The deadly earthquake that hit Nepal on the 25th of April, 2015, measured 7.9 on the Richter scale and was the worst natural calamity since the 1934 Nepal-Bihar earthquake. It devastated the country, triggering multiple avalanches, destroying centuries old UNESCO World Heritage sites, killing more than 7000 people and injuring more than 17000. Aftershocks rippled through the country, with a second quake happening in eastern Nepal on the 12th of May. This quake measure 7.3 on the Richter scale. At least 32 people were killed and 1000 people were injured.
The Lions Club of Pokhara Annapurna has requested the support of all our friends, stakeholders and supports for reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts for those badly affected by the earthquakes. Many have come up with huge amounts of funding at our request. Our long-term mission is to offer collective support towards the rebuilding efforts of the affected communities .
We have begun by building a primary school building, containing four classrooms, for the Panchakoshi Lower Secondary School. This building totally collapsed in the quake. Students were studying under temporary shelters built by Nepali youth volunteers.
We originally planned to finish this project within forty five days, but due to monsoon flooding, the road was washed away and the project completion was delayed. However, we have finally completed this school, with handover occurring on the 5th of December, 2015. The program was inaugurated by the Chief District Education Officer, Mr Bishnu Prasad Adhikari. He has commented that the Lions Club of Pokhara Annapurna has proved that social work is religious for needy people. The school principal and the school management committee gave their thanks. Children can now study inside, protected from the cold season.
Our past president and relief work coordinator has expressed thanks to those who have donated funds towards this school. Without their support, we would not have been able to complete this project. The program was presided over by our club president, Lion Krishna Prasad Shrestha.
While we would like to do a lot more to support the villages in need, in reality, all our endeavours depend on how much funding we can raise. Your support means a lot, especially at this very difficult time. We are grateful to everyone for their generosity. If you are able to support us, please do.
