Nepalese Sherpa’s Journey to Thank Teesside Children

A Heartfelt Thank You

Dawa Geljen Sherpa, a Nepalese man, has embarked on a remarkable journey, travelling over 4,500 miles to Teesside, England, to express his gratitude to the children of Barley Fields Primary School.

The reason for this extraordinary trip? A powerful connection forged in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake.

The 2015 Nepal Earthquake

In 2015, a powerful earthquake struck Nepal, claiming the lives of approximately 9,000 people and injuring nearly 22,000.

Shree Garma School, located about 67km from Mount Everest, was among the many educational institutions severely damaged by the quake.

A Global Effort to Rebuild

Barley Fields Primary School, in Ingleby Barwick, Teesside, partnered with Shree Garma School as part of an international initiative to aid those affected by the earthquake.

The children of Barley Fields Primary took action, organizing bake sales and fundraising events to contribute to the reconstruction of Shree Garma School.

Dawa Geljen Sherpa, who was in a café when the earthquake hit, vividly recalls the terror of that day.

“Houses, schools, towns, and villages were all destroyed in minutes. Everything was falling, and it was so frightening and devastating,” he said.

Classrooms in the Clouds

Inspired by the outpouring of support, Dawa Geljen Sherpa founded the charity Classrooms in the Clouds – Nepal (CITC Nepal) to address two critical needs: building earthquake-resistant classrooms and encouraging girls’ education.

The charity’s efforts are making a tangible difference in remote Nepalese communities.

Rob Shildrick, Deputy Head at Barley Fields, emphasized the importance of these international partnerships in broadening students’ perspectives.

“The lives of the children in Nepal are very different, with some walking hours to attend school. It’s essential our students understand these global disparities,” he said.

A Lasting Impact

Shree Garma School, which educates around 500 students from nursery to age 16, is currently undergoing the construction of a two-storey block utilizing earthquake-resistant technology.

Dawa Geljen Sherpa’s visit to Teesside is a testament to the power of global solidarity and the impact of the children’s efforts.

“I was shocked by the kindness of strangers so many miles away. Their fundraising and friendship have made a real difference to the lives of hundreds of children in Nepal,” he said.

This story serves as a reminder that even the youngest among us can make a significant impact on the world.