Sisters trekkers return from Nepal

With the help of a troop of Ten Friends volunteers, Mark Lamont and Rand Runco were able to make substantial progress toward their goal of improving lives in Nepal during their annual summer trip.

"This summer was a really productive trip for Ten Friends in Nepal," Runco said. "We were able to move several projects a step further and actually add a few new projects. This summer was also a time of spreading responsibility and sharing the dream with several amazing Ten Friends members."

Accompanying founders Lamont and Runco were fellow teachers Sally Benton and Mary Thomas from Sisters High School, and Kathy Powell from Sisters Elementary School. Long-time volunteer Bonnie Lamont also went along.

"It was just terrific to have fellow teachers and friends go with us. They were all incredibly helpful with our various projects," said Runco.

The group focused on improving and continuing various projects that have been in place for several years. A mainstay project for the nonprofit is installing water filters so as to prevent illness and death from water-borne pathogens.

"This summer we spent time researching and brainstorming ideas for future filter systems, specifically for use in locations that do not have electricity and those that deal with the constant problem of electricity outages that take place in the winter. We don't have the final answer, but we are getting closer and have some very good resources," explained Runco.

Ten Friends also placed filters in schools and children's orphanages in the Kathmandu area, and continued expansion of their relationship with the Kathmandu rotary. The group also spent time delivering much-needed supplies in conjunction with their latest project, a new orphanage in the area of Baktipur.

"We provided a substantial financial boost for several orphanages, providing funding for school uniforms, food, beds and other essentials," said Lamont.

Distributing stretchers, another longstanding project, saw a few changes. Previously, Rescue Response Gear of Sisters had been the sponsor and supplier of the stretchers for several years. Under the new system, Ten Friends will have the stretchers made in Nepal.

"We set a goal to have the stretchers made in Nepal which will supplement local Nepali income and help us with shipping costs," said Runco.

Despite the change, there was no disruption of coverage.

"We sent several stretchers into the mountains this year, as well as to western Nepal, where some of the harshest third-world conditions exist," Runco said.

Ten Friends also delivered stretchers to the lower Solu Khumbu region and to Eastern Nepal. Lamont and Nepalese employee Dinesh spent time checking in on children who are receiving school sponsorship monies from Ten Friends.

Attendance, grades and overall achievement were items of attention.

"The children are in school, receiving high marks, and moving forward in their classes," said Runco.

Ten Friends also paid a visit to the Himalayan Education Center, where they stayed for several days. Checking in on how the girls were doing after their recent move to their new facility was the focus of the visit.

"The girls have been painting as well as putting in gardens, which will supplement their food supply. It was amazing to see what the girls have accomplished in such a short time."

Two of the older girls have finished their teacher training, and are now closer to achieving their goals of returning to their village to teach.

The organization is still working with local government officials on another upstream fix project, the Lingam water project, to make sure that money is issued efficiently. The final objective of the trip was to establish a village library project in Lingam, the first library to be built in the region. The project was financed in the winter, with Ten Friends delivering books during the recent trip.

"This library project was done in honor and memory of our local teacher and friend, Diane Jacobsen. It was very powerful to see the children and parents poring through the books, and we hope that in time Diane's Library will expand to include numerous libraries throughout the region," said Runco.