The Kamzang Fund | The Kamzang Kids
The Kamzang Fund has been sponsoring children (as well as a few adults) in the Himalaya for education and medical issues for 20 years. The Kamzang Fund presently has 4 college graduate, sponsors 10 children for higher education, 20+ children for lower or middle school education and is looking for sponsorship for many more children. The Kamzang Fund has also supported locals from the remote regions through which we trek and cycle for various medical issues over the past two decades, and continues to help villagers who have fallen through the cracks …
Browse through the Kamzang Fund Kids, Kamzang Fund Medical Cases & Kamzang Fund Projects – of which we have many, including extensive Nepal 2015 earthquake aid and the Adopt a Goat campaign. Please get in touch if you’d like to help to change a life in the Himalaya!
The Kamzang Fund | 100%
100% of your donations go to the Kamzang Fund, the Kamzang Kids, and our Kamzang Fund Projects. A donation to the Kamzang Fund goes directly to children who have extra needs during their education (including medical assistance, clothes or housing), villagers that we meet during our travels that require medical assistance, Himalayan nomads or other of our many Kamzang Fund social projects. You can sponsor a child yearly, or make a donation to a child’s education, or donate to the Kamzang Fund – all of your donations go 100% to our causes!
Make a difference, improve the life of a child by offering education, or the life of a Himalayan villager!
Kamzang Young Women reunion. Cafe Caravan, Boudhanath, Kathmandu (Nepal) (2021)
DONATE TO THE KAMZANG FUND
PayPal | Check ‘Gift’ or ‘Payment to Friend’ Box for No Fees!
GoFundMe | Kamzang Fund Tax Exempt Donation
Check (Cheque) | Kamzang Journeys
Mail To: Kim Bannister, PO Box 1178, Rockport, ME 04856
(We are not registered as a 4013C non-profit to keep our fees at 0%, so don’t have a separate bank account. 100% of your donation goes to The Kamzang Fund.)
Transfer or Wire | Inquire for Bank Details
Email | kim@kamzang.com
SHOP KAMZANG DESIGN
KAMZANG DESIGN
Shop at our ETSY Shop and 10% of your Himalayan Pillow Cover – or any other Himalayan textile purchases – are automatically donated to The Nomad Fund!
GIVE A GIFT CERTIFICATE
Email kim@kamzang.com to send a personalized Kamzang Fund gift certificate!
LOOKING FOR SPONSORS!
Scroll down this page for the list children that we sponsor, with photos and stories …
LOOKING FOR SONSORS
THE KAMZANG KIDS | GRADUATES!
Nuru Wangdi Sherpa (Khumbu, Nepal) – Bachelor in Kathmandu, Nepal
(Presently a Partner at Cafe Caravan (Boudhanath, Kathmandu), Kamzang Journeys Website Designer, Khumbu Adventures Team & Kathmandu City Guide)
Zangmu Sherpa (Khumbu, Nepal) – Bachelor in Kathmandu, Nepal
(Finished a course in Switzerland, presently working in hospitality in Pokhara!)
Lhamo Bhuti (Kanchenjunga, Nepal) – Bachelor in Musoorie & Medical School in Bangalore, India
(Presently in Kerala, taking a course to attempt to finish her medical studies overseas)
LOOKING FOR A SPONSOR FOR FURTHER MEDICAL STUDIES!
Chhunku Ukyab (Kanchenjunga, Nepal) – Fashion Design College in Kathmandu, Nepal
(Presently a star if fashion design!)
Dawa Yangi Sherpa (Khumbu, Nepal) – Hotel Management in Kathmandu. Kathmandu & Mountain Guiding Course
(Presently in Kathmandu with a Child & Helping Husband in Trekking Industry)
Doma Tenzing Sherpa (Khumbu, Nepal) – Bachelor in Kathmandu, Nepal
(Presently Teaching Elementary School in Thame, Everest Region)
Doma Rigzen Sherpa (Khumbu, Nepal) – Bachelor in Kathmandu, Nepal
(Presently Married with Kids & Running a Lodge in the Everest Region)
Fura Dikki Sherpa (Khumbu, Nepal) – BA Nursing
(Presently Working on Nursing Degree in Sydney, Australia)
Singge (Zanskar, Indian Himalaya)
(Presently Married, Living in Leh & Working at an Army Post in Ladakh)
See KAMZANG FUND GRADUATES page!
