Updates from Nepal show that though the real effects of Covid are unknown the schools have reopened after 9 months and vaccinations have started in the country to include Gorkha. We have just had news that the agreed 124 children have been sponsored ( more later ) and the newsletter also offers reminicences from trustee Geeta from the early days of GDS in Gorkha. Though limited, some fundraising has continued through lockdown and see how you too can help us a little. See GDS Newsletter 13
Category Archives: Updates
124 children to be sponsored and Founder Joy celebrates her 95th birthday
Little could former Essex teacher Joy Leighton have imagined that when she formed GDS and the sister charity in Gorkha in 1988, that as she celebrates her 95th birthday (sadly in lockdown) 33 years later, her work would continue to support the poorest of families and children’s education in her beloved Nepal. 
As a result of this global pandemic and after over nine months of lockdown, the schools in Gorkha and rural areas have re-opened and we can at last offer support to the returning children. The local GDHEDS commitee have worked so hard with Headmasters of fourteen schools in the region and we have agreed their recent application to support 124 children. We look forward to sharing updates as we hear more.
Bamford Church £400 donation
Following Fiona Shaw’s volunteering experience in Gorkha in 2019, a presentation was made to the local church congregation, St John the Baptist Church, Bamford in the Peak District. Clearly the presentation was well received and created great interest and as a result of this, GDS have recently received a very generous donation from the church after being selected as their international charity for 2020. Our sincere thanks to Fiona and the congregation for the kindness shown in supporting projects in Nepal.
Sadly Fionas return visit to work with the teachers of young learners in Gorkha planned for last November was cancelled due to Covid, but we certainly hope can be rearranged for sometime in the future.
Thank You and Happy New Year
GDS would like to thank all our friends and supporters for helping us through 2020. The year started so brilliantly with Aidan and Laxman running a course in Gorkha for training Teacher Trainers which was aimed at enhancing teaching in rural school. Nepal, as UK found itself in lockdown from March due to the covid pandemic and some very tough times for many families in Gorkha. Sadly schools have remained closed for much of the year, but as fundraising and some generous donations have continued in the UK, we will be ready to support many programmes as soon as it is possible to do so.
Keep safe and Best wishes to all for 2021
Christmas Wreaths sales for GDS – over £600 raised
Once again friends have supported GDS through the purchase of fresh foliage wreaths made by Lin with all proceeds going to Nepal. Christmas lights and decorations are in abundance this year as everyone looks to brighten homes after such a difficult year and so after a very busy week and sore fingers then Lin’s 35 wreaths have raised over £600 – and cheered up a few front doors. Massive thanks to all who have helped with sales.
Life remains tough for many in Gorkha due to Covid restrictions, but we hope that projects can resume next year and we will have funds available to help where needed.