29 Jan 2008 - UK Girl Guide Leaders Expedition to Nepal
On Tuesday, 24 January, Mrs Kristine Johnson, HR Manager at Stirling Council visited St Modan's and gave a talk to S2 pupils of her exhilirating once in a lifetime experiences following her expedition to Nepal as part of a team of 18 UK Girl Guide Leaders, including 4 from Scotland.
Mrs Johnson explained that their mission was to:
- Climb a Himalayan peak –
- Participate in community work.
After arriving in Kathmandu, they prepared for a flight to Lukla - a tiny runway with one of the most dangerous landings.
The group walked an average of 7 to 9 hours each day, gaining altitude and acclimatising. On the trek, the landscape varied from paths through villages, then through jungle and eventually into the Hinku Valley. On reaching the highest village in the Valley - Khare at 4,905 metres - the team prepared for their challenging clime to High Camp (5,814 metres) and pitched their tents on the precarious mountainside. Unfortunately, due to ill health, only 7 of the team were able to attempt the challenging climb to the summit and after 13.5 hours of climbing they had reached an amazing 6,245 metres. Temperatures were -38 degrees and Mrs Johnson described how, with careful preparation they managed to achieve the clibe when others has to turn back. During the descent, they saw dawn break over Mount Everest - "A most beautiful sight". Following a 5-day walk back to Kathmandu, the group were invited into the British Embassy. For the project part of the expedition, they were accompanied by 3 Nepalese Scouts to work on projects for the community. Mrs Johnson helped at the Devi Primary school. With money fundraised by her colleagues, she painted classrooms and provided school uniforms for children who otherwise would not have been able to attend school. A fence was built to stop the children falling onto the road and the school has also been able to employ an additional teacher. It is hoped that support will continue for the school. The expedition also donated money to the Porters Charity, to Kakani Scout Centre so they can carry out much needed drainage work and to a Nepalese AIDSs charity.
Charlotte Hunter of 2C commented: “As a Girl Guide, I was fascinated to hear all about the expedition and the community project work being carried out by the Nepal International Scout Centre. The photos were amazing.”