In April and May 2015, Nepal was devastated by earthquakes that affected many cities, towns and villages. There was an urgent need of adequate housing in order to re-establish communities, particularly in country areas.
The Darlings originally raised funds for the construction of individual temporary housing but due to land ownership problems, the local government would not allow assistance for individual houses. They did however allow the construction of a community centre which provides accommodation as well as serving the community of Anekot for a range of other activities including:
- Ceremonies such as marriage rituals
- Child birth and mourning rituals where villagers need to be present
- Community meetings
- Assemblies
- Adult literacy classes
- A central location for disaster responses and for temporary accommodation.
A separate committee has been formed to maintain and run the centre voluntarily. The community envisages many more uses.
This redevelopment of a country community centre in the remote village in Nepal has addressed several of Rotary’s Areas of Focus, including
- Economic and community development
- Basic education and literacy
- Maternal and child health.
Although a Darlings project, the following local and international clubs also participated, as well as the Community in Anekot, including:
- RC Sydney Darling Harbour
- RC Liverpool West
- RC Campsie
- Sydney City Rotaract Club
- Rotary Club of Dhulikhel, Dhulikhel Nepal, Rotary International District 3292, Nepal-Bhutan
- GGC Nepal Ltd. Anekot Village Ward Chair and Community
Three Rotarians from Sydney have visited the project and it is the hope of other members to visit next year.
