GORKHALY FOUNDATION Nepal Earthquake Relief and Rebuilding Efforts Impact Report
Contents
- Who We Are
- Facts about the Nepal Earthquake
- Our Focus - #RebuildBarpak Campaign
- Proud Winner of the NatGeo's Great Energy Challenge Grant (US$70,000)
- Our Strategy and Impact - For Barpak
- Our Impact - Other Villages in Nepal
- Our 2015 Fundraising Efforts
- Gorkhaly Foundation Financial overview
- Support Us in 2016!
- Our Partners
- Support Nepal through Tourism
1. Who We Are
Gorkhaly Foundation, a US based volunteer group, is a proud partner of the global collaborative campaign ‘Nepal Rising’ led by Nepal Ko Yuwa, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since 2012, the volunteer group has been actively working with grassroot organizations in the United States and Nepal and has supported several development projects focused on Nepal. In response to the 2015 earthquakes, the group has committed to dedicate its mission to long term recovery and rebuilding efforts. This will be the main mandate for the coming years. Continue reading to learn more about the Foundation's 2015 efforts.
2. Facts about the Nepal Earthquake
Devastating earthquakes of 7.6 M struck Nepal on April 25, 2015 and 7.3 M on May 12, 2015. The resulting destruction and damages were as follows:
- Number of fatalities: 8,659
- Number of Injuries: Over 100,000
- Number of people still displaced: Over 95,100
- Number of people affected: 5.8 million
- Number of people in need of food assistance: More than 1.4 million
- Number of health facilities damaged: Over 1,000
- Number of homes destroyed: Over 500,000
3. Our Focus - #REBUILDBARPAK Campaign
Envisioning an inspirational success story for all remote and rural communities in Nepal.
Barpak Village, in Gorkha district of Western Nepal, was at the epicenter of the 7.6 M earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015. Before the earthquake, Barpak was a prosperous and self-reliant village with 24-hour electricity, thriving local businesses and agro community, and connected to the rest of the world through the internet. Barpak was a rural electrification success story, with a 130 kW micro-hydro plant that powered the homes, the local businesses and served as the backbone of the village infrastructure.
Resulting from the earthquake, the village suffered insurmountable loss and damages. About 95% of the 1200 homes in Barpak were destroyed as well as its infrastructure. Barpak's schools, health posts, food mills, and local businesses were severely affected.
Together with Mr. Bir Bahadur Ghale, we launched the “Rebuild Barpak” campaign in the aftermath of the earthquake. Mr. Bir Bahadur Ghale is an Ashoka Fellow and the energy access entrepreneur behind Barpak’s success. With over 20 years of contribution to the micro-hydro sector, Mr. Ghale has supported more than 60 micro-hydro projects across Nepal and is a reputed social entrepreneur.
As we step into the new year, we will continue to work towards rebuilding Barpak and with the hope that Barpak will remain an inspirational success story and a shining example for all remote and rural communities in Nepal.
4. Proud Winner of NatGeo's Great Energy Challenge Grant (US$70,000)
Gorkhaly Foundation, in collaboration with Mr. Bir Bahadur Ghale, recently secured a grant of $70,000 from National Geographic Society.
Prior to the earthquake, Barpak had a 130 kW Micro Hydropower (MHP) that provided affordable electricity to households, and rural enterprises serving Barpak and adjoining villages. After 25 years of successful operation, MHP and several enterprises were severely damaged by the earthquake, and its recurring aftershocks.
We are excited to announce that Gorkhaly Foundation, in collaboration with Mr. Bir Bahadur Ghale, has secured a US$70,000 grant from the National Geographic Society. The grant will support rehabilitation and upgrade of the micro hydro system as well as restoration of innovative enterprises in Barpak. The MHP will be operational by March/April 2016.
5. Our Strategy and Impact - For Barpak
Working on a long-term rebuilding strategy in partnership with Bir Bahadur Ghale and the locals. 80% of the funds raised go towards Barpak.
MEDIUM TERM: AIMING FOR SELF - RELIANCE
- On May 25th, Gorkhaly Foundation delivered ‘Urja’ a 50kVA diesel generator to the village of Barpak. This generator has been supporting the village’s immediate electrification needs such as supplying electricity to run the village’s food mill and saw mill, directly supporting lighting for temporary shelters, health posts, local businesses and temporary schools.
- In the coming weeks, we will be donating part of the funds raised for the purchase of an ambulance. The ambulance will support the medical needs of the villagers in Barpak and neighboring villages.
- We are also currently helping a local school secure land for the rebuilding of the village's lower secondary school that was destroyed by the earthquake. We hope to help secure land by March 2016, and in collaboration with a Korean Foundation support the construction of the school.
- Relief support: We are evaluating opportunities to support the current medical and relief needs for victims resulting from the effects of the winter and the ongoing crises.
After the earthquake, we were in total darkness as we had no electricity. Since the arrival of the generator, our daily chores have become a lot easier.
-Sanu Maya Gurung, Local Resident, Barpak
LONG-TERM: INFRASTRUCTURE REBUILDING STRATEGY
- $70K grant from NatGeo to help help rehabilitate the micro-hydro facility in Barpak.
- Continue supporting business planning and proposal writing exercises.
- Continue helping local partners make necessary connections with potential investors abroad.
- Collaborate with reputed partners on projects similar to the secondary school rebuilding project.
6. Our Impact - Other Villages in Nepal
Providing immediate relief in other rural parts of Nepal. 20% of the funds raised support our work in other villages in Nepal.
In partnership with Nepal ko Yuwa, Magnus Consulting Group and other local partners, we supported the following relief efforts in 2015 in the aftermath of the earthquake:
KUMPUR VILLAGE, DHADING DISTRICT
- Distributed tarps to 120 families to protect them from the Monsoon season.
