COVID – 19 is the worst pandemic in more than 100 years, with over 41 million cases of Covid – 19 and 1.1 million deaths Globally. Nepal has it’s own share of bad news with more than 1.15 million infected cases and over 12 thousand deaths. 
Limited Nepal Government resources was stretched to the limit, despite the assistance received from the donor countries. Well established organizations in Nepal played their part in helping Covid affected people.
With the most generous donation from Dame Joanna Lumley DBE FRGS the Himalayan Gurkhas Rotary Club organized a distribution of Face Masks and Hand Sanitizers to many schools (14 schools in total) in Lamjung, Kaski and Syangja Districts of West Nepal.
The team lead by Major Lilbahadur GURUNG, MBE visited all schools in the districts mentioned and gave away Face Masks and Hand Sanitizers in each school. The school management committee members, Head Teachers, teachers and the locals were present to receive their much-needed COVID-19 safety materials.
The quantities of Facemasks and sanitizers distributed are as follows:
- Facemask: Qty 6 per teacher and per child.
- Sanitizer: Qty 5ltrs jar per 30 children (appx)
In each distribution point the local Ward chairman, the chairman of school management committee or Head teacher thanked Dame Lumley for her continued support to thousands of school children in the remote hills of Nepal.
The speakers also thanked Rotary club of THE HIMALAYAN GURKHAS for their sterling work for the needy people of the remote hills of Nepal.
The covid-19 safety materials were distributed to total 3,977 number of students and 238 teachers in 14 schools of Syangja, Kaski and Lamjung. Total 29,290 pieces of facemasks and 117 jar (5 Ltr in a jar) of Sanitizers were distributed.
The Face Masks are made of three layers and are water resistance. They are re-washable and reusable and are suitable for indoor and outdoor activities, including physical activities. The distribution of face masks and hand sanitizers was the need of the day as the Government, time and again were unable to help schools of their requests due to lack of funds available at a local level.
Ms Joanna Lumley has become a household name in the remote hills of Nepal. Her contribution is praised by many Nepalese across the country as well as those living overseas.
Distribution of free Face Masks and Hand Sanitizers was one of the most self-satisfying projects ever taken by The Himalayan Gurkhas. For the project team there was a high risk of catching COVID -19, however, the trip was a risk worth taking. I on behalf of all the beneficiary schools, teachers, students, and parents I would like to thank Dame Lumley for her most generous assistant. Her most generous donation has helped save many school children’s and teachers lives from COVID-19.
