Home and Community for Orphans in Nepal

A disastrous earthquake in an already impoverished country followed by a one-two punch of water-shortage and devastating rains. And then, top it off with yesterday's quake and the seemingly never-ending aftershocks.... What can a small organization or a few individuals do?

When the first quake hit, the Chhatrapati Free Clinic was well prepared, positioned on the ground and already working to help victims. They have been involved in earthquake preparedness for the last 15 years! GFV's initial response was funding support this great organization. Shortly thereafter team efforts were being mobilized throughout the country as well, and there were additional critical problems to address, like protection from the elements, water and food for the survivors. The Chhatrapati Clinic handled all "our" funding, first for their immediate emergency use (and also for safekeeping), while together we decided on the most immediate and effective way we could contribute to the relief efforts. We distributed the money to the most effective and trusted groups that were concerned with getting aid to areas not being addressed by the government or large organizations. For example, aside from medicine and first aid materials for the clinic and local distribution, we donated funding for supplies to help a volunteer group that was searching for tarps and sewing them to make temporary tent-like shelters for immediate distribution to the remote areas where thousands were without shelter from the heavy rains. We supplied large quantities of rice and other food to remote villages, and just before the second quake we helped send out relief packages to families in remote areas that were still waiting to receive aid. As previously mentioned, the Bungamati Cooperative Society school building was badly damaged and not salvageable. We committed to pay for partition walls for a new temporary shelter so that the school can open for classes next week. The partitions will later be incorporated into an earthquake-safe building. It's important for the children to normalize their lives as soon as

I feel honored that I was here in time to help oversee the funding allotment on your behalf. I felt and appreciated your support in all ways. At this point, all the funding for the first response has been allocated.

Today's headline in the Nepali newspaper Republica, 'Psychological disorder rampant among people post-quake'. This is especially true for the children, and critical because it affects every single child in the country! Now we need to concentrate our efforts on their recovery. In this regard GFV will shift its focus to concentrate on the children, and from here-on-in, funds received by GFV will be directed by us toward the emotional healing, heath and safety of the children who have been so traumatized. We are collaborating with others to create and distribute relevant programs to help teachers, parents and children overcome. And, no surprise, additional funding is needed! Thank you so much for your continued support.

Namaste.

Freema Davis and the Boards of GFV and GFV-Nepal

* Thank you to Brian Sokol for allowing us to show his incredible photograph. www Briansokol.com