THE KAMZANG KIDS | SPONSORED FOR HIGHER EDUCATION (UNIVERSITY)
Mingma Choki Sherpa (Khumbu, Nepal – Kathmandu, Nepal)
Sonam Chhutin Sherpa (Khumbu, Nepal)
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa (Khumbu, Nepal) – Bachelor in Kathmandu, Nepal
Tashi Sherpa – Bachelor in Kathmandu, Nepal
Tsering Sangmo (Upper Dolpo, Nepal) – Studies up to Class 10 in Kathmandu, Nepal
(Presently in Paris, France on a work-study program!)
Sushil Chaudary (Kathmandu, Nepal)
LOOKING FOR A SPONSOR FOR UNIVERSITY!
THE KAMZANG KIDS | SPONSORED FOR PRIMARY & SECONDARY EDUCATION
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Tashi Dolkar Sherpa (Khumbu, Nepal)
Pasang Doma & Dawa Gyaltsen (Upper Mustang & Pokhara, Nepal)
Susma Gurung (Lower Dolpo, Nepal)
Sera Doma Sherpa (Kathmandu, Nepal)
Ashish Basnet (Kathmandu, Nepal)
Soniya Basnet (Kathmandu, Nepal)
Tenzin Doma (Upper Mustang, Nepal)
Nabin Gurung (Gorkha, Nepal)
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Kohinoor Basnet (Suresh’s daughter) (Kathmandu, Nepal)
Smita Basnet (Junar’s daughter) (Kathmandu, Nepal)
Saira Basnet (Suresh’s daughter) (Kathmandu, Nepal)
Sandip Khulal (Yam’s son) (Kathmandu, Nepal)
Kritika Dhulal (Yam’s daughter) (Kathmandu, Nepal)
Mamta Basnet (Maile’s daughter) (Solu, Nepal)
Yubaraj Khulal (Chhatra’s son) (Solu, Nepal)
Bipana Kulung Rai (Khumbu, Nepal)
Kunga Chokey Sherpa (Khumbu, Nepal)
Pemba Doma (Helambu, Nepal)
Pasang Lhamo Gurung (Upper Mustang, Nepal)
Yangi Lhamo & Tsering Angmo (Upper Mustang, Nepal)
THE KAMZANG FUND | SPONSORED FOR MEDICAL ISSUES
Susma Gurung (Lower Dolpo, Nepal) – Cleft Lip
Tsering Kondo Gurung (Upper Mustang, Nepal) – Hearing & Speech Therapy
Chhunku Ukyab (Kanchenjunga, Nepal) – Hearing
Nyima Dikki (Nubri, Manaslu, Nepal) – Postpartum Depression
Tsewang Gyinzom (Karang, Upper Dolpo, Nepal) – Goiter &/or Thyroid Issue
Kunsang Gurung (Karang, Upper Dolpo, Nepal) – TB Treatment in Kathmandu
Pasang Lhamo Gurung (Karang, Upper Dolpo, Nepal) – MRI & Medical Issues
Prakash (Solu Khumbu + Kathmandu) – Paralyzed Artist (Operation on Tongue)
Dil Maya Gurung (Gorkha, Manaslu, Nepal) – Cataract Surgery in Kathmandu
Jampael (Manali Tibetan Community, Indian Himalaya) – Speech Therapy & Operation
THE KAMZANG FUND | KAMZANG PROJECTS
The Nomad Fund | Adopt A Goat (Mustang, Nepal)
Ramji’s Everest Base Camp Dream
The Nomad Fund | Solar Project (Mustang, Nepal)
The Nomad Fund | Textile Project (Mustang, Nepal + Indian Himalaya)
Education Projects (Tashi the Monk’s Tablet)
Tsharka, Karang & Thinkyu Schools Support (Upper Dolpo, Nepal)
Lo Monthang Community Center | Solar Project (Mustang, Nepal)
The Dolpo Fund
Dolpo Artists Support
KAMZANG EARTHQUAKE AID 2015
Mahji Fishing Village Water Projects
Tsum Valley Nuns Fund (Manaslu, Nepal)
Samdo Fund (Manaslu, Nepal)
Raised nearly $50,000 after the 2015 Nepal Earthquake, 100% of which went to help affected families, individuals and villages! 
