I was preparing to go to Nepal last spring to create partnerships with new schools in the Himalayas for my organization, Trek to Teach. Just a couple of weeks before my trip, Nepal was hit by a massive earthquake. We had three teachers at our schools in Annapurna and several Trek to Teach staff members in the Kathmandu area. All were safe. Unfortunately, however, our sister trekking company lost two trekking guides during the quake. It was heart-wrenching—they had guided several of our teachers on treks to their schools. May they rest in peace and tranquility.
The earthquake paused all activity in Nepal, including school. I knew, more than ever, that I still needed to go on this trip and show our schools and communities that we are committed to their success. One thing that we preach at Trek to Teach is having a positive attitude in challenging situations. There is no question that our teachers have to embrace challenge, whether it is intense rain while trekking hours uphill, or the challenge of teaching English to non-native speakers. Having a positive attitude during these challenges is a choice we remind them to make.
Gurung woman drying beans on the shale rooftop.
I too had to practise what we preach – amidst challenge lies opportunity to make a difference!
Our wonderful Trek to Teach team, and the people of Nepal, while wounded, remain optimistic and resilient. Such positive and delightful people remind me of one of the main reasons I started Trek to Teach. This positivity within the Nepali people is contagious, they make the world a better place and should not be limited by having a neglectful education. They should have the ability to communicate with the world and expand their vast horizons in business and in life. We aim to make that into a reality.
While being in Nepal after the earthquake was indeed challenging, it also presented additional goals for my trip. I wanted to connect with our teachers to ensure that they were able to get the most out of their remaining time in Nepal and visit our current schools and communities to maintain our strong connection. We were also successful in adding three new school partnerships to increase placements for new teachers.
Trek to Teach – Chalk Artist
Looking back on my trip, I can confidently say that these goals were accomplished and that we had a lot of fun throughout the process. I was reminded how much I adore our Trek to Teach family in Nepal and how beautiful the mountains, and her people, truly are.
Khusi ko Jindagi! Cheers to Life!
Video: In 2015, Trek to Teach founder Brad Hurvitz went to Nepal to visit the 3 current schools in the TTT network, 3 current teachers at the schools and establish 3 new schools to add to the TTT network.
Photo Credits
Chalk Artist – By Ashley Matthews – All Rights Reserved
All other photos by Trek to Teach – All Rights Reserved
Guest Author Bio
Brad Hurvitz
Brad Hurvitz is the founder of Trek to Teach. He lives in San Diego with his wife and newborn daughter. He is passionate about helping others achieve their goals while enjoying the little moments in life that make it special. He can be reached here.
Website: Trek to Teach
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