As chilling Kathmandu winter sets in and temperatures plummet - great giving hearts have come forward to help ward off the biting cold . Ms. Larrisa Hauses donated 130 warm duvets to the camp residents. Heralding the warmth and good cheer of Christmas.
The distribution of duvets to ward away the winter chills
Residents look forward to a warm winter
Site Visit: The foundations of a mile stone in the history of Camp Hope was laid by the first ever site visit of the Vice Chairperson of the Dwarika's Foundation,Sangita Shrestha Einhaus to Tatopani, VDC Sindupalchowk one of the most impacted districts that was flattened out by the May 12th earthquake. Sangita Shrestha Einhaus, spear heading this challenging, arduous and yet rewarding task says,” Walking through the villages that had been razed to rubble and witnessing first-hand the massive destruction of the earthquake was shocking and dreadful, the destruction was inconceivable and tenfold more than that imagined by us.” The long and arduous first site visit lays the foundation of the dream project, “Our Dream Village Rebuilding Duguna Gadi Villages,” that envisions the rebuilding and restoration of 14 villages and foresees the building of 222 seismic approved and designed houses, incorporating traditional lifestyles and designs.
The destroyed embankments of the Bhote Koshi River before the village
Uphill through difficult terrain Vice Chairperson of the Dwarika’s Foundation,Sangita Shrestha Einhaus
Vice Chairperson of the Dwarika’s Foundation talking with Geologist Dr. DP Adhikari
Holy stupas in ruins after the massive earthquake
The sudden appearance of a stream on the way to Dimithang after the earthquake
The damage that has made houses uninhabitable: Mr. Rejong’s house
Villagers of Dumithang describing the earthquake to Sangita Shrestha Einhaus, the Vice Chairperson of the Dwarika’s Foundation
Wrecked and shattered houses in the village
Salvaging and rescuing what ever can be saved from the rubble
Villagers of Duguna waiting to warmly welcome the team
94 year old Ratna Bahadur Kafle, the oldest resident, welcomes the team.
Garlanded and welomed in Bhumachaur and Yarmasing , Kale, Tokey and Hienko
The shattered Tashi Darkaling monastery at Yarmasing
Sonam’s house perched at the edge of the landslide along Yarmasing
Pemba Sherpa’s house in Bhumachaur destroyed after the earthquake
One of the many temporary shelters in the village of Thansur
Victims overlooking their shattered homes with resigned acceptance
Drawings and stationery scattered inside the destroyed primary school, Shree Bhumachaur, Yarmasing
Arable culitvable land destroyed by huge cracks after the earthquake
Making way through the night surrounded by remains of the Bhote Koshi bridge
Geologist Site Survey : A significant chapter in the annals of the project, "Our Dream Village, Rebuilding Duguna Gadi Villages, "began when the first team of American geologists Robert Leanburk, Elya R Hogan and team reached the remote and devastated terrains of Tatopani VDC Sinduplachowk. The team of geologists armed with advanced technical expertise conducted a detailed survey of the area, identifying areas that would be safe for building houses as well as demarcating arable and cultivable land. A terrific start to the realization of building hamlets and breathing back life into a community that had lost it all.
Huge gorges cutting across the hills appear after the earthquake, Mr. Robert Leanburn and Dr. D.P. Adhikari surveying the site
Soil checking by geologist Roshan Raj Bhattarai
Checking the different soil types at the site in Yarmasing
Eliya R. Hogan discusses the survey with Mr. Robert Leanburk
Eliya and Roshan : Geologists surveying and marking the map
Mr. Robert Leanburk taking notes
Markings made by geologists of the various zones
Mr. Robert Leanburk and the team of geologists being assisted at the site by a team of volunteers and villagers
Fixing the pegs to demarcate land: Pedro with a volunteer from the village
Surveying the terrains in the vicinity of the villages
Taking the rock samples for analysis
The team of geologist take a group photo after concluding the survey
David Beckham, the world famous soccer champ in his short stint in Nepal and a night’s halt at Dwarika’s made time to share some quality time with the children from Camp Hope.
It was a smiling super star that the children met and warmed up to! Modest warm and spontaneous-A TRUE STAR, he charmed the young awe struck fan club of the Camp Hope.
The sparkling super smiles – David Beckham with Sangita Shrestha Einhaus, Sean Shrestha Einhaus , Pedro Quieros and the smiling campers of Camp Hope
Catching up with camp news
Spreading the Beckham Charm
Ho! ho! Ho! It’s Christmas: Camp Hope took on a global hue with the celebration of Christmas. For some campers celebrating Christmas was a brand new festival and decorating the ever green Christmas tree was even more thrilling and exciting. They celebrated Christmas with great enthusiasm, cheer and wonder, super excited to decorate their first evergreen Christmas tree with garlands and trimmings.
