A Perth restaurateur is appealing for volunteers to take on a vital role in helping the young people of earthquake-hit Nepal recover from the disaster.
As the first anniversary of the earthquake approaches, Bhola Khanal is hoping people who could act as teachers for three or six months in Nepal might come forward.
He has raised a great deal of money to help the communities get back on their feet but, having recently returned from his homeland, he thinks help on the ground is what is now needed.
“Rather than money I am appealing for volunteers as they need teachers, there is a shortage,” said Mr Khanal, 51, manager of The Everest Inn.
He said students on a gap year might be interested and food and accommodation would be provided.
Bhola is just back from his second trip home since the disaster. Accompanied by his wife Gyanmala and his daughter Prabina, they originally planned to stay for three weeks but this stretched to six weeks.
“The people are still scared,” said Bhola, who himself experienced some of the shocks that still rock the country.
The original earthquake claimed the lives of two children from his wife’s wider family and more than another 8,500 lost their lives and it has been a struggle getting Nepal back on its feet.
Mr Khanal said that many houses still need to be rebuilt and the infrastructure has been badly damaged. On his first trip he was involved in distributing food, clothing, tents and corrugated iron to help build temporary structures but this time he helped with funding a water tank for a village in Kathmandu and solar panelling to generate electricity.
Schools received stationery and books on this visit as well as sport equipment.
“Rather than talking about the earthquake and feeling sad this gives them leisure time,” he explained.
Mr Khanal, who has lived in Perth for 17 years, said he had been touched by the financial assistance of the people of Perthshire and particularly the Fair City Business Network International, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce and Stagecoach.
Anyone who can help the aid effort or who would like to learn more about volunteering in Nepal can email Mr Khanal at ramkot7@gmail.com