Mingma Choki with letter to sponsor Annette. Everest, Nepal (2018)
THE KAMZANG KIDS | SPONSORED FOR EDUCATION
Scroll down to read brief stories of these wonderful kids and the great things they have achieved with their educations.
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa – Khumbu, Nepal
Pasang Lhamu is the older sister of Mingma (pictured above) and attended school through class 9 at Khumjung School (a Hillary school) in the Everest region. Pasang Lhamu is a very bright girl who comes from a working family from Thame. Her father owns a few dzobkios (yak and cow crossbreed) and works in trekking when he can get work. She loves school, studies hard and would love to have the opportunity to finish her education in Kathmandu, or even to have help with her schooling in Khumjung (one of the Hillary Schools). They lost their house in the earthquake, and have struggled to make ends meet since last May. Her parents couldn’t afford to continue her education so the Kamzang Fund is piecing together funds to keep her in school at the Hillary School in Khumjung, Khumbu. Thanks to Howard Lichter for sponsoring this beautiful, intelligent, and motivated young woman with her education!
Pasang Lhamu finished class 12 in college at the Texas International School, is staying at a hotel in Chabil, Kathmandu, and started her bachelor’s degree at a university in Kathmandu in 2021. She’s also a permanent staff at our Cafe Caravan! It’s nice to have her so nearby and be able to catch up with her often …
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Photos & Story
Facebook Album
Pasang Lhamo with Tashi at Cafe Caravan, Kathmandu (2021)
Pasang Lhamo visiting Cafe Caravan, Boudhanath, Kathmandu, during her college education (2019)
Mingma Choki Sherpa – Khumbu, Nepal
Mingma Choki is from Mende and Thame, in the Khumbu region of Nepal and grew up in a poor farming family. The father owns three dzobkios (cross-breed yaks) and works a bit in trekking carrying loads with these dzos but they don’t make enough to make ends meet. Mingma Choki has a wonderful and caring sponsor, Annette from California. Earlier in her education, she attended school in Kathmandu for several years but then returned to the Khumbu region to attend school in Thame to be closer to her family.
She has now completed her studies in class 12 at St Lawrence College in Kathmandu, and is applying for university! She is an incredible artist and eventually aims to study overseas in the US. Lots of potential in this beautiful young woman, age 20 (2023), and we’re very proud of her progress, especially in English.
Thanks to Annette for her great support throughout Mingma’s education!
Mingma Choki Sherpa Photos & Story
Facebook Album
Mingma Chhoki with uncle Lhakpa, Everest region (2018)
Mingma is an incredibly talented artist, and I just love the spirit of this sketch, Cafe Caravan, Autumn 2021
Mingma Choki + mom Serki in Namche, the Everest region, 2018
Tsering Choeden (Sangmo) – Upper Dolpo, Nepal
We’ve known Tsering Sangmo for many years as she is the granddaughter of Saldang’s respected Amchi Tundup-la, the Tibetan doctor who featured in the French movie ‘Himalaya’ many years ago. He is now quite elderly, the patriarch of a large family of lamas and amchis in Saldang. Tsering Sangmo didn’t ever go to school because her family is poor, and needed her to look after the goats and sheep, collect dung and help look after the family house. She is extremely bright, just an amazing girl, and we’re so happy to give her the chance to go to school in Kathmandu!
