On behalf of the Gurkha Memorial Fund we are delighted that the second computer project for schools in Nepal – the Joanna Lumley Computer Technology Centre was inaugurated recently. The handover Ceremony was arranged and commissioned by our sister group The Gurkha Memorial Foundation Nepal and Chairman Dhan Gurung to the Bir Balabhadra Secondary School at Thabang Village in Rolpa District situated within the western region of Nepal.

His Excellency the Vice  President of Nepal Mr Nanda Bahadur Pun officially launched this project alongside the Education Minister Hon Giriraj Mani Pokhrel and Energy Minister Hon Barsaman Pun on 23rd Feb 2020.  The project now enables the school to enjoy computer technology facilities to enable learning and interaction with other schools including the Turner School group situated in Folkestone.

Chairman Dhan Gurung commented “My humble thanks to all my trustees and respective project teams here in Nepal and the UK. It was a delight to see so many excited children experiencing the marvellous facilities as well as having the opportunity to meet officials. We are now hoping to extend facilities into other locations with their cooperation. The Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal also made a special commitment to ensure improved satellite links would be provided to compliment the project thus ensuring regular connection speeds which are currently sporadic. ”

UK project coordinator and trustee Ray Johnson commented:

“This month I had the pleasure to visit Nepal and it was so gratifying to see the terrific outcome of these vital projects. We continue to link remote schools in Nepal with the rest of the world and particularly here in schools in Folkestone. These facilities offer the opportunity to improve educational improvements and future employment prospects. As with the first project the usage will also be available to adults. On this occasion it was wonderful to see pictures of the children experiencing a computer for the very first time.”

It is possible to assist our projects by donating via BACS use reference GMFC2 to:

• Account Name: Folkestone Gurkha Memorial Fund
• Sort code: 52-41-42
• Account number: 47201290

or via www.gurkhamemorialfund.org.uk

or send cheque to GMF c/o 34 Julian Road, Folkestone, CT19 5HW and state if the donations can be Gift Aided to raise a further 25%.