General News
12 May, 2026
Gifts much appreciated
A GROUP of adventurous Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Cairns Sunrise has returned from a powerful and inspiring journey to Nepal, combining hands-on service, cultural connection and a bold vision to transform the lives of children in some of the country’s most remote communities.
Rotary district 9560 governor-elect Rita Zappulla said the purpose of the trip was twofold.
“Firstly, to visit the mountain village of Batase and gain deeper insight into their Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) approved project supporting the Friends of Himalayan Children Inc. (FHC) hostel and school,” she said.
“The visit reinforced just how critical this next stage of development is for ensuring young people in the region can access ongoing education.”
Ms Zappulla said FHC had recently secured and donated land to the Batase school, clearing the way for construction of a new two-storey hostel.
The facility will accommodate teachers and enable students from surrounding villages to stay on site so they can continue their education beyond grade 7.
“The Rotary team visited the Batase school as well as nearby village schools, meeting students and teachers and gaining a clear understanding of the daily challenges they face,” she said.
“Along the way, the group presented each school with much-needed supplies.
“Every student received a sketch book and colouring pencils, while the Batase school were also gifted 30 solar-powered calculators and sporting equipment, including soccer balls and volleyballs.
“These resources might seem small, but their impact was enormous. The excitement, pride and gratitude from the students reinforced just how much these opportunities matter.”
Also on the visit was Cairns resident Som Tamang, founder of Friends of Himalayan Children (FHC).
The planned new hostel represents the next critical step in realising his vision.
Ms Zapulla said the Rotary Club of Cairns Sunrise was now calling on the wider Cairns and Tropical North Queensland community to help bring this project to completion.
“Around $500,000 is needed to construct the hostel and provide the facilities required to support students and teachers long term,” she said.
For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit: www.bit.ly/3PjWMtU