She was helped to study English and Tibetan in Kathmandu by trekking friends, and sponsors, Celesta & Adrian, sponsored her full education up to class 10 (skipping many grades) in Kathmandu. She’s very determined, extremely eager to learn and change her life with an education. Sangmo moved up quickly through her primary level classes, thriving and happy. In 2021, she was studying in class 7 at Srongsten, Bhikiruti Boarding High School in Kathmandu, and by 2023, she had almost completed class 10.
In November 2023, Sangmo was offered the chance to go to Paris to finish her studies on a work-study program for ethnic Tibetans, an incredible opportunity. We now look forward to her updates from France!
Tsering Sangmo Story & Photos
Facebook Album
Tsering Choeden (her newly chosen second name) with a milkshake at Cafe Caravan, Autumn 2021
Tsering Sangmo with Kim and cousin Labrang Bhuti in Boudha, Kathmandu (2018)
Tashi Dolkar & Kunga Tendup Sherpa – Khumbu, Nepal
Tashi Dolkar and younger brother Kunga Tendup, from Pangboche, the Everest (Khumbu) region, are living at the wonderful Home Away from Home hostel in Namche, and attending the Namche Primary School. Tashi and Kunga’s parents, Ang Tashi and his wife, with the help of their sponsors are able to send their children to school in Namche, where they are getting a good education and living in a supportive environment nearby the school (and just below our favorite Moonlight Lodge, so we see the kids often on our Everest High Passes treks each November).
Lorraine H & Paul D are sponsoring Tashi Dolkar’s education in Namche, as well as her wonderful hostel at Home Away from Home (nursery through class 8), after meeting her dad (and our awesome guide), Phu Tashi Sherpa, in Pangboche. Thanks so much to Lorraine and Paul for helping make a difference in the beautiful, bright Tashi Dolkar’s life! Tashi Dolkar is presently studying in Class 7, is 14 years old (2023 update), and will be at Namche Primary School for one more year. Tashi enjoys studying English, and playing soccer, volleyball and relay races.
Kunga Tendup is living with his older sister at Home Away from Home Hostel, attending the same Namche Primary school, and was sponsored for his year 2023 education with the kind support of Wendy Sanders and her family and friends (with holiday Kamzang Fund gift certificates, a great idea). Thanks so much to Wendy and family and friends for helping with Gunda Tendup’s education!
We are looking for a full-time sponsor for Kunga Tendup’s education at Namche School and onwards (after Class 8). Kunga Tendup is 8 years old and studying in Class 1 (2022 update), and loves spending time outdoors in the mountains, with friends and sister, and enjoys all of his classes, he’s told us!
Tashi Dolkar + Gunga Tendup, Namche, Everest region (2022)
Tashi Dolkar + Gunga Tendup, Namche, Everest region (2021)
Tashi Dolkar, Moonlight Lodge, Namche, Everest region (2018)
Sonam Chuttin Sherpa (Khumbu, Nepal)
Sonam Chuttin is the incredibly bright and motivated daughter of Pemba Nuru (who also brings his dzobkios trekking with us in the Khumbu) and Rita Sherpa, who live in the small hamlet of Mende in the Khumbu region of Nepal. After finishing class 5 at at Thame School, she began studying at the HIllary School in Khumjung up in the Khumbu. (When studying at Thame, she walked 2 hours to and from school each day as her parents couldn’t afford boarding school, but she now boards at Khumjung.). Her interests at school are math and science, as well as playing volleyball and badminton. And her smile is as big and all-encompassing as ever!
Sonam Chhutin has an older brother, Purba Tenzing, 14 years old studying in Dharmsala, and an older sister Tsering Phuti, who is 20 and attends school in Kathmandu through the same scholarship as Zangmu. Sonam just came to Kathmandu (Nov 2023) to apply for university studies after completing class 12 in the Khumbu. She is also studying Korean language! We look forward to seeing her often! (She is Tsering Phuti Sherpa on FaceBook)
Sonam Chuttin is sponsored for her schooling by Howard L, who sponsors 3 other Himalayan girls! Thanks so much for your incredible support of all of these talented young women, Howard …
Thanks so much to Howard for all of his support in sponsoring girls for their educations in Nepal!
