Retired teachers help Nepal cope

In just 53 seconds, deep shakes beneath our feet, accompanied by a freight-like roar, changed life in Nepal beyond recognition for all.

Our role as teachers changed, too. On returning to Koshidekha, Nepal, we three American retired educators had planned to teach English to children in grades 1-10 and consult faculty on innovative instructional strategies at the Shree Ram School. This was not to be.

Aftershocks continued intermittently day and night throughout both city and villages of Nepal more than one month after the original 7.8 magnitude quake of April 25, 2015.

Koshidekha, a remote village in the Kavre District, like so many, was essentially reduced to rubble. One hundred percent of the people remain unable to live in their homes. Villagers were forced into makeshift tents that now dot the hillsides.

Throughout, people fear further collapse of their mud and stone homes. As well, they face depleted supplies, including staple foods (rice, potatoes, lentils), drinking water, and loss of electricity to pump their water to their village wells.

The medical services are limited in this village to three health-care assistants who serve the local community for minor injuries and illnesses, and refer those in dire need to a regional hospital three hours — 50 kilometers — away. Given the state of the roads, we can’t imagine the pain suffered by those who were transported with broken bones and serious injury. Five have died and many were injured. Much livestock has been buried following the initial quake.

After a second (7.3 magnitude) quake one month later, people remain extremely jittery. They are facing a long and arduous recovery.

These hard-working villagers, dedicated to the traditional ways of Buddhist and Hindu beliefs, remain subsistence farmers living on terraced, steep hillsides. They use the most basic tools, growing whatever food for themselves and feed for their animals they are able. Oxen prepare the fields, pulling rudimentary wooden plows. The sickle trims bamboo poles, constructs homes, slaughters the chicken or goat, dices the potatoes and skins the cucumber.

Most people have no income, savings, or earning power. Many of the men of working age head for Kathmandu or a foreign country to support their families.

With few financial resources, no insurance, and a limited work force, there is great difficulty in purchasing and bringing building materials and equipment to the region, clearing debris, and rebuilding. Reconstruction is daunting.

With the school officially closed, our role changed from teaching to providing a place for a tiny bit of normalcy. We invited children to join us for informal daily classes while parents faced digging out homes and finding their way. In the afternoons, teachers came to share their stories with us. When aid began to trickle in, we assisted in distributing food, tents and clothes alongside the few international volunteers and locals.

We came to Nepal under the auspices of two organizations: HealthCare Nepal, and the Nepal Children’s Aid Center of Kathmandu. HealthCare Nepal, a nonprofit organization, is one of many nongovernmental agencies throughout Nepal. HealthCare Nepal gives 100 percent of its funds to its programs. It has been bringing health services to rural schools and communities for a number of years, including water collection systems, toilets, and volunteer medical and dental clinics.

Together, the two groups organized a substantial food relief, working hand in hand with local leaders and villagers. Not a penny is wasted.

Right now, this community of 3,500 people is facing an uncertain future. Our efforts have shifted as a result of these profound events. We know that, with the support of many, we can help them move forward. If you wish to make a contribution, please do so through healthcarenepal.org.