A MOUNTAINEER from Wirral is raising funds to help rebuild two schools in a Nepalese village that were destroyed by earthquakes and needs Globe readers' support.
Tony Arden, from Heswall, has visited Nepal on many occasions and became captivated by the magnificence of its mountains and the warmth of its people.
On hearing news of the earthquake disaster, father-of-two Tony was compelled to do whatever he could to help rebuild the lives of the Nepalese, especially those living in the remote areas.
He packed his gear and headed to Nepal. His guide, Mohan Lamsil of Makalu Adventure, Kathmandu was there at the airport to greet him.
They headed to the small, remote village of Taruka, approximately 50 km west of Kathmandu. The village lies in the foothills of the Himalaya.
What Tony and Mohan saw was heartbreaking.
Houses had collapsed and many families were homeless, living in make-shift shelters of plastic sheeting supported by fragile bamboo frames.
Tony Arden with school children in Taruka
Tony told the Globe: "Although many homes and livelihoods were destroyed following the earthquake, the villagers were more concerned about their children’s education. Without education, the future of their children is uncertain.
"I returned from my visit humbled by their determination and I’m reaching out to the people of the Wirral to give as much as they can to help rebuild the village schools in Taruka."
During his stay in the village, Tony saw the children taking classes outside the ruined schools, using a number of desks that had been pulled from the rubble.
The sun was beating down on them but they seemed incredibly resilient and concentrated on their school work.
Children studying outside ruined school in Taruka
Tony recalled: "The principals and teachers of the two schools did their best to bring a sense of normality and discipline of education.
Tony remembers the day he handed out the few gifts he took for the children - pencils, writing pads, bats and balls.
Children waiting to receive gifts from Tony
He said: "I was nervous that the gifts would be disappointing and might appear insignificant in the context of their on-going struggle. To my relief, the children were very excited by them.
"Most of the children appeared shy; they wore clothes that were almost beyond use. Their prospects were difficult before the earthquake, but now seem impossible.
"When he asked how the children had been since the earthquake; the teachers were only able to describe them as being ‘different’.
"But despite the hardships, the loss of homes, and in some cases, the loss of friends and family, I was only ever asked if I could help the village rebuild its schools.”
Primary school devastated by earthquake
Children passing damaged homes on their way to school
Leaving Taruka, Tony felt privileged to have shared this experience with the villagers. He was moved by the warm welcome he received from a community that was still reeling from tragic events.
Children gather as rice is distributed to the village
Recalling the trip, he said: "I'm now clear on what the villagers need and confident that with the help of family, friends and the Wirral community, we could make a significant contribution to the lives of the children in Taruka.
"Please help me raise money to rebuild the two schools and stock them with much needed educational resources. £25,000 is needed to build each school.
"So far, almost £9,000 has been raised and plans are currently being made to lay the foundations.
To support Tony's fundraising efforts, visit gofundme.com/Children-of-Taruka
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