanks, school and sanitation facilities
Chris was able to take advantage of 2 days CSR Time, given to him by the firm, in conjunction with his trip. This is a great example of how we can use our dedicated CSR Time to make a real difference whilst doing things that are close to our own hearts.
Attached below is a report outlining Chris's time spent in Nepal in more detail.
This was my 6th time in Nepal. I am closely involved with the work of various organisations there, two in particular: (i) The Nepal Trust; and (ii) Nepal Rugmark Foundation (Anti-Slavery International).
In the UK, I am the secretary of The Nepal Trust. My missions in Nepal this year for The Nepal Trust were (i) to progress the organisation's application to become an International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO); (ii) to progress their wing of non-profit eco-tourism to boost the local economy of the area in question (primarily by establishing the Nepal-based company required to do so); (iii) to visit Humla (the Trust's primary focus area) and to be an ambassador for the UK Board; and (iv) to assist in creating an Action Plan for the next 5 years for the medical programme in the region.
My first week in Nepal was largely spent in Kathmandu in meetings with ministers and officials in order to progress the INGO process, and in establishing the non-profit company. Thankfully, having successfully progressed the bureaucratic processes as far as humanly possible and leaving the documents in the 'hands of the gods' (almost literally) to progress, I managed to get away from Kathmandu and fly to Humla where the real work is carried out. Humla is a region in Nepal in the far north west, right on the Tibetan border.
The Nepal Trust has 6 Health Posts in this remote region, all of roughly the same design and nature. Each has one Health Worker, trained by The Nepal Trust with its partners in Nepal who specialise in the skills required for health work in remote areas of Nepal. The Nepal Trust sends volunteer doctors to these Health Posts to run specific clinics, and to provide ongoing training to the Health Workers. Medicine supplies are sent every 3 months so that stocks can be maintained.
The Nepal Trust is absolutely committed to the principles of sustainable development, and works at all times with the communities in which the Health Posts are based. The communities contribute a great deal to the daily running of the Health Posts and clinics.
The other work The Nepal Trust focuses on is Micro-Hydro power. Nepal, whilst one of the poorest countries in the world, is extremely rich with natural resources. The proximity of the Himalayas ensures a wealth of large and fast rivers. Again, working with government agencies, and international government development agencies, The Nepal Trust has successfully implemented 4 Micro Hydro Projects, bringing electricity to countless homes in some of the remotest parts of Nepal. There is one ongoing project for the Ghoti community, and part of my role in Nepal was to facilitate this and ensure its successful progress.
The other aspect to my work in Nepal was with Rugmark and Anti-Slavery Interntional. My work with them dates back to 2001 when I first went to Nepal, and it is the work I have enjoyed over the years with the staff and students of these organisations that takes me back repeatedly.