A fun filled day of opening gift hampers with cool watches, toys and cross word puzzles. A huge thank you and hats off to Janna Bryann - for spreading the bonds of friendship and the jolly Christmas spirit !
Children concentrate on colouring the Christmas tree trimmings
A truly special Christmas tree
Janna Bryann distributing the Christmas gifts for one and all .
Young campers greet Janna and Jasmine with traditional Khadas
Huge smiles and creative , thank you charts for the Christmas fun
Merry at the Mendes Foundation: The celebratory Christmas mood continued for the campers, this time round it was at the Mendes Foundation. Ecstatic children enjoyed a day with plenty of recreation, entertainment and great food at the Mendes foundation in Dhapakhel. A lyrical Christmas choir set the mood for the season’s greatest feast and the highest of spirits made it the perfect unforgettable Christmas for the Camp Hope children.
Fun, frolic and laughter at the play ground , Mendes Foundation Dhapakhel
A time for Christmas carols
The thrill of face painting
Jump high jump low! Fun on the trampoline
The fun continues with yummy dishes!
New Year’s Blessing: Camp Hope was bursting in the seams with people waiting for the year 2015 to end and the refreshing start of 2016.As the 31st of December, 2015 drew to an end it also marked the end of a year that unleashed a year of horrific devastation. Camp residents spent the evening reveling in the simple joys of life – love, harmony and togetherness! The evening panned out with momo making , dancing and singing with great gungho . Every camp resident wished to set aside and close the chapter of the year ,2015 and hoped to have a brighter and happier 2016.Wandering good Samaritans – giving hearts, selfless souls and inspiring individuals –Camp Hope wishes you a world of goodness and thanks you for giving and for being there with the warm assurance that –“ Love is all we need !”
Young artist Ang Tshering presents The Dwarika’s Group logo that got a creative pencil etching version to Sangita
The benevolent hand: Mrs. Ambica Shrestha , Chairperson of The Dwarika’s Foundation lends a hand in making succulent momos
Waiting for the countdown camp children in the mood for a celebration
Joyful pose as 2015 whizzes away: Rene Vijay , Sean Navin and Sangita with the young campers
Sangita lending a helping hand to wrap momos with the Dwarika’s Chef and residents of the Camp Hope
The evening sets rolling
Whirring pink skirts swirling into dances
Laughter the Best Medicine: In a string of surprise and delights that dotted the calendar this festive season, Clowns without Borders was an ingenuous addition to the fun. Miguel, Edu, Pablo the globe trotting clowns from Clowns without Borders,Spain visited the Camp Hope to spread the joy of laughter. Everyone had a great rollicking time, every creased frown smoothing into big cheerful smiles and bursting into happy laughter. Some giggling highlights of the scenes can be seen in the snapshots that we captured. Kudos- to these smiling volunteers who globe trot around the world and spread merriment. Camp Hope laughed and loved them!
Look who is clowning around: The Clowns without Borders
In rapt attention: Watching the clown act
Clowns without Borders spreading the gift of laughter
The heroes get an audience with camp pup Tusa and friends
Senior college students spend time in The Garden of Dreams and The Kaiser Café: After the completion of their final examinations six college girls and one college boy from the Camp Hope went for a unique outing to the classical historical Garden of Dreams in Thamel and the beautiful Kaiser Café. Gracious and courteous hosts, Sean Navin and Rene Vijay rolled out the red carpet welcome. After a grueling period of exams this was a welcome break for the young college students.
A great way to connect : At The Kaiser Café
Smiles light up the faces of the delighted group: Chirki and friends with Sean Navin
Posing in the enchanted garden
Futsal fever: Sports a necessity and a routine exercise in the Camp Hope encouraging discipline, confidence and team work. This time it was an enthusiastic team of young campers who sweated out in a quick paced ,exciting round of Futsal. Futsal fever has stormed its way into the hearts of the young campers and Camp Hope has quite a few Futsal champions in the making.
Practice makes perfect: Getting the Futsal moves right!
Sean Navin and Anu the futsallers!
Good Samaritans: 21 semi-permanent houses made of rebar, bamboo, mud and corrugated iron sheets were handed over to villagers who had lost their homes and had been displaced by the earthquake in Chapagaun, Lalitpur. The project an outcome of weeks of tireless labor and hard work by Portuguese volunteers of Obrigado, Portugal, finally saw its completion this December, ending with a warm and endearing program where all the children of the camp who were invited participated keenly and villagers expressed their heartfelt gratitude.
Villagers warmly welcome, The Dwarika’s Foundation, President, Mrs. Ambica Shrestha
Sangita shares a smiling frame with Pedro, Lorenzo, Maria and the villagers.
