I just checked two popular online fundraising platforms and very quickly found more than 130 campaigns raising money for Covid-19 relief in Nepal. Nepalis and non-Nepalis alike are rallying to gather donations for oxygen, isolation centres, food and other daily needs, and much more to fight the devastating second wave, which is slowly seeping into villages.
Leading the way is a group of people who, one year ago, were better known as victims of Covid-19: migrant workers from Nepal who were stranded in Persian Gulf countries when the first wave shut down international travel. Many were broke, crowded into single rooms or just sleeping on a floor in any empty space that had a roof. The Nepal Government was roundly criticized for doing too little to rescue this workforce, whose earnings sent home to their families has fuelled the country’s economy for decades.
So it was great to read one week ago that 560 oxygen cylinders had arrived from Oman, purchased with money collected from Nepalis living and working in the Middle East. Today, we hear the story of that whirlwind fundraising effort, from the President of the Non-resident Nepali Association in Oman, Bikal Jha.
Let us know what you thought of today’s chat via our social channels. We’re Nepal Now or Nepal Now Pod on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. You can email me at marty@martylogan.net.
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Thank you this week to Chandan Kumar Mandal, Anand Rai and Jasmine for helping to track down today’s guest.
Suraya Logan works on social media for Nepal Now. I’m Marty Logan. I produced today’s show. Talk to you next time.
Resources
Organizations in Nepal providing Covid-19 relief
Nepal Now social links
Thanks as always to Nikunja Nepal for advice and inspiration.
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Thank you to the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters of Nepal and Himal Media for use of their studios.