By Jamie Clearfield | Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
In the days following the April 2015 earth, Dr. Sanduk Ruit, Nepal’s leading ophthalmologist and co-founder of the Himalayan Cataract Project, remarked,
“This is one of the worst natural disasters in my lifetime. There are thousands who have been left homeless in many parts of Nepal where life is much more difficult…We at Tilganga and the Nepalese people are moved by your generosity, faith, and love for the work we are doing.”
18 months later, the Himalayan Cataract Project and Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO) continue to be amazed and moved by our donors’ support, faith and love. Over the course of this project, nearly $12,000 were raised by our Global Giving donors allowing the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology relief teams to deliver critical food aid and temporary shelter to 8 of the hardest hit regions in Nepal. Over 170,000 lbs. of food were delivered throughout rural Nepal as well as basic supplies including 2,600 tarps for temporary shelter, medicine, oral rehydration solution, soap, and flashlights. Tilganga’s own doctors and staff dedicated their time and energy to delivering these critical necessities to the villages they know so well through their ophthalmologic work.
Following the initial relief, TIO continued with phase II of its recovery plan – the repairing of damaged Community Eye Centers and building of temporary shelters in three of the hardest hit regions. This includes repairs to the Dolakha Community Eye Center and construction of a landslide retaining wall to prevent further damage in the event of future earthquakes or natural disasters. Over 110 temporary living shelters were completed to provide housing for local residents. Tilganga also provided reconstruction grants to members of its own staff who lost their houses in the earthquake to allow staff the ability to rebuild or move.
Tilganga will continue to lead the way for Nepal’s reconstruction – the work is far from over. However, the past 18 months has demonstrated the strength of the Nepalese people and their remarkable ability to overcome challenges. The Himalayan Cataract Project and Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology greatly appreciate the support of all our donors in ensuring a stronger Nepal and will continue to live up to your generosity, faith, and love through our ongoing work in Nepal and throughout the world.
By Jamie Clearfield | Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
By Jamie Clearfield | Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
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