Projects in the remoteTsum valley

Projects in the remote Tsum Valley - fall 2024

Since the severe earthquake in 2015, FriendCircle WorldHelp has been working in Nepal with heart and hand. In close cooperation with local partners, we support people in remote mountain regions - far away from medical care, infrastructure and educational facilities. In recent years, we have also been able to provide sustainable aid through personal contacts and reliable local companions.

In autumn 2024, our long-time friend and supporter Alfred Kuon traveled to Nepal for four weeks. Together with Mingmar Sherpa, who has been supporting the association as a local partner for many years, he and other friends undertook a trekking tour in the remote Tsum Valley - one of the most pristine regions of Nepal near the Tibetan border.

The group combined their trip with targeted aid on site: they distributed urgently needed donations in kind, held discussions with villagers and teachers and explored possibilities for further aid measures. They also handed out warm clothing, school materials and medical supplies to children, families and elderly people. The direct exchange with the people also played an important role: only through personal discussions can we identify what is actually needed - and how we as an association can provide concrete and meaningful help.

One particular example of sustainable support is the small oil mill that is now being operated in a sponsor's lodge. This was financed by FriendCircle WorldHelp last year and brought to the remote village by Mingmar together with several sponsors - a logistical feat in this difficult-to-access region. Since then, fresh oil has been pressed daily from sunflower and mustardbeans. People from the surrounding area bring their harvest for processing, and surplus oil is sold in the lodge's small store. A successful example of how helping people to help themselves can work - and how targeted projects contribute to improving living conditions in the long term.

The visit to the project school in Chumling, which Alfred was particularly committed to, was a complete success. They were able to inspire the schoolchildren and bring them joy. The teachers and villagers were also very grateful for the help and the interest shown in their region and their everyday lives. It is particularly pleasing that after Alfred's stay at the school, Mingmar Sherpa installed two solar panels on the school roof, which now provide much-needed energy. In addition, batteries were installed to store the solar energy so that the school can also be supplied with electricity in the evenings. A boiler was also brought in for the shower rooms, which makes it possible to heat the water - an important improvement in living conditions.

In his travel diary, Alfred reports on impressive encounters, warm hospitality and the deep gratitude of the people. Despite the great challenges that the inhabitants of the Tsum Valley face every day - poverty, isolation, cold - their dignity, courage and hope are impressive. Particularly impressive was the positive and constructive attitude of the village communities, who continue to find creative solutions in the midst of these difficult conditions.

Shortcomings identified

However, the visit to the school in Chumling also revealed some weaknesses in the infrastructure that urgently need to be improved. For example, three teachers live directly at the school, but their accommodation and the infrastructure are very inadequate. The sanitary facilities in particular, such as a functioning shower, leave a lot to be desired. The kitchen, which is responsible for preparing meals, is also in an extremely poor state and is not functional enough to meet the needs of the pupils and teachers.

In the coming months, Alfred and Mingmar want to work with local partners to carry out a detailed inventory of the necessary improvement measures. They will also continue to communicate with the villagers and teachers in order to identify the most urgent needs. We are confident that with further support from FriendCircle WorldHelp and the dedicated help of many friends, it will be possible to finance and implement these projects.

A further step will be to raise public awareness of these issues. Alfred has published a report on this in the Nürtingen newspaper in order to draw attention to the existing challenges and to solicit support.

We would like to thank Alfred and Mingmar for their tireless efforts and commitment. Their trip shows once again how valuable personal presence and trust on the ground are - and how important it is to help where help is really needed.

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