Sonam Chhutin Photos & Story
Facebook Album
Sonam Chhotin, Khumbu, Everest, Nepal (2018) – Sonam + uncle Lhakpa, Namche, Everest, Nepal (2021)
Tashi Sherpa – Kathmandu, Nepal
The lovely Tashi started working at Cafe Caravan in 2019, a few months before lockdown, and has continued with us throughout the past year-plus. Tashi has been such an asset to the cafe, with her constant smile and calm, sweet disposition. After completing ‘college’), Janaklyon College he’s wanted to continue her studies and attend university, and Kathy M stepped in to sponsor her for her bachelor degree in Kathmandu, which she is now attending! We’re so happy that she now has this opportunity, she certainly is very eager to continue her studies, improve her life and be able to help her family. Thanks so much, Kathy, for your continued support of The Kamzang Fund! 
Tashi Sherpa at Cafe Caravan (2021)
Susma Gurung – Upper Dolpo, Nepal
Susma Gurung is from a small village in Dolpo, and had a severely cleft lip for the first 9 years of her life.
She’s now back in Dolpo after a successful operation in Kathmandu. The funding for her operation was provided by some members of our 2011 + 2012 Upper Dolpo to Mustang treks as well as by a few other doners. A big thanks to all, what a difference in Susma’s life!
Susma has been sponsored by Paul J, and is also partially sponsored by John R, for her education at Tabriza School in Lower Dolpo. She is doing very well is school, turning into a beautiful young woman, and enjoying her education with lots of friends and family around her!
We’re presently looking for a sponsor for Susma for her secondary education in Kathmandu. Jim C has sponsored her for 2024 & 2025, and we are looking for a sponsor for her higher education!
Susma Gurung Story & Photos
Facebook Album
Susma at Tabriza School, Dolpo, Nepal (2022) – Susma Gurung at Tabriza School (2019)
Tsering Kondo & Pasang Lhamo – Upper Mustang, Nepal
Tsering Kondo lives in Yara, Upper Mustang. The Kamzang Fund (with help from Shiven) sent Tsering Kondo to Kathmandu for her hearing issues, and afterward for speech therapy. Tsering Kondo returned to Mustang, attended the public school at Chhusang in Upper Mustang with a donation from friend John T. Because of her hearing loss and difficulties at school, her parents decided Tsering Kondo would do better at the public school in Yara, where she received special attention from the teacher who had been there for 17 years. In 2018 she left school, and is now happy and beautiful as ever, helping her mother with village chores, doing some weaving and flourishing at home with her parents and village friends.
Pasang Lhamo is Tsering Kondo’s bright, enthusiastic and very motivated younger sister, who comes with a big smile to visit us at our campsites when we pass through Yara if she’s home from school. After Tsering Kondo left school in 2018, we switched that scholarship to Pasang Lhamo, who is presently studying in class 4 at Chhusang School in Upper Mustang, excelling in her studies . Pasang Lhamo is partially sponsored by good friend Howard L for her further education, and we need another $500 per year as she moves up in her classes.
Their parents are struggling, farming land for other Mustangis, so educational sponsorship has made a huge difference in these girls’ lives …
Pasang Lhamo’s Story & Photos
Facebook Album
Tsering Kondo Story & Photos
Facebook Album
Pasang Lhamo (left), mother and Tsering Kondo (right) in Yara, Mustang (2019)
Tsering Kondo, Yara, Mustang (2017)
Pasang Lhamo with Liz in Yara, Mustang (2018)
Tsering Kondo in Kathmandu for her hearing and speech tests (2010)
Pasang Doma & Dawa Gyaltsen – Upper Mustang, Nepal
Pasang Doma and Dawa Gyaltsen come from the very remote village of Sam Dzong, in Upper Mustang, Nepal. Our Sky Caves & Last Nomads of Upper Mustang group met this dynamic duo of brother and sister in the Autumn of 2018, and the McIntyres immediately knew they had found the girl they wanted to sponsor, beautiful and charasmatic Pasang Doma. Alex, another trekker, stepped in to sponsor our ‘climbing guide’ Dawa Gyalten, her older brother and equally bright. Pasang and Dawa Gyalgen previously went to school in Lo Manthang earlier, a sponsored school, so Kathy, Ross & Alex give the family help with clothes, books, transport and medical issues. As of 2023, Pasang Dolma is 15 years old and studying in class 7, and Dawa Gyalgen is 17 years old and studyign in class 8, and both are attending the wonderful Great Compassion Boarding School in Pokhara.
