750_Yangri – join us in making a statement!
On the night of June 14-15, a spring tide destroyed Himalayan Life's Aangri Academic Center (YAC). The place, which had become a symbol of hope for the entire community, was swept away by the floods within a few hours. I visited twice and saw the dedication of the teachers at the YAC and the joy the children bring to school. It's clear to me: This place of hope and new beginnings cannot be allowed to remain destroyed. Together with you, we can ensure that hope doesn't die in Yangri!
This photo of mine shows the Yangri Academic Center in 2019. Himalayan Life commissioned a special assessment to ensure the land was safe for development. And despite the positive assessment, the tsunami has now washed everything away.
This image shows the situation the day after the disaster. Meanwhile, the rear of the two buildings in the red circle and the building to the right in the red circle have also been engulfed by the floods.
Let us make a statement together
Every time Liverpool FC fans sing their "You never walk alone," I get goosebumps. What a message from the fans to their team. And how much more do the people of Yangri need this message now – you never walk alone! The 2015 earthquake already hit the valley hard. Many people lost their lives. Himalayan Life is committed to providing long-term support in this valley and breaking the cycle of poverty. For Daniel Bürgi, the founder and director of Himalayan Life, one thing is clear:
"Despite many unanswered questions, one thing is clear: We will never give up on children who harbor hope for a good and fulfilling life—a life in which they can discover and develop their potential."
Make the difference
Niri is one of approximately 180 children attending school at the Yangri Academic Center. She lives in Ripaar, about a two-hour walk from Yangri. Without the school, her life prospects are quite bleak: marriage at 15, illiteracy, and no other language except Sherpa, which she can no longer use even in the lower part of the Yangri Valley. The school changes everything for her. For her and all the other 180 Niris—and thus for the entire region—it is vital that the school be rebuilt.
750-Yangri
Rebuilding the school requires new land, buildings, and even new tools. This takes time and money. Himalayan Life dreams of building a high school as part of the reconstruction. The cost of this entire project is approximately CHF 750,000. Although this is many times cheaper than a comparable construction project here, it is still a significant sum.
But what if 750 people, families, friends, or companies each invested CHF 1,000 in the future of the people of Yangri? That would be doable. And that's why I founded 750-Yangri. Help us find these 750 supporters who will invest CHF 1,000 each.
We'll get started and sponsor the first CHF 1,000. Help us find the other 749 supporters by becoming a supporter yourself and sharing this blog post wherever you can – Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, company websites, etc. The link is www.720.ch/blog/750-yangri
And if you can't contribute CHF 1000, then of course any other contribution is welcome:
More info
You can learn more about the Yangri Academic Center in the film I produced last year:
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