Plenty to Enjoy : Picnic fun at Chapaguan
A joyful celebration at Chapagaun : Pappu’s brothers birthday
A happy walk down hill in the country side
A rare and fun time enjoying plucking oranges.
The dance troupe entertains
Margarida, Portuguese volunteer pretty in pink shakes a leg to a folk tune
A first time experience: Watching Star Wars in 3D in Civil Mall was an “Epic Moment,” and a great source of excitement for the children. A first time treat for the children of the Camp Hope who had never watched movies in a huge screen this was thrilling and so was drinking coke and popping popcorns. The duo -Sean Navin and Rene Vijay, headed the young bubbly and excited team , every moment spent was worth every bit and epical! Kudos to the young dynamic inspiring brothers who take time out from their busy and hectic schedules and spend time with the children of Camp Hope –spreading much happiness in the lives of these young souls!
Queuing up: The countdown for Star Wars begins
Relishing some cool times: Sangita and Rene Vijay with the excited bunch
A treasured pose; Team Star Wars!
Happy Maghe Sankranti: Heritage and culture play an important role and is embedded in the fabric of the Nepali way of life. Celebration of Maghe Sankranti, a special festivity of food and bidding farewell to the winter blues came calling to the camp. The annual festival saw everyone enjoying the ritual eating of yams (tarul) and sesame sweets. This festival celebrated on the first of Magh marks the beginning of a string of auspicious and religious rituals in the Nepalese calendar and for Camp Hope we sincerely hope it heralds a great start ahead to a speedy resettlement and quick recovery.
Sugary Sesame sweets, yam(tarul) and sweet potatoes: The essential items in the Maghe Sankranti menu
Sing along time: The duo sings a favorite Nepali song
Dear friends
Thank you very much for your concern and good wishes since the devastating earthquake that took place in Nepal on 25th, April 2015. We have received an overwhelming number of emails, phone calls and messages and are are deeply touched by your concern and eagerness to help. It has given us a great deal of strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Measuring 7.8 richter, the earthquake left a profound trail of destruction in the villages surrounding Kathmandu, in Kavre District (the location of Dwarika’s Resort Dhulikhel) and Sindulpalchowk, along with many other areas of central and western Nepal. We are extremely grateful that all of our Dwarika’s Group of Hotels and Resorts and Kathmandu Travels and Tours team members are all safe. The hotel and resort have experienced only superficial damage in limited areas, which will be addressed over the coming weeks.
Many others across Nepal have not been as fortunate. To date, more than 8,000 lives have been lost, countless homes and villages destroyed. With constant after shocks and smaller earthquakes, the livelihood of Nepalese is threatened.
We have begun to do our part in rebuilding our country. After addressing the needs of our guests, staff and other tourists, we began distributing food, tents and other essential supplies to affected areas where relief had not yet reached. We have groups of staff going out to survey the needs of remote communities, then immediately helping these areas. Other staff members have been busy procuring and packing relief materials to send out. Once the immediate crisis has been managed, we intend to help people to reconstruct their homes and villages, and for this, we will need your support.
Now, the food distribution activities are lessened and have set-up a temporary settlement in Kathmandu. Camp Hope currently houses 331 displaced Nepalese from Sindhupalchowk, a region that lost almost 90% of its' homes. Since their land and homes are inhabitable, the camp is home to many villagers including the elderly, over 150 children, pregnant women and now, a newborn. We have enrolled 82 children in a nearby school and have outfitted them with school bags, books and supplies. Currently, we are in the process of assessing their land, homes and farms, in order to construct new homes for them after the monsoon season.
It is vitally important that Nepalese affected by this natural disaster are able rebuild their lives quickly, sustainably and with dignity. We have budgeted US$30,000 from our side to the fund to start things off. With the help of friends and family, we are managing the camp on our own. Due to the confusion of the Prime Ministers Relief Fund, we are not able to access any incoming disaster relief funds at the time. We are planning to rebuild the five villages that our camp is comprised of; homes, schools, health clinic, community hall and farms with ecological and sustainable building techniques that incorporate the value systems important to these communities. We would be grateful for any financial support that you could provide. For the moment we request you to gather donations, but not to send funds immediately. We will let you know as soon as the appropriate plans and processes are in place.
In the meantime, we will keeping you updated of our daily relief efforts our blog listed on the Dwarika's website. Please check it out daily for more information: www.dwarikas.com/more/blog. In time, we will write a newsletter which will share further information. Please keep Nepal in your thoughts and prayers as we work on addressing and rising from this disaster.
