The Gurkha Memorial Fund held its second annual charity dinner evening on 27 April 2018 in support of its next phase of providing a computer technology and education project in Nepal.

The dinner included a special three-course Nepalese meal provided by the Namuna Gurkha Restaurant, along with entertainment and dancing. A raffle and auction followed and we are very grateful to all the individuals and companies that supported the event. We were delighted that we raised over £3,000 towards our second phase computer technology centre fundraising appeal to provide a fully-fitted computer centre at a secondary school at a secondary in the Rolpa district, to the eastern part of Nepal. Children within this area face an hours-long journey just to access internet facilities.

The new centre will provide computer knowledge and skills for those children who have never had access or the opportunity to use computers before. Other local schools will also use the classroom and the Gurkha Memorial Fund will support the educational needs. The site will comprise of a minimum of 15 laptops, as well as all the relevant furniture, infrastructure, support and backup to enable the project to succeed. Thereafter, the schools will be encouraged to communicate with other schools in Folkestone to share cultural experiences.

There were many dignitaries including Folkestone Town Mayor, Cllr Roger West, who thanked the fund and the trustees for their ongoing support and dedication to assist a variety of projects and, more importantly, the local Nepalese community and Gurkha regiment.

We are aiming to raise £12,000 for the project and any donations or support will be greatly appreciated, which may be made by providing cash payments c/o Ray Johnson, Church House, 136 Sandgate Road, Folkestone CT20 2BN or preferably BACS payments, via sort code 52-41-42, account number 47201290.

For further information please call Ray Johnson, UK project co-ordinator on 01303 22 11 88.