- Distributed tarps to schools to provide temporary shelter for schools.
- Total number of family members impacted – 465
- Total number of children Impacted – 245
OKHERPAUWA, NUWAKOT DISTRICT
- Distributed 60 Tarps for 60 families
- Distributed Kitchen necessities (70 sets of pots and pans, spatula and cooking oil)
- 25 Health Kits for women (Including combs, soaps, washing buckets and medicine)
- Total number of family members impacted – 445
- Total number of children impacted – 225
BIGU VDC, DOLKHA DISTRICT
- Distributed funds for the purchase of 7 CGI (Corrugated Galvanised Iron) sheets for 7 temporary shelters
7. Our Fundraising Efforts
See Next Section for details on some of the fundraising events
- Ongoing online individual fundraising via PayPal
- Fundraising drive at Dupont Circle Festival (2nd May 2015)
- Dine for Nepal (15th May 2015)
- Fundraising drive by the Boardwalk in Ocean City, MD (6th June 2015)
- Open Mic Happy Hour - Every last Thursday of the month since July 2015 (Will continue in 2016)
- Voyage to Shangri-la: Concert for Nepal (9th October 2015)
- Marine Corp Marathon - #Run4Nepal (25th October 2015)
OPEN MIC @ LE MIRCH DC (LAST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH)
Every last Thursday of the month, Gorkhaly Foundation in association with Le Mirch Restaurant Washington DC hosts an Open Mic to encourage Nepali and non-Nepali artists in the community to showcase their talent. Le Mirch donates portion of its profit from the event to our earthquake rebuilding efforts.
Open Mic Thursdays, started in July 2015, and we just hosted our latest Open Mic on January 28, 2016. Event includes performances and a provides a platform for budding artists to showcase their talents and, of course , Happy Hour deals on drinks and awesome Nepali food!
DINE FOR NEPAL
WASHINGTON DC: May 15, 2015 – Chef Doug Alexander of Art & Soul, Willard InterContinental and Gorkhaly Foundation hosted a dinner event to rebuild Barpak. This event managed to raise over 7K at the event by 100 plus well-wishers.
Over 100 residents of the nation’s capital came together to support Nepal, the country that experienced a devastating earthquake in late April, by participating in Dine for Nepal hosted by Art and Soul restaurant, the Willard InterContinental and Gorkhaly Foundation at the Mess Hall in Brookland, NE DC on Friday, May 15, 2015. Chef Alexander worked with a team of talented Nepali including Chef Arjun Ranabhat of Willard InterContinental and Shiva Nepal from Art and Soul. Art and Soul servers Kiran, Hari Shiva, Arjun served dinner – all of whom are Nepali living abroad and have families in Nepal impacted by the earthquake. Volunteers of the Gorkhaly Foundation supported the event, and expressed deep appreciation to the hosts and the community for their participation and support. Proceeds from the event were donated to Gorkhaly Foundation’s mission to rebuild the village of Barpak.
VOYAGE TO SHANGRI-LA: CONCERT FOR NEPAL
WASHINGTON DC: October 9th, 2015 - Gorkhaly Foundation organized a fundraising concert to raise funds for the foundation’s on-going efforts in Nepal
Gorkhaly Foundation organized a fundraising concert featuring Nepal’s #1 Rock Band Albatross, Diwas Gurung and other local artists to raise funds for the foundation’s on-going efforts in Nepal. The concert took place on October 9th 2015 at the State Theater, Virginia. The concert was well attended with over 500 attendees including His Excellency Ambassador from Nepal to United States, Dr. Arjun Karki. During the concert the foundation honored the brave VA-TF1 international urban search and rescue team and Team Rubicon for their relief efforts after the devastating Nepal Earthquake.
40TH MARINE CORPS MARATHON
WASHINGTON DC: October 25th, 2015 – Gorkhaly Foundation’s volunteers participated in the 40th Marine Corps Marathon to raise funds for the foundation’s on-going rebuilding efforts.
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM), also known as “The People’s Marathon”, is the fourth largest marathon in the United States, and takes place annually in the DMV area. This year Gorkhaly Foundation had six runners running and raising funds to support our rebuilding efforts in Nepal. Shriyam Dhakal, Rodger L Johnson, Pradeep Rajbhandari, Signor Rana, Shakti Regmi, and Suman Silwal were the volunteers who ran the full marathon, and also managed to successfully raise over US$13,000.
8. Gorkhaly Foundation Financial Reporting
Promoting transparency, accountability and sustainability
Accountability and transparency are two important elements of a good governance. Transparency is a powerful force that, when consistently applied, can help fight corruption, improve governance and promote accountability. We, at Gorkhaly Foundation, strongly believe and promote transparent financial reporting. Please see our expense report below.
Since we are all volunteer run organization we have no overhead cost.
9. Support Us in 2016!
A mammoth task lies ahead for Nepal and its people, one that calls for collective action and long-term engagement encompassing relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts. Help us Rebuild Nepal. Please support us by donating or attending one of our upcoming events!
You can donate by visiting www.gorkhaly.org or mail a check payable to “Nepal Ko Yuwa”. All your donations are Tax Deductible. Once we have received your donation, upon request, we can send you the EIN information for Tax Deduction. Please mail the check to the following address:
Gorkhaly Foundation
3007 James Street
Fairfax, VA 22031
10. Our Partners
11. Support Nepal through Tourism
Nestled among the Himalayas, Nepal is uniquely endowed with diverse natural and cultural resources and an incomparably rich cultural heritage and history. Strategically located between two fastest growing countries of China and India, tourism in Nepal is instrumental in spreading benefits and providing alternative economic opportunities to rebuild and sustain Nepal’s economy. Now is a perfect time to visit Nepal, and we hope you will!