June 30, 2015
Nepal
For more than four years, Project Coordinator of Caritas Nepal Chintan Manadhar, has worked with farmers in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. Due to the earthquake in April, he now helps other Caritas staff members in Nepal to supply necessary material assistance to those who are in need.
“When working on the ground, I feel good because I know that I am there to help people. Despite the circumstances, the Nepalese people think positively, they are generous and incredibly hospitable. Despite the loss of their homes and all property, they are always offering us food and tea - and apologizing if they cannot do so. “
In some areas, people do not want anything from us. Many of them often advise us to help people who are poorer than them. They tell us that we have to go to other areas where they are in more need. Can you imagine that? I found that the Nepalis have highs hope for the coming days – they have lost almost everything and yet still shine.
One of the biggest challenges that we all now face is the monsoon. Every day we see more and more rain. And now, during the peak of the monsoon season there will be torrential rainstorms every day. While the monsoon is important for the growth of rice and vegetation, it has negative consequences. The intense raining causes floods and landslides. I think of those who live in the most basic terms, those who sleep outdoors or in tents of canvas. I'm in bed, under the covers, but I think of all those sleeping in the open air, in fields and similar places. I think of pregnant women who have neither a blanket nor a proper roof over their heads. I think about them often.
People can save money to buy makeshift shelters (from corrugated sheets or bamboo), but they cannot buy them, because they simply cannot get these items on the market. We fear that some of the poorest and most needy are overlooked - they are too isolated and busy with struggling to survive. We do everything we can to get to them.
I am glad to help through Caritas. We find and help those most vulnerable. One of the most beautiful things I have experienced at Caritas is the manifest solidarity felt between the individual members of the Caritas community - it is incredible to be among so many good colleagues who are providing so much support from around the world. I feel that I am not alone. It gives us a feeling that we are supporting a lot of people in this difficult time.”
By mid-June, Caritas has already helped 260,000 people, mainly by supplying kits to build temporary, yet stable shelters, hygiene kits and to provide psychosocial support. These include Caritas India, Indonesia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Germany, Austria, Australia, Denmark, CRS (American Caritas), CAFOD (Caritas from the UK), Trócaire (Caritas Ireland) and Caritas Switzerland, which cooperates with Caritas Czech Republic on the reconstruction of schools. Construction work will begin as soon as possible after the end of the monsoon season.
In the words of Chintan Manadhar and Caritas: "We thank all our donors.
The money they give to people is crucial and very helpful. I want people to know that Nepal is not a dangerous place. Come to Nepal - visit Nepal and help Nepal."
