Locked down, locked out…

 Some folks hope that because so many in Nepal are younger...many are under 40.... it means that they will emerge relatively unscathed.  Maybe so.  But that has not been an absolute truth in the US nor in Europe and it is unlikely to be an absolute truth in Nepal.  And for the millions of elders in society — many of whom are vulnerable, frail, and alone — the risk that there will not be a happy ending to their story is frighteningly real. 

 Equally real and frightening is the economic devastation to come.  We cannot full predict how destructive it will be but, even here in the US, optimism about a V-shaped recovery -- quickly down and as quickly back up -- has faded.  And as we contemplate a global recession Nepal we know Nepal will not fare well.  Not at all.  Folks are locked down, locked out, and desperate. 

Here’s a request I received from a young man — a medical intern — who is struggling with the challenges at first hand in the Biratnagar area where he and others in the Physicians for Social Responsibility group are  trying  to make a difference.  He wrote: 

 
“

“… In weeks of lockdown amid COVID-19 pandemic, these labour class people are struggling to their highest to manage bread and butter. The lockdown and economic shock has been a blow to them. Complete shortage of money leading to the scarcity of food stuffs, gas cylinders and stoves, and drinking water is what has hit them the hardest. The situation has become worst in many places where they are thrown out of their houses because of not being able to pay the rents and electricity bills. Earlier, they feared of hunger but now they fear they will die of hunger.”

“ … [T]here are still many more who are on the brink of starvation, living on roads, with torn, dirty clothes on the body, yet with the hope of better future in coming days.””

So if you're wondering why we don’t stop asking for your help, there's the answer.  The need is real.  The challenges are deadly serious.  And if we don’t help, who will?

I know many of you have given and I thank you so much.  And I know that giving is a challenge for many -- especially now. .   But nonetheless, the people of Nepal need you now…more than ever. 

We need to raise another $20,000 for immediate needs in food security, medical care, and recovery .  That’s a big ask.  But it’s a big problem.   

Your support will feed those desperate souls Ustav described above..  Your support will help our medical partners manage the challenges of fighting the disease in Thimi municipality as we improve surveillance, protect the vulnerable and give the health care workers the support they need!  And your support will give. youth, and women, and marginalized communities training to develop agro-enterprises and a hope for a self-reliant future that also contributes to Nepal’s future. 

All this and more is what your support will do. That is why we need your help. That is why we must continue to ask. And this is why we continue to be a voice for those who have no voice.

Many of you have not donated yet.  I ask you please, consider doing so now.  Please respond to the call.  If you have an employer who matches funds, ask them to do so.  If you're a Rotarian, ask your club to help.  Become an Engage Nepal Ambassador, do your own fundraiser, just text 412-888-6484 to learn how.  Become a Champion for Nepal as a sustaining partnerl here.  

You make all the difference.  It's true.  Nothing happens without the support of our donors.  So I ask you, as we look at the challenges that lie ahead,. will you join us?  Will you Engage Nepal? 

Please.