ASIA/NEPAL - Earthquake: the help of religious congregations

Kathmandu (Agenzia Fides) – The religious congregations in Nepal are committed to helping victims of the earthquake which devasted the country on 25 April. As reported in a note sent to Fides by the Apostolic Vicariate of Nepal, the "Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus" are among the most active orders. In Gorkha and Kathmandu they have opened their facilities and schools for the displaced. In addition, as part of the rescue operation, the School of Santa Maria in Kathmandu with the help of parents, students, and staff, have organized aid for six villages affected around the Kathmandu valley, providing basic needs.
Even the Jesuits of "Nepal Jesuit Social Institute" (NJSI) organized medical camps and distributed relief materials in the most affected areas, launching projects of rehabilitation and reconstruction. The Institute has launched the ''Earthquake Relief and Rehabilitation Program Nepal" to serve the survivors of the earthquake. In particular NJSI provided teaching materials, furniture, stationery, books to 23 schools operating in nine districts which were most affected by the earthquake, giving support to more than 6,827 families, a total of over 30,000 people. The Jesuits are also helping in the field of agriculture: they help farmers by providing seeds and tools.
Also the "Congregation of the Fathers of St. Teresa" (or "Little Flower Society") are giving their contribution, focused primarily on helping the indigenous population of Chepang. A special Commission for rehabilitation has prepared a program of aid, while religious and volunteers of the congregation work tirelessly in solidarity, thanks to the partnership with the Archdiocese of Mumbai, India. So far they have helped more than 2,100 indigenous families. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 06/07/2015)