Projects - Sherpas and Everest
AHF and the Himalayan Trust: A perfect match
Sir Edmund Hillary. Most people know him as the man who, with Tenzing Norgay, first reached the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. Sometimes less well known is his dedication to the Sherpas, whose lack of the basic necessities, like schools and healthcare, spurred him to create the Himalayan Trust.
Twenty-five years ago, AHF was introduced to the Himalayan Trust through the friendship of our chairman Richard Blum and Sir Ed. An outstanding foundation of work was in place: schools were being built, teachers trained, trees planted, hospitals and clinics opened and monasteries repaired. So we joined forces with the Trust and have become their major partner, a decision which continues to make us all proud.
A lot has been accomplished through this partnership. The stats speak to it: thirty schools, two hospitals and eleven clinics supported, 1.5 million trees planted, bridges and water systems built, Tengboche and Thame Monastery restored. Most importantly, in human terms, it means that the Sherpas have been able to take part of the progress that has come to Nepal - without losing their culture and identity.
Sir Ed often spoke of his work with the Sherpas as the most significant part of his life. We will continue that work in his honor.
Twenty-five years ago, AHF was introduced to the Himalayan Trust through the friendship of our chairman Richard Blum and Sir Ed. An outstanding foundation of work was in place: schools were being built, teachers trained, trees planted, hospitals and clinics opened and monasteries repaired. So we joined forces with the Trust and have become their major partner, a decision which continues to make us all proud.
A lot has been accomplished through this partnership. The stats speak to it: thirty schools, two hospitals and eleven clinics supported, 1.5 million trees planted, bridges and water systems built, Tengboche and Thame Monastery restored. Most importantly, in human terms, it means that the Sherpas have been able to take part of the progress that has come to Nepal - without losing their culture and identity.
Sir Ed often spoke of his work with the Sherpas as the most significant part of his life. We will continue that work in his honor.
Open wide!
Namche Dental Clinic, 11,500 feet, Namche Bazaar, Nepal
On the trail to Everest, perched on a terraced slope in Namche Bazaar, sits the world's highest dental clinic. Nawang Doka Sherpa repairs teeth, gives fluoride treatments and travels to 11 schools in the Everest region to teach dental hygiene. Sherpas, Tibetans and even an occasional Everest summiter have sought her expertise.
AHF helped build the Clinic, train two dental hygienists and gives ongoing operating support to keep the clinic running. Only twenty years ago, Sherpas believed tooth decay was caused by evil spirits. Today, school children are teaching their families to brush daily and come to the clinic for regular check-ups. If you need a filling, stop by. It doesn't hurt a bit - really!
"I came to Namche with a purpose to check-up the tooth. For me, Phaplu Hospital is only one day walk from my house, but I was told that the Namche Dental Clinic provide better service on dental illness. I therefore did not hesitate to walk for five days instead of one and I am glad I have made it. I appreciated Ai Nawang Doka for excellent service that saved my tooth and understood the causes of the tooth decay otherwise I will not aware of this. I will tell my friends to follow the same path if they are interested in saving their teeth."
-- Ms. Ngimi Sherpa, Kurima Village, Solu Khumbu
On the trail to Everest, perched on a terraced slope in Namche Bazaar, sits the world's highest dental clinic. Nawang Doka Sherpa repairs teeth, gives fluoride treatments and travels to 11 schools in the Everest region to teach dental hygiene. Sherpas, Tibetans and even an occasional Everest summiter have sought her expertise.
AHF helped build the Clinic, train two dental hygienists and gives ongoing operating support to keep the clinic running. Only twenty years ago, Sherpas believed tooth decay was caused by evil spirits. Today, school children are teaching their families to brush daily and come to the clinic for regular check-ups. If you need a filling, stop by. It doesn't hurt a bit - really!
"I came to Namche with a purpose to check-up the tooth. For me, Phaplu Hospital is only one day walk from my house, but I was told that the Namche Dental Clinic provide better service on dental illness. I therefore did not hesitate to walk for five days instead of one and I am glad I have made it. I appreciated Ai Nawang Doka for excellent service that saved my tooth and understood the causes of the tooth decay otherwise I will not aware of this. I will tell my friends to follow the same path if they are interested in saving their teeth."
-- Ms. Ngimi Sherpa, Kurima Village, Solu Khumbu
Off the Beaten Path
Dewoche Nunnery
Solu Khumbu, Nepal
Until three years ago, the youngest nun at Dewoche Nunnery was 65 years old. Located in the Solu Khumbu, the nunnery is off the beaten path of trekkers who visit Tengboche Monastery, unaware of the nuns practicing just down the hill.
AHF first received a handwritten request from the nuns for emergency repairs to the kitchen roof. The timbers were rotten and the slate roof near collapse. For the last five years AHF, with the help of an anonymous donor, has helped the nunnery with food, robes, blankets and other necessities. Three years ago we received the good news that five young nuns were joining the nunnery from Junebesi. Their lively voices and energy now fill the nunnery. Four young Sherpa nuns are also expected to join in two years time when their studies are complete in south India.
It's a tiny project and very dear to us.
Solu Khumbu, Nepal
Until three years ago, the youngest nun at Dewoche Nunnery was 65 years old. Located in the Solu Khumbu, the nunnery is off the beaten path of trekkers who visit Tengboche Monastery, unaware of the nuns practicing just down the hill.
AHF first received a handwritten request from the nuns for emergency repairs to the kitchen roof. The timbers were rotten and the slate roof near collapse. For the last five years AHF, with the help of an anonymous donor, has helped the nunnery with food, robes, blankets and other necessities. Three years ago we received the good news that five young nuns were joining the nunnery from Junebesi. Their lively voices and energy now fill the nunnery. Four young Sherpa nuns are also expected to join in two years time when their studies are complete in south India.
It's a tiny project and very dear to us.