Tis the Season
The kindness of strangers is something that touches all of us and we at First Steps Himalaya never cease to be astounded by kind gestures from people we may never meet. Thank you so much for donating to our cause so generously.
This year has been a challenging one for all of us, yet so many people contributed to the work of First Steps Himalaya. With your continued support we can do so much more to change the lives of young children and their communities in rural Nepal.
We would like to share news of some of the incredible people who donated so generously this year.
Hilary Gordon and the Ythan Rotary Club
Long time supporter, Hilary Gordon at the Rotary Club of Ythan Valley in north east Scotland gathered contributions from Rotary clubs in her district to support our Leadership Training Programme. This training empowers head teachers and community leaders to improve their schools.
Founder Durga Aran with Hilary Gordon when they met in Scotland.
Durga Aran delivering Leadership Training to head teachers and deputy head teachers in Nuwakot recently.
Court Construction Ltd
The fabulous team at Court Construction Ltd on Auckland’s North Shore, NZ launched their fundraising campaign ahead of Earthbag Build 2023. They have already raised NZ$23,265 and there are still nine months left before they head to Nepal with their team of volunteer builders. In fact, since they commenced support to First Steps Himalaya in May 2014, this dedicated team has raised a staggering NZ$231,437 for improving school infrastructure and teaching in rural Nepal. This is absolutely incredible.
A special thank you to some of the corporate sponsors who have supported the Court’s fundraising again this year, many of which have donated multiple times over the years. Thank you Nebulite, JBS Electrical, Royale Kitchens, Opening Doors, Auckland Outdoor and Auckland’s Finest Painters.
The incredible Court Construction team have already constructed five earthbag buildings for schools. They will be back in again in 2023 to build in Nuwakot!
Atomic Sky Pvt
We were thrilled to have the support of Australian based Atomic Sky Pvt who funded the first year of our Menstrual Hygiene Programme in Sindhupalchok as well as supporting a school with a teacher salary and training. Support like this is invaluable, we are so grateful. Find out more about tailored corporate sponsorship here.
Resource making workshop as part of teacher training in November 2022.
Girls gather with their teacher and our facilitator to talk about issues surrounding menstruation at Kadambas school.
Girls at Jitpur learn about the facts around menstruation from our facilitator.
Leena and Alpesh
Weddings are always a joyous occasion but when bride and groom Leena and Alpesh decided to replace the traditional wedding favours with a donation to First Steps Himalaya we were thrilled and humbled by the kind gesture.
Leena and Alpesh on their special day
To find out more about supporting First Steps Himalaya at a wedding, click here
Ganesh Bahadur and Bupendra Kumari fund
This year saw the launch of a fund to remember Durga’s parents who wanted the best for all children in their area. The Ganesh Bahadur and Bupendra Kumari fund was generously kickstarted by donations from kind supporters and many of the Aran family around the world. Just under $7,000 was raised. This will be invested with the interest each year supporting children at Golma Devi Secondary School in Jitpur, Durga’s home village.
Our Friends of First Steps Himalaya support us each month and are very special to us. Your regular support allows our team to plan for the months and years ahead.
Charity eCards
With Christmas approaching, surprise your friend, family member or colleague with a beautiful charity eCard and make a donation of any amount on their behalf.
Our charity gift cards are easy, environmentally friendly and make a real difference in the lives of rural Nepali children!
