"We never know the worth of water until the well is dry" - Water for Nepal

Namaste from Nepal beautiful people,

It has been almost one year since a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal and killed nearly 9,000 people. Unfortunately, there are thousands of Nepali people still living in makeshift shelters, with no electricity and what is most concerning, poor access to water.

For the people of Barkobot village, Sindhupalchowk district, they know firsthand the daily struggles that have ensued since the earthquake. Sindhupalchowk was the worst hit region, with over 80,000 homes destroyed and 95% rendered inhabitable.

The main water source in Barkobot village dried up after the earthquake. Now the 470 villagers have to collect water from a tiny pipe that literally trickles out – taking over an hour to fill a 20L container. This water is for drinking, bathing and cooking. *Click on the 'gallery' link above for photos and more info on Barkobot village post-earthquake*.

What started out as a small project to help the villagers of Barkobot has now grown to include the neighbouring villages.. In total, 2200 people (550 homes). Even though it means we need to raise more money, it is fantastic news for us. Since our involvement everyone has decided to work together, which is great!

Working with my dear friend Bishal’s recently established not-for-profit organisation, Supporting Hands Nepal, we are trying to raise $70,000 NZD ($48,000 USD). For a breakdown of costs, please see below*.

The villagers have already started the project, using the money they have saved as a collective. They have said to us simply .. What ever money you can fundraise for us will be so appreciated. But we want to raise it all for them, and we will!

We know it is a lot of money and that it will take time but with our help this project can be completed so much faster. And besides, the time will continue to pass regardless, while these people struggle every day.

And of course, getting this project off the ground has been made so much easier with the help of Supporting Hands Nepal. Like any company that is for profit, or not for profit, the workers need to be paid. So a small fraction of the money raised $1500 NZD ($1000 USD) will be used to pay the seven members of the NPO – the only ones being paid for this project.

There are absolutely no fee’s (including no credit card fee’s) charged to you (the donors) OR the recipients, as the costs are covered by the Spark Foundation NZ (it's good to be a Kiwi!)

*The total cost of the project is $146,000 NZD ($100,000 USD). The villagers have saved a total of $51,000 NZD ($35,000 USD), plus the Nepali Government has pledged to donate $26,000 NZD ($18,000 USD) to the project.

If you have ANY questions or comments please feel free to ask a question on here, email me on stephanieharper8@gmail.com or contact me on Facebook – I will be more than happy to talk to you.

*Namaste*