In the wake of the Earthquake in Nepal
On April 25th, 2015, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck killing over 10,000 people and injuring more than 23,000. Another deadly magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck two weeks after.
GoPhilanthropic staff were in Kathmandu at the time of the earthquake, evaluating new partner programs devoted to education, health and empowerment.
In response to the disaster GoPhilanthropic is supporting several community-based initiatives. Requests for funding have been evaluated based on the thoroughness of the plan, the organization's ability to effectively execute and how our funds can make the broadest impact.
You can expect regular updates and progress reports as we apply our grants to the particular programs and projects in Nepal. See recent updates here
GoPhilanthropic staff were in Kathmandu at the time of the earthquake, evaluating new partner programs devoted to education, health and empowerment.
In response to the disaster GoPhilanthropic is supporting several community-based initiatives. Requests for funding have been evaluated based on the thoroughness of the plan, the organization's ability to effectively execute and how our funds can make the broadest impact.
You can expect regular updates and progress reports as we apply our grants to the particular programs and projects in Nepal. See recent updates here
Earthbag House Rebuilding - Dolakha
In July 2015, Gophilanthropic was awarded a $33,000 grant from the Mawardi Foundation for post-earthquake rebuilding efforts. After researching and consulting with various organizations involved in rebuilding, GoPhil was introduced to the Ithaka Foundation who were using an innovative earth/sand bag technique used after the notorious 7.0 earthquake in Haiti.
The earth bag construction involves sewing and filling earth bags and using rocks from the old dwellings as the foundation for the new home. Families are involved in the rebuilding themselves as well as other skilled labor from the local village. The earth bag home is plastered and outfitted with other locally sourced materials, has a lifespan of 70+ years and is earthquake safe.
GoPhil began a pilot earth bag house in December, 2015 in the Dolakha district— a 5 hour journey east of Kathmandu, known as “Gateway to Mt. Everest” and one of the epicenters of the earthquake where 90% of the houses had either collapsed or badly damaged. GoPhil Program Manager Lilu traveled to Dolakha at the beginning and end of the project to monitor and evaluate progress. The pilot house was successfully completed 8 days later. GoPhil plans to fund 20 more earth bag houses in same district beginning Feb 1st, 2016.
In July 2015, Gophilanthropic was awarded a $33,000 grant from the Mawardi Foundation for post-earthquake rebuilding efforts. After researching and consulting with various organizations involved in rebuilding, GoPhil was introduced to the Ithaka Foundation who were using an innovative earth/sand bag technique used after the notorious 7.0 earthquake in Haiti.
The earth bag construction involves sewing and filling earth bags and using rocks from the old dwellings as the foundation for the new home. Families are involved in the rebuilding themselves as well as other skilled labor from the local village. The earth bag home is plastered and outfitted with other locally sourced materials, has a lifespan of 70+ years and is earthquake safe.
GoPhil began a pilot earth bag house in December, 2015 in the Dolakha district— a 5 hour journey east of Kathmandu, known as “Gateway to Mt. Everest” and one of the epicenters of the earthquake where 90% of the houses had either collapsed or badly damaged. GoPhil Program Manager Lilu traveled to Dolakha at the beginning and end of the project to monitor and evaluate progress. The pilot house was successfully completed 8 days later. GoPhil plans to fund 20 more earth bag houses in same district beginning Feb 1st, 2016.
Rebuilding in Dadagaun
GoPhilanthropic's Earthquake Fund is assisting in the rebuilding of the village of Dadagaun, located ten kilometers outside of Kathmandu. Ninety percent of the homes in Dadagaun were destroyed or severely damaged during the earthquake and its orphanage completely collapsed. Collaboration is currently taking place among various funding groups coordinate efforts to help this village rebuild. Four mechanical compressed earth brick-making machines from China have been purchased for the villagers to share. Recycled earth is used from the mudbricks of the old dwellings, no electricity is needed, and the shape of the brick allows for reinforcement with concrete beams horizontally and steel rods vertically, increasing future earthquake tolerance. A portion of your donations has been applied to the brick-making machines and the rest to the materials needed to reconstruct the homes.
GoPhilanthropic's Earthquake Fund is assisting in the rebuilding of the village of Dadagaun, located ten kilometers outside of Kathmandu. Ninety percent of the homes in Dadagaun were destroyed or severely damaged during the earthquake and its orphanage completely collapsed. Collaboration is currently taking place among various funding groups coordinate efforts to help this village rebuild. Four mechanical compressed earth brick-making machines from China have been purchased for the villagers to share. Recycled earth is used from the mudbricks of the old dwellings, no electricity is needed, and the shape of the brick allows for reinforcement with concrete beams horizontally and steel rods vertically, increasing future earthquake tolerance. A portion of your donations has been applied to the brick-making machines and the rest to the materials needed to reconstruct the homes.
TOIT School becomes a hub for the community
In times of disaster, schools can often become the focal point for a community--for communication, planning, support and of course, a return to normalcy for children. GoPhilanthropic granted funds for food and psychological counseling to TOIT School outside Bhaktapur--an ancient heritage city that was suffered an enormous amount of damage. With our contributions, TOIT has been able to provide a free lunch program for the 100 children attending school and also begin to offer psychological counseling to all of the students, many of whom are suffering from the effects of post traumatic stress. See more on GoPhilanthopic's partnership with TOIT.
In times of disaster, schools can often become the focal point for a community--for communication, planning, support and of course, a return to normalcy for children. GoPhilanthropic granted funds for food and psychological counseling to TOIT School outside Bhaktapur--an ancient heritage city that was suffered an enormous amount of damage. With our contributions, TOIT has been able to provide a free lunch program for the 100 children attending school and also begin to offer psychological counseling to all of the students, many of whom are suffering from the effects of post traumatic stress. See more on GoPhilanthopic's partnership with TOIT.