Lane Cove local Belinda Fay has always been passionate about social justice and human rights and has worked and volunteered with marginalized groups both locally and overseas. As well as teaching at one of our local schools, Belinda is also completing a Masters in Development Studies. Through these experiences, Bellinda know just how little it takes to make a huge difference in people’s lives.
When her sister Deb returned from volunteering with Mitrataa Foundation in Nepal last year, they put their heads together and came up with the idea of running tours to help raise money for the Mitrataa Foundation. Bec Ordish, founder and director of Mitrataa was approached, and the idea was born!
Bec Ordish is an Australian corporate lawyer and an incredibly inspirational individual, Bec Ordish set up Mitrataa in 2000 after volunteering in Nepal herself. Mitrataa is a not-for-profit organization that helps empower Nepali women and children through education, training and other initiatives. Bec is featured in the book, ‘200 Women Who Will Change the Way You See the World’.
In addition to raising money for the foundation, which in real terms means more girls and women benefitting from education and training, empowerment is at the heart of the 12-day (11 night) tour; for both the women taking part as well as the Nepali women we will meet. It’s the ultimate combination of adventure, personal growth, cultural exchange, connecting with like-minded women and immersion in a fascinating and exhilarating part of the world through socially responsible travel. It will be inspirational, challenging and lots of fun.
There are two phases to the tour.
In Phase 1 the group will explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu with Bec Ordish. This is a time to connect and converse with some amazing women who will change the way we think about the world. Bec will share her story and her “Dream Recipe” that helps the women of Nepal to build resilience, find happiness and achieve their dreams. Through activities and experiences, surrounded by the inspiration of Nepal, the group will explore how the Dream Recipe can help: to learn to live in the moment, take control of our own happiness and find inspiration and empowerment in our lives.
In Phase 2, feeling inspired and motivated, the group will journey into the Annapurna region of the Himalayas for an invigorating five day trek with amazing guides from the all women’s company ‘Himalayan Girls’. Be challenged and enthralled by the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains. The group will stay overnight in quaint teahouses perched on picturesque hillsides and trekking through traditional villages and ancient forests with the majestic mountains as the backdrop (the trek is achievable for anyone with moderate fitness).
Our first Women’s Tour of Nepal is this coming April 16-26 and there are two places left. The next tour is set for October and Deb is now taking expressions of interest and bookings. There is also a mother-daughter tour planned for April 2019 and a tour with a non-trekking option.
For more information email [email protected]
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