The earthquake that centered on Sikkim a few days ago has killed around 50 people in Sikkim and another 30 or so in the adjacent Darjeeling district, and also Nepal.
Fortunately, we have had no reports of deaths or damage in the schools we support in the area.
The Himalayas are an earthquake zone, and most of the buildings are not earthquake proof.
I think HELP is the volunteer organization that I looked for for a long time. It is the most easily accessible and responsive organization I found on the web. I really like the self donation to the school and how independent it requires its volunteers to be, unlike many other organizations.
HELP is rare for an organisation offering volunteer teaching in that it puts the needs of the local people before the desires of the western person wanting ‘the experience’.
Volunteering with HELP offers all the good things of working with a small, personal organisation: in-depth local knowledge from the HELP organisers, and the feeling that one is doing something for the first time.
I want to let you know that I have looked at a lot of volunteer organizations since I did your program and you have (as far as I can tell) one of the best. I really like how much you personally care about each volunteer and each school.
By becoming a HELP volunteer in India or Nepal you will be able to make a direct, personal contribution to the education of young Himalayan people. In so doing, you will be having an unforgettable experience in a new and fascinating world.
I think it’s a great organization. I’m really impressed with how small and focused on each project HELP is.
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