Where better to put British philanthropy to work than in Nepal? Generations of Gurkhas have helped Britain defend itself since the early 1900’s and soldiers sending money home was a boost to the Nepalese economy.
An earthquake in April this year left about 9,000 people in shelters of corrugated iron that offer no protection from the winter cold and a generation of young men, forced to make the difficult decision to make a living in the hot desert countries like Qatar, building the football stadium or staying at home. He would be the single man out of twenty-five originally in the village to stay and rebuild his home. Now there is even less choice as the electricians and plumbers have all left to earn money abroad.
It is apparent that they live on tenterhooks, as the football stadium in Qatar is being built for the 2022 World Cup and the row about corruption continues. Meanwhile it is a lifeline for Nepal.
Could the British send electricians and plumbers to Nepal? It is a huge job, but one that Britain used to do, when it had its Empire. An army of Civil Servants was recruited to train up the locals to do the jobs and then they would move somewhere else where they were needed. They helped countries to prosper. Can Britain do that again now? This time thousands of Nepalese people will die in the winter cold, without fuel or electricity to warm their homes.
Looking at that, it is easy to understand why Nepalese families came to Britain after their military service ended. But are they happy or would they rather be back home in their communities? Has anyone asked them?
Thousands in Britain support charity. Let us take that charity to Nepal and build them a better life.
Article acknowledgement : Kieran Cooke, BBC News, Nepal
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