Pasang Doma & Dawa Gyaltsen Story & Photos
Facebook Album
Pasang Doma, Chhusang, Mustang, Nepal (2021)
The Sam Dzong kids, Pasang Doma Dawa Gyaltsen (2017)
Sushil Gurung – Kathmandu
Sushil is an amazing young man who will be completing his class 12 studies in Kathmandu in 2024, after being sponsored for his earlier education by Linda C. He is an extremely bright and motivated student, most excited by English, econoics, computer tech and art).
Sushil has unfortunatey lost his sponsorship for the coming year when he hopes to enter a university in Kathmandu (2024), and we’re actively looking for a new sponsor. Although his parents work hard to provide for the family (mom Kusum takes care of our Lazimpat flat, dad is a house painter), they won’t be able to afford the approx $1500 per year for a university education. The cost of living has increased incredibly over the last few years, and inflation has made even basic food supplies un-affordable for the average Nepali family. Sushil and his family live in a one-room house below my flat, where Sushil manages to study hard daily.
We would truly appreciate anyone wanting to help Sushil complete his education!
Sushil Gurung Photos & Story
Facebook Album
Sushil playing badminton during the 2020 lockdown in our Kathmandu flat (2020)
Sushil with Tristy’s pups in Lazimpat, Kathmandu (2018)
Tenzin Doma – Upper Mustang, Nepal
Tenzin Doma is the incredibly intelligent and artistic daughter of friends from Samar, Upper Mustang. This beautiful young woman goes to school in Pokhara, and sponsored by Esther J. She is in class 9, is 15-16 years old, a very bright and motivated young woman who is looking forward to an exciting future …
She is continuing her studies in Pokhara at the moment, and we hope to send her to study in Kathmandu afterwards. Updated photo needed! 
Tenzin Doma in Samar, Mustang, Nepal (2016)
Bipana Kulung Rai – Khumbu, Nepal
Bipana Rai studies Class 3 at Thame School, and used to stay with her aunt Rita (Sonam Chuttin’s mother) in Mende, a 2-hour walk from school. Mornings and evenings she helped her aunt with the housework (which isn’t easy in the Everest region). She didn’t have time to focus on education while working at her aunt’s house, so during exam time, she stayed with her teacher Doma Tenzing (also a Kamzang Kid, and her father is our yak driver and Everest summiteer Mingma) at their small Thame house. Bipana’s parents never received an education, so didn’t have the means to pay for her education or hostel at Thame School. She is now attending class 3, and is 12 years old, as well as being a budding artist.
Doma Tenzing approached us for help paying for her boarding school fees at Thame, and we immediately found a sponsor for her education. Mark D, thank you a million times over for helping Bipana and two other Kamzang Kids obtain their educations!
Bipana with Thame teacher Tenzin Doma (2021)
Bipana with one of her drawings, Thame, Everest, Nepal (2021)
Sera Doma Sherpa – Solu Khumbu
Sera Doma is from Pangboche, a small village in the upper reaches of the Khumbu (Everest) region of Nepal. Her mother Nyima Lhamo has been trying to support her education in Kathmandu but was having trouble making ends meet with the money coming in from her small lodge at Amadablam Base Camp. She was divorced for several years and wasn’t receiving money for the children’s educations from her husband, though is now remarried to a wonderful Sherpa man named Nima, who helps her run their Amadablam Lodge.
Our friend Heike sponsors Sera Doma’s schooling in Kathmandu. As of 2021, Sera Doma is in class 11, attending Xavier International College and doing very well in school. Thank you so much for your help with Sera Doma’s education, Heike!
