New Milton charity Freedom to Learn launches aid appeal after landslides in Kavre region of Nepal

A NEW Milton charity has launched an urgent fundraising appeal to support remote communities in Nepal hit by devastating landslides.

Freedom to Learn has worked with communities in the Kavre region of Nepal for more than a decade to support children from migrant families or low-caste communities to remain in education.

The charity runs a range of projects including teacher training, supplying resources, running creative workshops, providing extra tuition and even supplying bicycles for children to travel to school.

However, after three days of extreme rainfall the region has flooded with many landslides. As a result, all schools are currently shut, crops and homes have been destroyed, and communities have been left isolated.

Charity founder Joey Owen said: “The recent floods and landslides have left many families, including our students and staff, without power, safe water, and basic necessities. Homes and crops have been destroyed, and many areas are still inaccessible, exacerbating the community’s vulnerability and highlighting the urgent need for relief and support.

“Smaller charities like ours can move quickly and flexibly to help. But we need your support.

“The disaster has left many without power and safe water, causing devastating damage to crops. Despite these challenges, our community is resilient. We are committed to helping them recover and rebuild. Support our efforts to restore hope and stability.”

The charity has launched an appeal to raise £3,751 to help respond to the immediate needs of the communities. Donations will be used to provide clean water, food, shelter and other essentials.

The charity says £8 provides a first aid kit for one family, £11 will provide safe water for a week for one family, £15 will buy a shovel or spade for clearing debris, and £38 buys a bundle of clothes and shoes for two children.

Meanwhile, £75 will buy one family two weeks’ worth of food and £90 will pay for use of an excavator for large-scale debris cleaning for one day.

Joey added: “By mobilising the resources we secure, and coordinating relief efforts, we aim to restore a sense of normality, ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff, and support the community in rebuilding their daily life quickly.”

In the longer term the charity is also committed to improving resilience and preparedness for future disasters by using lessons learnt when the region was devastated by an earthquake in 2015.

“By rebuilding and repairing homes and infrastructure, and providing ongoing wellbeing support, we aim to restore stability and hope to the community. This project will also strengthen community bonds, in turn enhancing the capacity to respond to future emergencies, and fostering a more resilient and self-sufficient community,” Joey continued.

“Funding support doesn’t just provide immediate relief – it gives hope. It shows our students, their families, and our staff that they’re not alone. Together, we can help this resilient community rebuild and emerge stronger.”

To support the urgent Freedom to Learn fundraising appeal visit globalgiving.org/projects/help-flood-affected-families-in-kavre-nepal

To find out more about the work of Freedom to Learn visit freedomtolearn.org.uk