June 19 Update

I have arrived back in Connecticut, but our work in Nepal continues. Bishal is handling things for Giving Asha since both Parvati and I are in the US. Our partners Art for Education (AFE) & Eutai Mala Nepal (EMN) are keeping busy with their post-quake work and daily activities. AFE has a lot of work with construction starting on the new house in Tinpiple, making educational and training plans for our SLC passed students (Tuition for the one that did not pass in preparation for a re-exam in two weeks), plus the launch of their new website: http://www.nepalartforeducation.org.np/.

Nima, Anuj and the Eutai Mala team are working on the needs in Gerkhu, Nuwakot district.  Bishal has visited the village and meets regularly with the team to plan for our contributions to the educational needs of the children. Please follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eutaimalanepali.

Unfortunately the needs continue to be great. Children have gone back to school, but need textbooks, bags, stationary and uniforms. Many farmers have not planted their rice crops that need to be in the ground now before monsoon. They have lost their food stock, seed stock and tools, plus irrigation systems are damaged, farmland lays under rubble and hillsides are too unstable to plant on. These conditions will lead to food shortages and sever impact on farmer’s livelihoods. Over 70% of Nepalese are involved in the agricultural sector and it is critical to address these needs as soon as possible.

In the coming days I will update you on the relief work we have already carried out and our future plans. Thank you for your continued support.

Beth Brewster