Sera Doma at Cafe Caravan with an ice cream float, Autumn 2021
Sera Doma Sherpa (Kathmandu, 2015)
Soniya & Kohinoor Basnet – Kathmandu, Nepal
Suresh’s beautiful daughter, Soniya Basnet, is extremely bright, with some serious ambition! Our friends Nina & John from an Upper Dolpo trek have been sponsoring her education in Kathmandu since 2011, and she has almost finished her education. Suresh remarried several years ago, and Soniya is enjoying spending time with her two little sisters. Thanks so much to John + Nina for your continued support of Soniya!
Kohinoor is the second daughter of our camp manager Suresh. A lively, curious and intuitive girl, she is just starting her primary school this year, and will be sponsored by Jennelle T, a long-time trekker and the former sponsor of Nuru Wangdi Sherpa. Kohinoor is presently studing online in 2020, and helping her little sister with her learning skills as well.
Thanks so much, Jennelle, for your big heart and interest in sponsoring children for their educations!
The family (Kohinoor left, sister right) at the Kathmandu Guest House (2021)
Kohinoor, Kathmandu (2020)
Soniya Basnet with sister Kohinoor, Kathmandu (2016)
Saira Basnet – Kathmandu, Nepal
Saira is the youngest daughter of our wonderful camp manager, Suresh. Suresh and his wife work very hard to take care of their three daughters, but with the high cost of education in Kathmandu these days, are struggling to get her into an affordable school. Government schools in Nepal are not worth attending, and all parents who hope for a better future for their children try to get them into private schools where they will have a chance shining. Saira is in kindergarten, 6 years old, full of giggles and yet already a wise soul.
Saira is now spossored by our good friend Jennelle, who also sponsored Nuru through his university education. Such a big thank you for your support of these children!
Saira in Kathmandu, 2022
Ashish & Smita Basnet – Solu Khumbu, Nepal
Junar’s son Ashish has been helped in the past for his schooling in Kathmandu by Graham, a long time trekking friend, and received a donation from the father son team of Ron and Charlie, other friends and trekkers. Charlie raised some money for the Kamzang Fund through a school project. Ashish is doing well in school (likes math) and is living with Junar, his younger sister and his new mother in Kathmandu. Ashish is now sponsored for his education in Kathmandu by another trekking friend Vernon, and looks after younger sister Smita. A big thanks to helping Ashish with his education!
Smita is our Kamzang Journeys chef (extraordinaire) Junar’s youngest daughter, a lovely (and lively) young girl studying in kindergarten in Kathmandu, 7 years old in 2023. Rebecca D, an Everest trekker, has sponsored Smita’s 2023 education. Smita is now sponsored by Vernon for her further education! Thank you so much, Rebecca & Vernon for your support of Smita’s future!
Ashish’s Story & Photos
Facebook Album
Smita in Kathmandu (2020)
Ashish in his neighborhood in Kathmandu (2019)
Sandip & Kritika Dhulal – Solu Khumbu & Kathmandu, Nepal
Sandip is the enthusiastic, very energetic son of Yam, our assistant cook and camp manager. With plenty of character and an engaging smile, he’s sure to go far in life. Yam is one of our hardest-working staff member, running a small shop in Kathmandu, investing in small plots of land and riding his bicycle instead of buying a motorcycle to save money for the family (although he now owns a scooter), a man after my own heart.
Sandip is attending a primary school in Narayanthan, Kathmandu, and is sponsored by trekkers Martin S and Cindy D. A big namaste to the two of you! I see Sandip and little sister Kritika often as their little shop is right along my usual cycling route …
Kritika is Yam’s youngest daughter, presently attending kindergarten in Kathmandu an d 7 years old in 2023. We’d love to find a sponsor for her education after this year; please do get in touch if you’d like to help with adorable Kritika’s education. Fees start at about $500 per year, and will increase to $750 as she reaches mid-primary school.
Kritika has been sponsored for her 2023 education (and possibly further) by Everest trekker, Rebecca D. Thank you so much for your support of Kritika’s future!
