The diverse landscapes are home to an equally diverse collection of ethnicities, languages, religions, and traditions. As one journeys from the lower foothills' majority-Hindu communities, and higher upwards into the remote mountain regions, the demographics slowly transition into smaller Buddhist villages of Tibetan (and similar) descent, like the famed Sherpa people living under the watchful eyes of Mt. Everest.
While most visitors are drawn to the allure of epic adventure and awe-inspiring views from the ceiling of the world, Nepal's poverty is inescapable along the journey. Although it is possible to remain sheltered in the relative comforts offered in the capital, Kathmandu, inevitably one's eyes open to reveal a country struggling with economic and political instability.
Indeed, a quick stroll off the beaten path to Kathmandu's international "NGO neighborhoods" reveals an impressive network of foreign agencies entrenched in an effort to support Nepal's fragile situation... many of the logos emblazoned on rows of offices and fenced compounds are immediately familiar: the United Nations, Unicef, World Bank, Peace Corps, Save The Children, and hundreds of others, large and small... are all there, hard at work.
Many of the efforts are aimed at primary education, attempting to boost the population's estimated 48% literacy rate. Other programs find creative solutions to widespread poverty and an estimated 46% unemployment rate. Examples of success and entrepreneurship are everywhere, from the Kathmandu valley's universities and factories, to the porters and guides leading the way for Himalayan explorers... but the vast majority fights for access to education, skills training, and even basic utilities others may often take for granted.
And that's where our little group comes in. Even if our efforts are a small drop in the bucket, the age-old mantra of "leave it a better place than you found it" is the sentiment driving us forward, with hopes of a sustainable, measurable impact.
No comments:
Post a Comment