Not often anymore does the devastation caused by two major earthquakes in Nepal earlier this year get coverage in the media. But even months later, efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Nepalese people and the destruction of their homes and infrastructure continue, and many have been helped so far due to the kindness of some Tri-Towners and many others.
Sally Hunsdorfer’s organization “The Himalayan Project,” under the umbrella of the Marion Institute and born of her passion for the people and landscape of Nepal almost 20 years ago, has continued its efforts to rebuild the small mountain village of Chaurikharka and bring relief to its people before the cold weather of October sets in.
Hunsdorfer was on her way to Bhutan in Southeast Asia to visit her son when she heard of the first 7.8 magnitude quake in Nepal on April 25. Panic set in, said Hunsdorfer, with an ensuing urgent concern for her friends of Chaurikharka.
“Of course we were in a state of complete shock,” said Hunsdorfer. She and her husband Peter made swift contact with friends from the village via social media and were happy to hear there were no deaths to report. But everyone lost their houses, and a beloved school, for which Hunsdorfer had contributed over the years to improve, had been badly damaged.
Hunsdorfer continued on to visit with her son, but the trip was colored by what was happening in Nepal and she was already making contact with associates, soliciting donations and planning her next visit. At that point, Hunsdorfer was concerned that a spontaneous side trip to Nepal might be more of a hindrance to the people than a help, so she contacted her sources in the capital city Khathmandu and asked if the hotel was still open and if there were taxis running from the airport to the hotel – it was, and there were.
“I turned to my husband and I said, ‘We have to go.’” And one week after the earthquake, the Hunsdorfers were back in Nepal.
“People were still reeling and trying to figure out their lives,” Hunsdorfer said. She spoke to all who live within the 54 damaged homes in the village and they shared their woe with Hunsdorfer. “I was just so happy that I had gone because I could assess the damage. I met with every family and, of course, every family wanted to put their life out there to me.”
The Hunsdorfers photographed each destroyed home and, along with a village council, assessed the financial needs of the community. They returned to Kathmandu on May 12 to begin efforts to rebuild the village when, suddenly, that day, the second earthquake struck the village, destroying what was left standing, including the school that was just days ago salvageable. The soonest Hunsdorfer could return to Chaurikharka was in mid-July, and she returned to villagers living and learning beneath makeshift tents, tarps, and small structures made from the salvaged tin roof of the school – tiny tin classrooms that simply will not do once the weather turns cold in a matter of weeks.
“And I was just heartbroken because I saw a school that didn’t exist anymore,” said Hunsdorfer. “When the cold weather sets in, they need something more permanent.”
With the help of the Marion Institute, Hunsdorfer made contact with donors for the relief project and the response was amazing.
“I was very anxious to be timely about contacting people on a regular basis,” said Hunsdorfer. “I was just so shocked and blown away by how generous people were.” Together with her community and associates, Hunsdorfer raised $145,000 for immediate relief. She said people had wanted to contribute to the Nepal disaster but were wary of the international aid agencies where just pennies on the dollar actually make it to the people who need it the most. Of the billions in aid, said Hunsdorfer, government officials have skimmed about 25 percent from the top.
“But we managed to get every single penny over there and distributed it to everybody who needed it,” said Hunsdorfer. “I have big plans … to raise $500,000 for the school to be rebuilt.” An earthquake-resistant school this time, she added.
“There’s always something good that rises from the ashes,” said Hunsdorfer.
To make a contribution to help rebuild the school in Chaurikharka, you can contact the Marion Institute at 508-748-0816 or visit the website at www.marioninstitute.org.
By Jean Perry
