New Uniforms for 500 students at the Hilary School in Khumjung Nepal!  Due to the generosity of former Oslo Foundation co-founder, Roger Hedlund

​

​

Michele Murray-Hedlund and Peggy Smith were proud to support Tashi in her purchase of new school uniforms for all grades of the Hilary School in Khumjung Nepal in November, 2024. The kids were elated to have them and wear them with pride!

 

Tashi, Lhakpa and Karma Sherpa had a successful summer of selling their handcrafted wares in the Fraser Valley and Tashi's buoyant energy continues to remind us of why we choose to continue to support the deserving school kids in Nepal. 

 

Our first project is also still our primary focus: to raise funds for students of the Sir Edmund Hilary School, Khumjung, Nepal. Noted mountaineer Sir Edmund Hilary founded a school in the Khumbu region of Nepal to fill a void of the unmet education needs. Tourism is the primary industry however in spite of the tourism, it is a very impoverished area. Many of the small villages lack schools so children must walk to the school and spend the week either in a hostel or with a family and then return to work and help in the home on the weekend. A large number of children are being raised by a single parent-generally their Mother-as many men lose their lives due to climbing accidents, avalanches or from the earthquakes. 

​

Tashi Sherpa and her husband Lhakpa are both of climbing notoriety: Tashi's Grandfather was a lead climber for Sir Edmund Hilary on his Everest summit and Lahkpa was with Reinhold Messner on his Everest summit. Tashi, a climber as well, is one of the most popular women in the Khumbu, known for her selfless giving and dedication to others. Prior to CoVID, they traveled to Winter Park, CO in the summers to sell their Nepali wares. The students (recipients) of Oslo funds are chosen annually by Tashi. Donations cover the cost of boarding during the school week, books, food and uniforms. 

​

**This project is ongoing. Oslo Foundation has committed to the long term goal of providing annual scholarships to 25 students for the duration of their education, which in Nepal is K-10th grade. $1500.00 per year/per student meets the costs. 

​

African Education

After a successful climbing expedition up Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, we were inspired to help local kids create a brighter future for themselves. Tourism jobs are prevalent and those of nature reserve safari guides are coveted. In order to acquire these jobs, the person must proficiently speak a second language, and have extensive knowledge in botany, biology and history, be certified as a Wilderness First Responder, as well as pass a driver's exam. 

​

​

** This project is ongoing  and in need of annual support in order to help these young men and women find employment as nature reserve safari guides. To date, we have assisted four young adults who are now employed and supporting their loved ones. 

​

​