With deep gratitude,
Ambica Shrestha, Sangita Shrestha Einhaus, Rene Vijay Shrestha Einhaus and the entire Dwarika’s and Kathmandu Travels & Tours family
Solar Panels presented by Mr. Heiko: Mr . Heiko Grosspietsch , very thoughtful person who helped the residents of Camp Hope by donating 3 solar panels along with the water tank. The Dwarika’s Foundation is very thankful to Mr. Heiko for his kindness and concern about the people of the camp. As winter months are very cold, it will be very difficult for the elderly people and kids to take shower in cold water so fitting of solar panel is very good and warm news to all the campers.
Solar panels installed with the water tank
Solar panel Installed in the premises of Camp Hope to make life easier to campers
Winter clothing distribution at Tatopani: After a successful drive to Tatopani, it was time to distribute winter clothing and blankets to the people from 14 villages for whom the Dwarika’s Foundation is planning to build 222 houses for approximately 1240 people. There were different age group of people who came all the way from their temporary houses residing in different villages to collect the warm clothing and blankets. As seen in above pictures, they were very joyful to get the essentials from the Dwarika’s Foundation and we are extremely fulfilled to help the displaced people of Tatopani, Sindhupalchok.
Elderly lady receiving the warm clothes and blankets distributed by the Dwarika’s Foundation
People from Tatopani VDC returning to their temporary home after collecting blankets and warm winter clothes
Young boy holding the blanket and winter clothes
Happy lady receiving warm clothes and blanket for her little one and herself
Blanket Distribution from IOM: As the winter arrived in the camp, IOM arrives with the bags of blankets to keep the residents of the camp whole-hearted and cozy. The representative of the IOM Mr. Suman distributed the blankets to every individual person in the camp. The Dwarika’s foundation is extremely beholden to the IOM for the blankets handed out to our campers to be warm and blissful.
Warm blanket arrived from the IOM to keep Hope Camp warm and cozy
Geeta Karki (Camper) receiving blanket from the representative of IOM
Donation sent from Sikkim: The Dwarika’s Foundation is overwhelmingly thankful to the Yuksom Breweries and the Yuksom family of Sikkim who sent the blankets to our Hope Camp residents. We also would like to heartily thank Mr. Sudhir S. Rai for bringing the warm gift of love from all the way of Sikkim to Kathmandu for our campers.
Blanket Distribution by Mr. Sudhir S. Rai
The Dwarika’s Foundation is tremendously indebted to Mr. Barry for his generosity for thinking about our children residing in the Camp Hope. Thank you very much for providing our foundation with the donation for the computers and inverter to help our children to become computer literate. Without the support and kind-heartedness of yours and other partners, we will be unable to continue the journey of Camp Hope and other projects associated.
Our little camper Pema devoted in drawing a gift to send to Mr. Barry
The usual Saturday lunch at Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu: The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra so the 10 extraordinary children who got best results in their studies in the Camp Hope were invited in the Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu to stay on Friday night. Different types of knowledgeable activities and events are organized on Friday afternoon for the children of Hope Camp and 6 talented children (3 boys and 3 girls) are selected for the hotel stay for Friday night. These children get to spend their time with the managing director Sangita Shrestha Einhaus and interact with her about the events they participate and perform.
Top ten children of Camp Hope ready to have Saturday lunch with the president Mrs. Ambica Shrestha and Managing Director Mrs. Sangita Shrestha Einhaus of the Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu
Photography Demo in the Camp Hope: The Dwarika’s Foundation is very thankful to Mr. Jeff Greenwald for his time and again concern about our Camp Hope Children. Mr. Greenwald is a bestselling author, photographer and monologist who want to make our children camera literate and more than that, he provided Camp Hope with 6 cameras to discover the best young photographer in our camp. Furthermore, we are very grateful to one of the leading photographer of Nepal Mr. Min Bajracharya for coming in our Camp to fill the curiosity in young minds about the camera and photography. Mr. Bajracharya gave the demo explaining the different features of the camera which made all the children stay composed and fascinating.
Leading photographer Mr. Min Bajracharya delivering how to take the picture to the Camp Hope children
Losar the festive day: Traditions and festivals are the assets of Nepalese lifestyle. The festive day Losar bought cheerful smile and excitement on the face of our campers which is celebrated on the occasion of their New Year and also known as Sonam Losar. Elderly ladies in the camp got eventful in preparing Sherpa food for everyone and all the children dressed up traditionally.
Sangita and Rene Vijay in the mood of Losar celebration with the flour powdered in their face with the cheerful children of the Camp Hope
Children of the Camp Hope in their Traditional Sherpa dress on the occasion of festive day Losar
Beautiful Sherpa girls dancing in their traditional Sherpa dress( Bakhu) in the camp
Elderly ladies cooking Sherpa snack (Khapse) for the Losar