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OUR IMPACT

Since our establishment in 2001, the Sarimilla Trust has been dedicated to improving lives and fostering sustainable development in rural communities. Our projects span various sectors, including education, health, and agriculture, reflecting our commitment to creating lasting positive change.

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Below, explore some of the individual projects that highlight the tangible impact of our work and the ongoing difference we make in the lives of those we support.

Shreepur School

In 2007, the Sarimilla Trust was approached by the village committee in Shreepur to assist in constructing essential dormitories, a toilet/shower block, and a kitchen for a school for disabled children. Over 30 children attend this important school, with some travelling up to 8 km each day. The committee aimed to provide boarding facilities for five nights a week to alleviate the arduous daily journey, as some children have to be carried by their parents or teachers. Despite their efforts, the committee was unable to secure government funding for the project and sought our support.​

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Lalita and Lal Bahadur

Lalita and her brother Lal Bahadur joined our sponsorship programme in 2003, referred by a local social worker aware of their difficult situation. Their father had abandoned the family, leaving their mother to support them by working in a local factory. The Sarimilla Trust secured school sponsorship for both siblings, enabling them to complete their education with good marks. Lal Bahadur learned English well and secured a job as a waiter in Qatar, while Lalita pursued medical studies and became a medical assistant at a local centre. Lal Bahadur later returned and now co-runs a construction business in his district. The photo shows them outside the home they built for their family. Lal Bahadur has since built another home for his new wife, and Lalita enjoys a successful career, contributing to her community.

A student at her new home that the Sarimilla Trust funded
A student who the trust funded an education for

Amrita (far left)

Amrita Kumal completed Year 12 with strong qualifications and secured a job as a nanny with an agency in Japan. She recently contacted us to express her satisfaction with her work. Amrita has returned to Nepal several times, using her earnings to support her family. Her proficiency in English, acquired during school, was instrumental in securing her job. The photo shows her with Rajani (far right), our fundraiser in the US.

Farmers Field Training

A training session in another area of Gaindakot, Nepal. The training was conducted on land donated by Mrs. Durga Lamichani, who has converted her farm to organic. Durga's farm is now a resource centre for local farmers interested in permaculture and sustainable farming.

Sustainable farming in Nepal: Nepalese farmers completing course
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Bandang School

Children spent their time collecting water and firewood and tending to animals, yet they were extremely keen to attend school. Bandang School served its village and three surrounding villages up to 2 miles away, with pupils making the daily journey on foot. The original school, built 13 years prior by the Nepalese government, was never completed. Rotting supporting beams left the structure unfit for use. Trustee Elizabeth first visited in March 2001, before the Sarimilla Trust was formed, to teach English and assess rebuilding needs at the request of the Lhagang Youth Community Project (LYCP). Upon returning to England, the Trustees began fundraising. In November 2003, Jimmy Sherpa organised the project. The old building was demolished, recycling some materials for the new one. Stones were carried from the valley by porters and shaped on site, while wood was sourced locally. Corrugated iron sheets were bought in Kathmandu, transported to Melamchi, and carried to the site by porters. Fifty local porters were hired and paid by the Sarimilla Trust.

Jammuna

Jammuna has qualified as a Lab Technician and secured a position at the hospital after volunteering there. Supported by our sponsorship programme since the age of seven, following her mother's death and her father's abandonment, she excelled academically. Jammuna and her twin brother, Elesh, lived in an orphanage for several years, with the Sarimilla Trust funding their education from primary school through college. Elesh earned a business degree and now works in the local community. Jammuna and her husband plan to build a new home near her workplace. We extend our gratitude to all who supported her education, which made her success possible.

Siblings who got funding from the trust
A medical student whose education was funded by the trust
A student on their way to school, funded by the Trust
A founder of the trust and a student

Dawn (left) and Sambhrinni

Sambhriddi

Sambhriddi was first brought to our attention by a community social worker. She had lost her father to cancer and was in her first year of medical college. With her mother unable to afford the tuition, the Sarimilla Trust agreed to sponsor her studies. Sambhriddi excelled, graduating top of her class with a Nursing Degree. After volunteering at a local hospital, she secured a position at a private cardiac hospital in Kathmandu, where she moved from her home village. During our recent visit to Kathmandu, she shared her happiness with her career progression and multiple promotions, although she missed her family. Sambhriddi later informed us of her marriage to a teacher in Kathmandu and expressed her commitment to continue working at the hospital.

Saraswati

Saraswati was one of many students on our register, able to attend school full-time thanks to sponsors. Inspired by Lalita Kumal and Jammuna Karki, she aspired to a future as a nurse. After losing her mother at a young age, her father struggled to support the family and keep her and her younger brother in school. His work as a stonemason did not provide enough income. Grateful for the Trust's support, Saraswati's father saw her thrive academically. We also funded her nursing education at a college near her home.

A student
Sewing course for Nepalese women funded by the trust

Sewing and Cutting Training

The Sarimilla Trust funded a sewing and cutting training programme for previously unskilled women. A group from the Methodist Church in the UK donated £100, allowing us to purchase a sewing machine in Nepal. A small group of Nepalese women began learning these new skills to start their own businesses. We also delivered women's health products made by the UK group, which were gratefully received. Once proficient in sewing, the Nepalese women will produce these health products locally, enhancing community access. This training empowered women to support their families or gain financial independence.

Ritika

Ritika Kumal, a 6-year-old from Nawal Parasi, Nepal, lived in a community reliant on agriculture with her parents struggling to make ends meet due to low wages and rising food costs. During our 2009 visit, we learned through a family member that Ritika had speech difficulties. Dr. Raj Kharel examined her and diagnosed a cleft palate, necessitating surgery for her to speak. We coordinated with a team of doctors who could perform the operation but faced delays due to Ritika's recurring illness. In June, Dr. Kharel facilitated her admission to a local hospital, where it was discovered she had viral hepatitis, malnutrition, and other health issues. Treatment improved her health enough for surgery, which was successfully performed. Ritika attended a speech therapy clinic and, thanks to Andre’s sponsorship, started school. The process, spanning over two years, significantly improved Ritika’s life. We extend our gratitude to Dr. Raj Kharel and everyone involved. Our education and sustainable agricultural programmes aim to enhance community living standards, ensuring healthier futures for children like Ritika and supporting families with better access to nutrition and healthcare.

A child recovering from an operation funded by the trust
A student attending her first day of school, funded by the trust
A student the Trust funded to go to school
Trust founder and Nepalese headteacher assisting the community

Rikita soon after her operation

Rikita's first day of school

Rikita at school in 2019

Mr Deepak Rawat and Dawn at his home

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