Since 2004, Patron Capital has partnered closely with Seppi Enzio and Sunita Gurung to support over 30 villages across Nepal through school construction and refurbishment, the installation of clean water systems and aqueducts, providing educational sponsorships for children, and the provision of electricity to remote communities. Below is a snapshot of some of the impactful projects completed over the years:
- Makalu Valley
In 2017, the Himalayan Education Centre (HEC), also known as the ‘Earthship’ school, underwent a major redevelopment and expansion. The redesigned facility was equipped with dedicated teacher training spaces and a newly built guest house to accommodate both returning and new students. Today, HEC serves as a central hub of learning for the Makalu Valley region. The project was dedicated to Luis Bejar, a cherished Patron Capital employee who sadly passed away during this time.
- Tumkhaling
The local school was in severe disrepair and required a complete rebuild from the foundations up, including structural framing and new floorboards. It is now one of the largest educational facilities in the region, serving 250 students from surrounding villages – many of whom walk over 1.5 hours each way to attend classes.
- Kharmarang
In this nearby town, a new waterline was installed to bring fresh mountain water directly into the village. Four new water fountains were constructed to provide convenient access to clean drinking water. In the aftermath of a recent earthquake, three schools were also rebuilt in the region: one in Gola, one in Lingham, and one in Kharmarang itself.
- Hongong
In 2014, four water lines were constructed across this dispersed village, made up of five to six scattered hamlets, to ensure a reliable supply of fresh water.
- Seeduwa
In 2012, three aqueducts were built to deliver water to three nearby villages. The local schools were also refurnished and secured with protective fencing around the school grounds. Remarkably, a new school building was constructed in just 13 days to serve 350 children.
- Milingo
Electricity was introduced to this small village near the Tyangboche monastery by running a cable from the monastery to nearby shepherds’ homes, bringing light and power to the area for the first time.
- Pangboche
In 2007, five children, Mingma Chuti, Pemba Dolma, Tshewang Polmo, Mingma, and Sonam Kunga, were sponsored to support their access to a consistent and quality education. Alongside this, a vital water project was initiated to serve the village. The project involved constructing a reservoir, installing a pipeline from the monastery, and building a communal water fountain. The large main pipe needed for the system was too big to be transported by helicopter, so five dedicated porters carried it on foot for 12 days from the low valley up the mountain. Despite challenging weather conditions delaying work until spring 2008, the project was completed that year with the first fountain installed. Two additional fountains were planned, with construction scheduled for 2009.
