By peter humphris | Chairperson IGWR Inc.
The situation in Nepal has deteriorated.
Since our last report, the Covid-19 situation in Nepal mirrors what we are seeing day-by-day on the news regarding India. Schools are closed, Kathmandu is in Lockdown, everything is in short supply and many families now have no income.
“On Wednesday, Nepal recorded 8,064 cases and 246 deaths from COVID-19, the highest single-day fatality, with the death toll reaching 5,657. The country now has over 480,000 total cases.” [20th May]
Looking after our 60+ children in these circumstances is proving a challenge for our team in Nepal; our board chairperson (Sunita) has Covid-19 but thankfully is recovering. Raja has also managed to bring our four students studying in India back to Nepal, and ensured testing and isolation is in place to keep them (and others) safe.
So far, we’re doing a great job looking after the children we care for and are going beyond our immediate commitments to answer calls for help from the local community in Kathmandu. The calls for help are increasing daily as the pandemic continues to multiply.
“The World Health Organization tells us that only 0.3% of Covid-19 vaccine supply is going to low-income countries. They are urging countries to consider donating vaccine to poorer nations before vaccinating children, through the Covax global vaccine sharing system. What an act of grace that would be.”
Your gifts are multiplying each and every day.
Ten years ago, some friends of IGWR sponsored a child, last year that child qualified as a doctor.
The doctor to population ratio for the whole country is 0.58 per 1000, in Australia it is 3.52 per 1000.So, the extra doctor we have brought to life in Nepal is very much what is needed now in this time of crisis, and into the future.
Your gifts make a real and ongoing difference, and as we can now see it is a life-giving difference that continues to give life.
Our older students are providing home schooling to the younger ones during the lockdown, and again it serves as a delightful example of how our giving to one has a ripple effect to others.
The lesson we’ve learnt is that we can all make a difference, it might look small to us, but it can have huge implications for others. And perhaps if we set the example, then our governments and other governments will slowly awaken to the reality that only when we are looking after everyone are we looking after ourselves.
Live for yourself and you will live in vain; Live for others, and you will live again.
Bob Marley
So, what more can we do?
The global unfolding of the Covid-19 pandemic has fuelled a disturbance in all that was previously seen as normal, and perhaps slowly we are awakening to a new perspective of ‘normal’. This awakening will take time, for it requires a global cooperation that was not a characteristic of the old normal.
But we can make a difference now, and the more help we can get, the more help we can give.
Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher, can change the world.
Malala Yousafzai
Our budget requires us to prioritise.
In the year ahead will focus on seeking more sponsors to help us meet out commitments. Our budget is $171,000 and less than 50% of that comes from regular committed sponsors.
Due to Covid restrictions and travel restrictions our capacity for fundraising initiatives is somewhat limited, however there is a rising feeling of compassion in the world and we’re optimistic that this will result in more people wanting to help and make a difference. [More details of our budget and expenses are available on our website]
And we will reach out to do more if we can.
o We have a waiting list of children in need and as new sponsors join us so we will be able to secure the schooling for those children hoping we can help them.
o We’re planning to buy one or more Oxygen Concentrators as insurance due to the lack of available medical care in Nepal. These can be used at home and be loaned out to the wider community.
o We are also making up food parcels for families that no longer have an income due to the Covid-19 crisis.
However, these initiatives are very much dependant on the generosity of those that can help and join us in our efforts to make a difference in Nepal.
Thank You for your generosity, Thank You for sharing in making a difference and Thank You for giving kids a chance.
Peter H (IGWR Inc.)
Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time.
We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.
Barack Obama
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By peter humphris | Chairperson IGWR Inc.
By peter humphris | Chairperson IGWR Inc.
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