Ten Friends: Major Accomplishments ....
Since 2004 Ten Friends has been dedicated to improving the lives of the Nepali and in engaging Oregon Youth into life changing experiences.
Education Projects and Programs
Himalayan Education Center (HEC)
More than 45 students have graduated from the private school with many becoming teachers and returning to their native villages. Not only do the students themselves benefit, but rather the benefits extend to all of those who learn from them.
Our primary focus is on educating young women. Ten Friends financially supports the Himalayan Education Center and works in partnership with them to operate the residential school and to strengthen their educational programs.
Village of Tilahi
More than 60 scholarships have been provided to children within the village to allow them to attend school and after-school programs. Ten Friends pays for tuition where required, school fees, books, school supplies, shoes and uniforms for sponsored students.
Without our involvement, these children, who are part of the Musahar caste -- also known as the untouchables -- would not have been provided the opportunity to attend school and would have been locked into the cycle of poverty. View more information.
Libraries
More than 37 Libraries have been launched throughout Nepal. Part of Ten Friends’ Village Vision project is to provide libraries for those villages in which a book is a rare thing.
The village provides the building for the library and local carpenters craft the bookcases. A typical village has from 100 to 400 residents.
Providing Shelter and a Safe Place to Live
Hopeful Home Orphanage (HHO)
Twenty children reside at the orphanage. Ten Friends partners with the HHO to provide financial support to operate the orphanage.
Thanks to our donors and child sponsors, life is good for the children at the Hopeful Home Orphanage and for future generations of homeless children who will live there. They now live in safer and cleaner conditions and have a stable environment. These kids have a real home. The children at Hopeful Home graduate at higher rates and with higher test scores than is average for Nepali children.
Medical Assistance
More than 100 portable stretchers have been delivered by Ten Friends to villages along trekking paths near Mt. Everest so that the injured or sick could be carried to medical facilities. Local villagers were trained on how to use them. The stretchers are made in Nepal, are lightweight and provide a comfortable ride.
Throughout the years, Ten Friends also conducted medical and dental clinics and arranged for providing health care during times of need.
Central Oregon Youth Engagement
More than 65 Central Oregon high school students have traveled with Ten Friends volunteers to Nepal. These journeys were amazing opportunities to learn about the Nepali culture and student volunteers helped with our project work.
The culture shock for the students was always noticeable - the mix of ancient religions, the kindness and simplicity of the people and their struggles with poverty in the breathtaking beauty of the landscape. The adventures for many students have been life-changing.
Drinking Water
More than 160 Water Filters have been purchased and installed in orphanages. Each water filter provides safe drinking water for their children and staff – up to 100 people per filter.
Two new wells were dug in the Village of Tilahi and now provide an ample supply of safe drinking water. The previous well had gone dry.