A south-west group’s push to rebuild a Nepalese village devastated by earthquake is taking an entrepreneurial turn.
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Following the earthquake that rocked the Himalayan nation in 2015, a Warrnambool-region group with connections to Nepal quickly launched a fund-raising campaign focusing on the town of Aapghari.
Since then, the south-west has raised more than $60,000 for the cause, helping bring running water to the village and build a new community centre.
Last year, group members Mukti Timilsina, Sam Johnston, Graham Arkinstall and Adam Merrick visited Aapghari. They will soon return to officially hand over the keys to the community building and impart some knowledge to help the village become self-sustaining.
Mr Johnston said the group would trek into the village on a 10-day journey they hope will help make the area a trekking destination.
“The porters we will be using will be from Aapghari. We’ll also have some guides from other parts of Nepal with us, as well as a trekking company owner… so hopefully this could turn into an alternative trekking route would bring more income to the village,” he said.
“We’re trying to put things in place that going forward will generate more income and be self-generating and not relying on anybody from Australia or anyone else going and giving them money.”
As well as tourism, the group will focus on improving agricultural practices, and maybe even launch a mango chutney industry.
Aapghari translates to “place of mangoes” and Mr Johnston said they saw the opportunity for transforming fruit that was left to fall from the trees and rot into a viable income stream for villagers.
“We also want to give the locals a little bit of knowledge and make them think about things like that which will make their agriculture more sustainable. We’re also looking at running some farm chemical safety courses, occupational health and safety, some women’s health sessions.”
Mr Johnston thanked the generosity of people across the south-west for helping get the village back on its feet.
The group initially raised $25,000 for the cause. When visiting the village they realised another $30,000 was needed to restore fresh water.
“A crowdfunding campaign raised close to the target and generous community donations brought the total to $36,000, which is terrific,” Mr Johnston said.
“Probably 100 people now are getting a meaningful supply of water, which in turn leads to more water in the house and more water for their crops and animals.”
Donations can still be made at www.chuffed.org/project/nepalopenheart