Sandip Dhulal Photos & Story
Facebook Album
Sandip with younger sister Kritika (2 1/2 yrs) in front of their house in Budhanilkanta, Kathmandu (2019)
Kritika in Kathmandu (2019)
Pemba Doma – Helambu, Nepal
Lhakpa and I met the lovely, engaging Pemba Sherpa during a recent 2021 short exploratory trek into Helambu, a beautiful region of Yolmo people just north of Kathmandu (and south of Langtang).
Pemba’s mother abandoned the family, leaving Pemba Doma with her disabled father who was unable to look after her. The wonderful owners of Helambu Hotel in Tarkye Ghyang took Pemba Doma in, and have been looking after her and helping with her education for the past few years. We returned to Kathmandu and immediately found a sponsor for Pemba Doma’s education, working together with Peter and Tsering’s Fund (based in Kathmandu) to educate her at the exceptional Melamchi Ghyang school. Thanks so much to Tanja C, who has done work in Nepal for many years, to so quickly step in and help with Pemba’s education!
Pemba Doma in Helambu (2021)
Nabin Gurung – Gorkha, Manaslu, Nepal
Nabin Gurung, age 7, heading towards class 1 at Shanti Nikunj Higher Secondary School in Pokhara. Nabin has been sponsored for school by Kim + Bob, two of our wonderful clients, after they met his father Sanda on their trek in the Annapurna region with us. Father Sanda and family live at just below Barpak, at the epicenter of the 2015 Nepal earthquake, so lost their house and all of their possessions.
Kim + Bob of CA recently stepped in to support Nabin’s eduation in Pokhara, changing the future of a young Nepali boy. They are very grateful for this life-changing help.
A big thanks to Kim + Bob for their continued support!
Nabin in his school uniform, 2017
Yubaraj Khulal – Solu & Terai, Nepal
Yubaraj is the adorable son of our staff member Chattra, who works with us at Kamzang Journeys as well as Cafe Caravan. Yubaraj was studying in class 2 the terai, his mother’s home, but has moved with the family back to Solo (lower Everest region) where he is studing in class 3. Yubaraj is extremely bright, and his parents were struggling to pay for his education. HIs father Chettra is one of the most hard-working and dedicated staff members of Kamzang Journeys, and his son Yubaraj seems to be on the same track.
Friend Pippa helped with Yubaraj’s education for several years, but as he gets older and his school fees increase we began looking for an additional sponsor. Mark D stepped in to sponsor three of our Kamzang Kids in 2020, and we are eternally grateful to him for providing these bright kids the means to study!
FYubaraj in Solu Khumbu, Nepal (2021)
Mamta Basnet – Solu, Nepal
Mamta, our Kamzang Journeys staff Maile’s (Junar’s younger brother) daughter from Solu, the Everest region. Mamta was sponsored by Anissia until 2017, and we were making ends meet so that she could stay in school until friend + trekker Mark D stepped in to sponsor her education in 2020!
Lovely and spirited Mamta is studying in class 3 in her village in Solu, loves school, always has a big smile, and enjoys helping her family in the village when not studying. Thanks so much, Mark, for helping to improve a young girl’s future in Nepal!
Mamta in her village in Solu Khumbu, Nepal (2019)
Kunga Chokey Sherpa – Khumbu, Nepal
Kunga is an adorable 6-year-old girl from Pangboche village in the Everest region, just starting class 1 at Pangboche School in the spring (2025). Esther J has kindly provided funding for her sponsorship this year, and we look forward to seeing how she grows and thrives over the coming years! 🙏
DONATE
Donate to The Kamzang Fund
(Send as ‘Gift’ or ‘Payment to Family & Friends’ for no fees)
PayPal
GoFundMe
Check (Cheque)
Kamzang Journeys
Mail to: Kim Bannister, PO Box 1178, Rockport, ME 04856
(We are not registered as a 4013C non-profit to keep our fees at 0%, so don’t have a separate bank account. 100% of your donation goes to The Kamzang Fund)
Or Inquire for Bank Details
Namaste – Tashi Delek – Jullay!