In light of the recent 7.9 magnitude earthquake that shook the entire Nepal valley on 25th April, it’s our collective responsibility to not only make sure we send our help across to the country, but to also make sure that it reaches its most reliable destination.
In the absence of direction from the government, the ordinary Nepalese folk took it upon themselves to find out where and what help was needed. Social service organisations are mobilising themselves into timely action. These locals have brought hope to those of us (like you and me) who wish to contribute but for lack of any ideas find ourselves powerless. There are a number of global organizations deployed, but we strongly recommend you are in direct contact with the guys handling your assistance. Here are some organizations you could hit up:
1. Bibeksheel Nepali – a youth-led political group (founded in 2009) – has been doing astounding work in terms of mobilising volunteers and funds on the ground. Visit their Facebook page to get an idea of the gigantic task that they have willingly undertaken.
Their founder, Mr. Ujwal Thapa, can be found HERE and/or followed HERE They are open to donations. click HERE to donate.
2. Chhimi Syamgar Youth Committee (CSYC)– is a non-profit, non-political and non-governmental social institution. Established in 2008, CSYC is active in the villages of Chhimi, Syamgyar and Cyungche, in Helambu region of Sindhupalchok District (population: 287,798), which has been one of the worst affected districts in Nepal. In the wake of the earthquake, the local youth from these villages have been on the ground organising rescue operations and providing relief in form of food, temporary shelter and medical aid.
Mr. Chesang Lama is the person in charge of raising funds for CSYC. You can check his Facebook for daily updates on their relief work.
3. Daman Pakhrin Memorial Academy (DPMA)– is a politically-supported social organisation. It was established in 1998 and is focussed mainly on rural development. DPMA is working to provide relief for the villages of Dhading (population: 336,067), Nuwakot (population: 277,471) and Sindhupalchok districts in Nepal. Presently, they are working together with Child Protection Nepal in the event of the earthquake disaster.
Bijeta Gurung, is involved with both these organisations. You can check DPMA’s Facebook page HERE:
You can send relief material to Nepal without any customs charged. Here is how it needs to be done:
TO SEND:
1. The one sending the relief material has to send it to a social organization it can be NGO, INGO or a registered community club.
2. Please have the name and address written or printed clearly.
TO RECEIVE:
1. The receiving organization needs to be a social organization as stated above.
2. The receiving organization needs to bring a letter in their stamped letter head stating the purpose of the relief material and where they will distribute it. They will also need to submit cargo list or packing list.
3. They need to declare the total worth of the relief item and sign a contract stating how and where it will be distributed.
4. After the distribution, the social organization needs to make a report of distribution and get it approved by the local governing body at the distributed area, can be police, army or any government authority. Nepal customs will then follow up on the issue later with the local bodies and in case the local body will not be able to provide authentic letter, total custom of that consignment will be charged to the local social organization. (In case of any problem, please get all documents ready and call Nishant Shrestha on 00977 9801122000 and 00977 9851021000)
Here is a sample:
Tarpaulins are large sheets of strong, flexible, water-resistant canvases that are serving as temporary homes for the affected and are in seriously short supply in Nepal.
The monsoon season is upon us in 6 weeks and the need for tents is urgent as many children still remain exposed to the elements in the remote villages of Nepal. Let’s not limit ourselves to prayers and hopes just yet.
Disclaimer: This is not a definitive list of sources that has been compiled above. It has been put together after a combination of research and personal contact and if you happen to know any more local organizations doing the same, feel free to leave your suggestions in the comment section below, upon which, the list will be updated.