The Gosaikunda Women’s Welfare Group

Summary of Project:

The Women’s Welfare Group represents perhaps the best hope for social development and protection of the area around both Gosaikunda and parts of Langtang. Working as the PTA, Wildlife Protection Group, Trekking Trail Clean Up Crew, Cultural Preservation Organization and the Village Welfare Organization, this group of 45 women gets things done !

Total Funding Goal:

$3,000 USD

For one full year of operations

How You Can Help:

• $10 buys one sign: "Deposit Trash In Barrels"
  
• $20 buys one trash barrel
  
• $30 buys one sign, one trash barrel and the fee for dumping the barrel at trash site
  

To pay via Check: Make check payable to The Mountain Fund. In the "For" section, be sure to designate this project. Mail to: 139 Madison, NE / Albuquerque, NM / 87108 / USA

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Why This Project Matters:

Microfinance is one of the fastest ways to lift families out of poverty. This program provides the jump-start necessary for families to achieve financial security. With that security they are able to send their children on to school. This cycle of financial security leading to additional education is the most effective way to end poverty. With very little money, dozens of families can quickly get out of poverty and give the next generation a true and lasting start at living a life free from the shackles of poverty.

More Information About This Project:

This group of women is active in every aspect of the environment and social welfare in this area of Nepal. The trail to Gosaikund is an extremely fragile ecosystem and home to rare species of animals like the Red Panda. The group has worked to keep the trail clean, chase poachers out of the forest, and do repairs to the trail. In addition, this group helps families in need, and acts as social workers to the community.

Where This Project Is Located:

Rasuwa is an isolated and very rural area. Most of the district is accessible only on foot. Primarily Tamang people live here. Tamang are closely related to Tibetans and practice many Tibetan customs. They are a marginalized group who had no rights at all until the 1950ʼs.

• Total population of the Rasuwa area is about 44,000
• Thulo Syabru is one of the stops along the the Helembu and Langtang Treks.
• According to the Nepal Tourism Board, 'The total number of tourists arriving by air in 2007 was 27.1 per cent higher than in 2006; 360,350 visitors arrived in Nepal through Kathmandu airport, the highest since 2000.'
• Let's help preserve this area, for the longevity of the people, animals, and their environment.