Join us in June 2008 to celebrate the launch of the HI Community Center’s 2008 projects!

Building on the HI Community Center’s successful establishment in 2007 and a strong base of local support, we’re excited to launch a range of new projects in 2008. Join us on June 7^th 2008 in Kumbo, Cameroon for the official launch of the HI School of Energy Farming to kick off the 2008 expansion. This celebration dovetails with the graduation of the inaugural class of Varcho Veda Dispensary training, as well as the launch of the Kumbo Public Library and the HI School of Carpentry & Construction.

Stay tuned for complete coverage online. To inquire further about joining the celebration in Cameroon in June, contact Shelly Craigo at shelly@HimalayanInstitute.org or 570-647-1509.

Himalayan Institute Sends Shipment to Africa

Yesterday nearly 80 people gathered throughout the day to help load a 40’ container bound for Africa. And just in time- one day later and we would have been loading in nearly a foot of snow!

The story was the lead on local television stations WNEP, and Channel 13 evening news and in the newspaper Times Leader today. See both stories below:

Times Leader Story:
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19321330&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=416046&rfi=6

WNEP:
http://www.wnep.com/Global/story.asp?S=7907051&nav=menu158_2

For more information on what’s happening at the Himalayan Institute sign up for our online newsletter by submitting your email address in the right column here:
http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/Humanitarian/HumanitarianInteriorContent.aspx?id=1031 

Honesale Rotary Supports a Himalayan Institute Project

View the first Help Africa Move Forward mini-documentary, showcasing the Himalayan Institute’s collaborative efforts with Honesdale Rotary to support the rural empowerment projects of the HI Community Center in Cameroon.

Honesdale Rotary Agrees to Support HI Project

View coverage of Honesdale Rotary’s support for the Institute’s efforts in Cameroon in The Weekly Almanac.

View the Weekly Almanac’s article here.

A Gift to the Himalayan Institute Cameroon

The HI Community Center received a beautiful gift of a traditional thatched-roof structure from the Fon of Nso, the paramount king of the entire region. The structure, called a bookuru, was built entirely of local materials, including raffia palm bamboo, elephant grass, and local ropes. It is now our favorite place to relax on a hot afternoon, and is the official PR room for all visiting guests.

Water Tank Installed in Kumbo, Cameroon

Improvements continue at the HI Community Center main building as well, with the creation of a water tank. Currently in the heart of the dry season, our staff has been experiencing severe water outages / shortages. For days at a time, no water was available, not only for drinking, but also for bathroom and kitchen needs. With the installation of this 4000 liter water tank, the Community Center’s water needs should no longer be an issue.

HI School of Carpentry & Construction Renovations

Renovations of the HI School of Carpentry & Construction are deep underway. Major structural improvements are being made to the building, including work to the roof, ceiling, windows, and internal renovations to create a large workshop space, as shown in this picture.