On Saturday April 25, 2015, Nepal was hit by a magnitude-7.8 quake near the capital of Kathmandu flattening homes, buildings and temples, causing widespread damage across the region and killing more than 3,800 people.
On Saturday April 25, 2015, Nepal was hit by a magnitude-7.8 quake near the capital of Kathmandu flattening homes, buildings and temples, causing widespread damage across the region and killing more than 3,800 people. The death toll is expected to rise as the full extent of the damage is assessed. A seemingly endless series of aftershocks continues to traumatize survivors. Residents huddled in the cold rain overnight for safety. The quake was the strongest in the region in more than 80 years.
As we hear stories from our loved ones in Nepal and watch the monuments and sacred temples we grew up with rendered to dust, we feel hopeless but also determined to help rebuild Nepal. After several meetings and brainstorming sessions with various groups working to provide relief on the ground, we have launched this fundraising effort with the following approach:
#1 A team from Sahayeta.org will lead an on-the-ground needs assessment to evaluate effective approaches to help with recovery efforts, especially in and around the epicenter, where almost 90% of homes have been destroyed. Funds raised will not go towards the travel cost for the team. 100% of proceeds will go towards reconstruction efforts.
After our assessment, majority of our resources will go to aiding local grassroots organizations that would not traditionally receive money from large donors. These could include schools, women’s group, youth groups, farmers and others who are working on the ground and delivering the most impact.
#2 Urgent relief efforts: Sahayeta.org is partnering with individuals and organizations in the Bay Area, Nepal and India to send food, clean water, tents, medicine etc. to make an immediate impact.
#3 Public health and safety: coming monsoons will have a profound effect – we will be partnering with public health organizations and local hospitals to support the mitigation of infectious diseases and public safety issues. This could be through
Providing safe water drinkingMedical equipment andRaising awareness and providing education
#4 Long term rebuilding efforts:
1.Rebuilding Schools
2.Offering scholarships for students facing hardship
3.Rehabilitation help through access to physical therapy
4.Creating economic opportunities for marginalized communities who have lost their sources of livelihoods