On its one-year anniversary, Texas Tech students learn how the funds collected helped the earthquake-stricken country in its time of need.
One year ago today (April 25), a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal east of Kathmandu, destroying towns, homes, schools, historical landmarks and temples, devastating the country.
After news surfaced in the United States about the horrifying earthquake, Nepalese students on the Texas Tech University campus were scared for their families' safety and concerned about what life would be like in Nepal post-earthquake. To help their country from afar, they began raising funds to send to earthquake victims.
Throughout May 2015, the Nepalese Student Association, in conjunction with Saba Nafees, outgoing graduate vice president for the Texas Tech Student Government Association, and Texas Tech administrators, collectively raised money on campus, totaling more than $25,000 for earthquake victims.
A year later, the association examined the impact of the donation sent to earthquake victims. Rushan Shakya, vice president of external affairs for the association, said they found astonishing results from their efforts.
They learned the money collected from the Lubbock and Texas Tech communities were sent to Shree Nava Jyoti Primary School to rebuild classrooms, to the Non-Resident Nepali Association to rebuild homes in Barpark, Gorkha, Nepal, and provided food and shelter for earthquake victims.
“On occasion of the one-year anniversary of the Nepal earthquake, we would like to thank our entire Lubbock and Texas Tech communities for all of the love and support they provided us during the earthquake,” Shakya said. “We heartily thank all of our donors, volunteers and advisers for all of the help they provided us during our fundraising campaign.”
In addition to raising money for earthquake victims, the association hosted a candlelight vigil the week of the earthquake to remember the thousands of people who lost their lives on that tragic day.
The association aims to promote Nepal and its culture through various activities as well as foster interaction between all members in order to create a resourceful social and academic environment for students. Established in 2006, the organization embraces diversity through cultural exchanges between the Lubbock and Texas Tech communities and address challenges encountered by Nepalese students.
For more information about Texas Tech's Nepalese Student Association, visit its website.
