A brand new article in The Guardian is a sad but effective reminder of why we focus on supporting young Nepalese in the Helambu region north of Kathmandu.
According to the Guardian’s sources, over 6,500 migrant workers have died in Qatar since the country won the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup 10 years ago. Migrant workers are the backbone of the workforce that will build stadiums, airports, hotels and other infrastructure for the World Cup under outrageous conditions.
Nepal is one of the poor Asian countries that supply many workers to the construction sites in Qatar. Especially after the massive earthquake in 2015 with its epicenter near Helambu, young people migrated in droves. The hope was out there. Not at home.
Instead of work and hope, 1641 Nepalese found death in Qatar, according to The Guardian.
Together with our partner Just Nepal Foundation, we have set out to restore hope for the youth of Helambu.
The first phase was youth camps and the establishment of a youth cooperative, as well as micro-financial support for entrepreneurs.
The second phase is in full swing. 150 young people are trained in keeping goats and chickens, efficient and sustainable cultivation of vegetables and fruit. Some study the efficient operation of cooperatives. 24 other young people will be doing internships, either as a tailor or electrician, IT, metal worker, shoemaker, tourism and kitchen.
In a few weeks there will be photos and stories. We’re excited to hand over the microphone to students and partners in Nepal.
