During Rob Hill’s first trip to Mount Everest in 2008, Karma Sherpa worked with the trekking team as a porter. Trekking through the Himalaya creates incredible bonds between people, even crossing language boundaries. Paul Head and Karma Sherpa created a unique bond after Karma, who spoke very little English, nicknamed Paul Super Baje, a name that means “Super Grandpa.” During the trek, Paul asked Karma if he wanted to become a climbing Sherpa. Karma, through an interpreter, let Paul know that he had dreams of going to university to become a doctor. Paul quickly learned Karma had left school at a young age to support his family by working as a porter. Paul instantly wanted to help.
“It’s an unfortunate truth throughout Nepal,” Paul explained. “Families need income to support themselves and work is scarce. Many children are forced from school to seek employment. Karma, whose brother was also a porter on our 2008 trek, was no different than many of his Sherpa peers. Many seek to become climbing Sherpas, but that is not an easy task. When Karma expressed an interest in returning to school I started asking questions on how to make it happen.”
After investigating options, Paul offered to sponsor Karma to attend the Pegasus English School in Kathmandu. Karma recognized his opportunity and has been in the school since the fall of 2008. At 21 years of age, Karma is much older than many of the other students, he acts as the dorm head and runs the vegetable gardens on the school property while attending classes. He has proven himself a natural learner and progressed through his classes quickly. Yesterday he wrote his grade six exams. His instructors believe he will score grades high enough to jump over grade seven and begin his grade eight education immediately. “I couldn’t be more proud of Karma,” said Paul.
Rob continued:
It speaks volumes of Paul’s character that he has been so committed to supporting Karma’s education. When he suggested the IBD Adventures team visit the school to learn about their important work before departing for the mountain I was instantly supportive. For Clinton and Carly especially, it’s really important for them to see this before they see the other side. Many of the porters we will meet on our trek will be from similar backgrounds as Karma. They will work hard to support us through an area where they thrive and we struggle. We are very appreciative of their amazing efforts. They sacrifice a lot for the good of their families.
One of my climbing hero’s is Sir Edmund Hillary. Not only was he first to summit Everest alongside Tenzeng Norgay Sherpa, but he has also done so much for the people of Nepal by establishing schools. Education is so important. It lifts people out of poverty and has the power to transform on so many levels. IDEAS was established from this belief and the people involved with the organization, like Paul, really walk the talk, on so many different levels.
Kinley, the principal of the school, hosted the IBD Adventures team for a traditional Nepalese meal of Daal – a lentil based soup and rice. After lunch, the team was given a tour of the facility which sits high on a hillside above a small village on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Currently 85 children ranging in age from about 5 to 21 are living in the hostel. The facility was built to be a self-sustaining, low impact environment. The children were amazing hosts of the team and were excited to interact and practice their English with the team. The team was equally thrilled to have such welcoming children pose for photos and openly display their curiosity.
“It’s very different from the schools back home,” said Carly. “The kids were so happy though. They had very little, but they were so happy to see us. I don’t think I will ever forget this experience.”
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Keep up the great video and daily writings John… It is so interesting and such lovely people. Good to know you are enjoying yourselves.
Like Marie, we look so forward to your daily writings John. We often find ourselves checking the site a couple times throughout the day, just to make sure we don’t miss anything!!
The entire adventure is so amazing to watch from the outside. Thank you to all for giving Carly this fantanstic opportunity.
PS….Tell her she better be keeping her journal up!!!!!!!
April 1st 2010
I only stumbled on this site today and am touched by this story of Karma’s life, his opportunity to learn and come a bit closer to fulfill his dream, thanks to Paul. Clinton and Carly you are in good hands, surrounded by such a group of caring people. Enjoy your once in a lifetime adventure !!. Many good wishes are with you and the group. I am looking forward to the daily updates as well.
Love Oma / Lori
Dear IBD Team and especially Bob,
I am so impressed and proud of all of you for your courage, endurance and tenacity. Bob, my mom and I ran into Dorien and she told us all about it. She is very proud of you and happy for you! What an awesome experience! We wish you all the best,
Claire
Your kindness to Karma touched Carol Steedman, a local reporter. The story was included in an article about Carly’s trek. brantfordexpositor.ca – May 22 edition.
The title Super Baje is well deserved.
Kindness is contagious….the students in the Hospitality Department at my high school in Waterford Ontario, hosted a bake sale that made enough money to purchase and ship about $300 worth of school supplies for all the kids to use at Karma’s school.
Carly, please pass along a huge thank you to the School Faculty and Students for the wonderful donation to Pegasus School. I know Kinley, the Principal, Karma, and the rest of the Students will benefit from your generosity. With any luck, I will visit them in Kathmandu this fall, and can send pictures back to you.
Namaste,
Super Baje!