I was born at the beautiful and pleasant village of Pangkarma, VDC ward number 5, Beni district, a remote area of the Nepal Himalaya. I grew up with my parents and two brothers and three sisters. My family has a farm and I helped my family while also studying at my local school up to the higher leaving certificate. I am the eldest son and it was expected to stay on the farm.

When I had finished school, my parents proposed a marriage to me, but I declined and left for Kathmandu without their consent or permission. Arriving in Kathmandu with the vigor and Endeavour of youth, I maintained myself with hard struggle, but worked and studied to improve myself. I then returned to my village and was warmly received by my family and the village people. While there it occurred to me how much help the handicapped and society at large in the district needed better facilities than were on offer.

This thought stayed with me and I realized that by returning to Kathmandu I would betterbe able to help my community. I returned to Kathmandu with the firm belief and strong intent to help my people. It was very difficult for a person like me, who arrived in a large city, Kathmandu, from a remote country area to find employment. I started to work in the trekking profession.

Eventually I had an opportunity to work with one of the reputed company in Kathmandu. This enabled me to achieve the first step in my goal to help my people. Through my work I had the opportunity to support myself and my family, and also meet and learn from overseas travelers, some of whom were interested in me as a person.

An Australian citizen, Paul Jury along with his wife, Patricia and children, was supportive in helping me further achieve my goal. A doctor, nurse and medical supplies were now sent to the medical outpost at Junbesi to assist the people of my district. Kushudebu Public Health Mission Nepal was established.

I was then able to launch a public sector health program with further economic assistance from The Wilderness School in Adelaide led by Dr Sally Nobbs. Glenys Needham of the Carnegie Branch of The Lions Organisation in Melbourne, and Jean Darlington of St Monica's R.C. Church, Wivenhoe, Essex, England working with her local church group in England and Norwegian Junbesi Group ( NJG) also helped with more improvements.

I have also put in place better environmental practices of improved sanitation and the provision of a rubbish pit after meeting Beau Beza, a lecturer at Melbourne University.

Throughout these improvements I have continued to work with my local people and consult with them. Seeing the high admiration they have towards those who have helped them and by seeing the benefits my community has with the improved facilities and staff, I further reaffirm my commitment to achieve better medical facilities and care for all of the people of my home district, a community of more than 3,700 people.

I cannot thank enough those who have helped me achieve these goals. There are many friends of the Kushudebu Public Health Mission Nepal (KPHMN). KPHMN is incorporated and registered as a non-profit organisation. Kushudebu being a Sherpa word for wellbeing. KPHMN has an office in Kathmandu, works with the local community, a website and a bank account.

The commitment and drive I had for this project has not declined over time. We now have lab equipment and an x-ray machine, ECG and more trained staff. We have plans to convert rooms so that patients are able to stay at the centre for treatment, refurbish a house for doctor and nurses quarters, purchase ultrasound equipment and other pregnancy delivery equipment as well as more staff.

Currently the Nepal Government is unable to meet community demands in regard to health care and this is why our work in this area must continue. It is only by the continued support of our donors and any new donors that we are able to make progress and maintain medical help to this district.

In August 2008, I was invited to Adelaide, Australia for a book launch "Wilderness in Nepal" by the Wilderness School and the mayor of Adelaide, Michael Harbinson. We spent three weeks in Australia and met many old and new friends. This was our first trip overseas and we were very happy with all we saw and did. We thank everyone who helped us during this trip. KPHMN is very grateful for all of the support we received.

Similarly on 2009 I again got opportunity to represent Kushudebu Public Health Mission Nepal on a Global Business Seminar organized by James Cook University. I attended the seminar with six other participants from Nepal. I would like to thank by hearth to James Cook University, Brisbane, Australia; Sarina Russo Group and Clinton Global Organization for providing such opportunity. With the help of Mrs Sally Nobbs, Wilderness School, I got an opportunity to visit students and teachers of Wilderness School. This was my second visit to Adelaide. Similarly with the help of Tim Jerrma, I also got opportunity to visit New Zealand. During this visit to New Zealand I met my trekking friends and also had participated in a radio program on National Radio New Zealand. I visited different places around New Zealand. It was mine very memorable trip to Australia and New Zealand.

KPHMN is now supported and managed by the executive committee, a local management committee and supported with ongoing donations and assistance from our numerous overseas friends. The success of KPHMN depends on everyone. Such humanitarian work is invaluable and you can be very proud of your achievements.

I personally request all of you who read this to consider donating to KPHMN and therefore work in collaboration with us to continue the humanitarian work that is in place in Beni VDC. In this regard, you are requested to contact at email address [email protected]

I have worked in the trekking field for over 25 years and have also been closely involved with the Kusudebu Public Health Mission Nepal for 10 years. Well, I had decided to join with my brother Ang Ngima Sherpa in ownership of the family trekking business, Keep Walking Nepal Treks and Expeditions, and have commenced activities as General Manager and primary trek leader.

Involvement in the international trekking industry over the years has provided me with a vast knowledge / experience base, and has more recently generated in me a challenge to develop a business which offers a boutique trekking experience. Keep Walking Nepal is geared for small, personal groups to partake in tailor made trekking experiences in our beautiful country. As a small family business we have the ability to provide this unique experience at an attractive cost.

My brother has accepted employment overseas for the shorter term and is promoting the family business as opportunities arise. Additionally, KPHMN has been restructured and is now directly managed by key members of the local community with my involvement in an oversight capacity.

I cordially invite you to contact me with respect to the services our family business can readily provide - detailed at http://www.keepwalkingnepal.com/ I would welcome providing you with a wonderful experience and I’m confident we can satisfy your needs.

Meanwhile a day of disaster arrived, due to earth quake,on that dark day,my villages is almost collapsed. Most of the buildings and monasteries are destroyed. Everyone were having such a bad time that no one could figure out the solution of this situation.At that time Keep Walking Nepal along with many other groups became involved in helping to REBUILDNepal. Things are slowly improving but we have some way to go yet. The support of many people from around the world has helped the Nepali people to recover and to have a life again. Some things will never be the same for many people, but we are determined and courageous; and love our country and are working hard to help those who cannot help themselves.

Finally thank you for taking the time to read about me, Keep Walking Nepal and Kushudebu Public Health Mission Nepal. I would like to pass on my best wishes to you, your family and friends.

Yours Sincerely,
Ang Tshering Sherpa