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Current Status on Students/Projects- March 2020

Pemba flew to Lukla, walked to Kharikhola then on to Mera and finally ended his travels in Salleri. He visited all the scholarship girls and their families Pemba saw the headmasters of all the schools when possible. He reports that all the students were able to finish their “final exams” in late February before the schools closed, due to the threat of the Corona virus. Like much of the world, they will reopen at some point when it is deemed safe. The families all showed their gratitude about receiving the scholarship money. Each and every child is doing well at school. With passing grades they will be in the next level when school resumes its new session later this year. Like the rest of the world, this date is unknown.

Three sponsored students live in Kathmandu and Pemba personally sees them and learns of their progress. One of the parent’s is also being supported by her kids’ sponsor for an English education so she can get a better job.

Pemba stayed at the Mera Monastery and reports that there are currently 43 monks living there. This is slightly lower than a year or so ago, but is in keeping with the trend for fewer families to send a son to the monastery. Many families are sending their sons to local school for a better education even though they will have to pay.  Khenpo is upgrading the secular education at the monastery, including the ten computers donated by the MSP.  Pemba reports that all the monks regularly use the computers learning keyboarding (in Tibetan and English), as well as using Microsoft Word and photo-shop to write and print out classroom notices and lessons.

The Monastery understands that it will also be impacted by the pandemic at some point and will assume a “closed system” for those living there. Fortunately they can get most of their food locally, with the help of the villagers.

From Pemba Sherpa – March 30, 2020

Namaste!

How are you doing? we are all fine here and hope you and your family also fine there.

The fund sent by you and your family to the family of Dawa Phuti Sherpa has received and handed to her already. They are very thankful for the great support that you and your family have given to them.

Her first son Lopsang Dawa is going to grade 7. He is now 12 years and her 2nd younger son is going in grade 3, he is now 8 years old. Both of them are studying very well. 

Dawa Phuti also already started to go to the English class and she is very happy to go English class. Because that is the first class that she has ever attained in her life.

Due to the coronavirus,  Nepal has been a lockdown for two weeks. So all of them are staying at home. Whenever lockdown will be finished two of her son and Dawa Phuti herself will go to school. But currently, they are studying together. Her elder son is helping in the study of her mother. Dawa Phuti’s mother of kids wants to say a big thank you to you and your family for the big support. She said that the money sent by you and your family helped her very much with her two sons’ educations. Otherwise, she is not able to send her two kids in school in Kathmandu being a single parent. 

The world is suffering from coronavirus currently. So I heard that it is already spread in the USA. So please take care and be safe, with warmest regards, 

Pemba Sherpa

Lots of love to you and your family ❤️

From Nepal 🇳🇵  

Thank you. 

From Pattie Moon – March 26, 2020

Hello all!

Pemba just returned from his work in the SoluKhumbu for us. He and I spoke at length this moring via Skype. I was able to ask a lot of questions and get details on the projects. Please see the attached document for the write-up. We also talked a lot about the Corona virus impact. I will comment that Nepal is just entering the first phase of adjusting to the pandemic. All international flights are cancelled, all international visitors are gone, Mt Everest is closed and so is the general trekking season.  Needless to say, this will cause a huge  gap in income for many, especially the Sherpas, both in Kathmandu and in the SoluKhumbu. The country reports no positive cases yet, but then they are just starting testing and that will take awhile to confirm. I’m not entirely clear on whether they are “socially distancing” yet or not, but Pemba commented that that will be hard to do in a country of such close relationships. Many people are fleeing KTM for the mountains, and that in itself could have a positive effect.  

Best to you all, and stay healthy! 

Pattie