Nepal

Since the year 2000 Birkdale School has gone out to Nepal on a most wonderful and life-informing trip. Each year, an intrepid team of students and staff go on a journey to explore Nepal and support educational and poverty alleviation projects. The combination of educational purpose and charitable service is not uncommon but at Birkdale we have a unique relationship with a particular area of the Kathmandu valley.

Each year our team visits the village of Kokhana, on the periphery of southern Kathmandu, about a 45 minute dusty ride from the centre of the city, https://maps.app.goo.gl/EQu7buhbzqHKZCjB6 . During our visit we work alongside old friends, at a range of schools but particularly the Peace Garden School, which Birkdale helped to fundraise for 2002. Our students deliver what is best described as an educational holiday camp. They plan and deliver a range of wonderful activities, creative arts lessons, engineering activities and exciting science projects – https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aZmlVcE_rLg . The experience is relished by all, it is truly life changing for all involved.

Following this 20+ year association with Nepal a group of connected Birkdalians formed a new UK Charity, led by Keith Brook, as chair and aptly named RNV Nepal. RNV standing for the school motto of Res Non Verba. A huge effort is made each year to raise funds, in support of educational and poverty alleviation projects, money raised goes directly to RNV Nepal. Annual eyesight tests to support the purchasing of glasses for students; teacher training places to support the growing success of the Peace Garden School; new infrastructure, like roof replacements on the Noble school and bigger projects, such as new classrooms. There is so much to do!

Of course, it is hard to visit Nepal without wanting to see the Himalayas and each year the Nepal team makes for the hills, the big hills! Trekking in the Himalayas, towards Ama Dablam is an experience that is hard to beat. Words can not do it justice and the feeling of being up high, in the biggest setting on earth inspires all who go. Please read the 2023 article to gain a full perspective on the trip and what we do.
At Birkdale school education is what we believe in and we recognise the privileged position we have in this world. It is important to our school and community that we support others in their pursuit of education and a happy life.