Sponsor a Grandparent (Phase-I)

Immediately after the 2015 earthquake, Reaping Hope (RH) started constructing temporary houses for the elderly in Bhimdhunga, Irkhu, and Kavre. After learning about the situations faced by the senior citizens, it became evident that offering them one-time support was insufficient. Most of the older individuals chosen for reconstruction were either single, living with just their spouses or were living with disabilities. Therefore, merely constructing a shelter for them was insufficient to suit their needs. They lacked the care of their offspring who had abandoned them to live on their own during this crucial stage of their lives.

Soon after the reconstruction project, RH launched “Sponsor a Grandparent” (SAG) project to help older individuals in need of basic necessities. The project is aimed at supporting vulnerable senior citizens with basic supplies. The elderly who are either living alone, unable to support themselves financially or who have been abandoned by their offspring are the primary target population for this initiative. SAG started in January of 2016 (B.S 2073/10/02), by supporting nine grandparents and has been continuously providing monthly assistance to the elderly residents of Bhimdhunga since then. We also provide gifts to the grandparents during the Dashain festival and occasionally provide winterization support as most of them are still living in the transitional shelters from 2015. From 2016 to 2024, the number of grandparents has come down to six, as some of the grandparents have passed away due to natural causes. RH also provides support to conduct final rites of the elderly in such cases.

You can also be a part of the support program either by adopting a senior citizen or provide one time support to the elders. Contact at info@reapinghope.org.np or reapinghope@gmail.com for inquiries on ways to help.

Grandparent Profile

1) Kanchhi Tamang - 94 years old

Kanchhi

Kanchhi in her temporary shelter

Kanchhi Tamang, a resident of Dubechaur, Bhimdhunga-11, has lived independently for decades after her husband’s passing, raising three children with little support. Reaping Hope (RH) intervened during earthquake reconstruction, providing her a transitional shelter. Prior to RH’s ‘Sponsor a Grandparent’ program, she often went hungry, relying on sporadic aid from neighbors. Recognizing widespread food insecurity among older individuals in the community, RH launched the initiative. Now, Tamang expresses gratitude for the consistent support, no longer worrying about food shortages. She acknowledges RH’s impact, stating, “We are fortunate enough to be a part of it; we don’t have to worry about food every month, they come and we receive with happy faces.”

2) Maili Tamang  - 73 years old

Maili Tamang(B)
Maili during SAG event

Maili Tamang, a senior residing in the transitional shelter provided by Reaping Hope (RH) in Bhimdhunga-11, faced adversity after her husband’s tragic accident two decades ago. Isolated and with minimal contact from her son and married daughter living afar, she found solace through RH’s interventions. Following the earthquake reconstruction, RH initially provided her with a goat to support her livelihood. However, due to her advanced age, poor eyesight, and physical limitations, she became a beneficiary of the Sponsor a Grandparent program starting from September 2016. Expressing her gratitude, Tamang, whose joints and legs ache with age, acknowledges the newfound support, stating, “This support has made me feel like you all are my family.” RH’s ongoing assistance has not only addressed her basic needs but also fostered a sense of belonging and familial connection in her later years.

3) Saili Tamang - 77 years old

Saili Tamang (2)

 Saili from Thaple, Nagarjuna-11, faced hardship after Purna, her husband’s death in 2017, a year into the Sponsor a Grandparent (SAG) program. Purna, once a farmer and mason, was trapped in their collapsed home during the earthquake, succumbing to spinal cord dysfunction. Saili, who was away selling vegetables in Kathmandu, returned to find herself widowed and alone. With neighbors and army assistance, Purna was rescued, but his passing left Saili reliant on support. RH provided her with transitional shelter and included her in the SAG program, recognizing her inability to work due to age and circumstances. Grateful for the assistance, Saili expresses, “I don’t know how to say nice things. All I can say is thank you for all the help you have done for us. With a disabled husband at home, I don’t know what I would have done without the support.” RH’s aid not only addresses her basic needs but also alleviates the burden of caretaking in her vulnerable situation.

3) Batuli Tamang - 79 years old

Batuli Tamang

Batuli Tamang, a single elderly woman residing in Majhuwa, Bhimdhunga-11, faces solitude as her two sons have drifted apart, leaving her to fend for herself. Her husband’s demise due to asthma left her to navigate life alone, relying on whatever sustenance she could find. Despite her resilient spirit, advancing age has diminished her ability to work for a livelihood. Nonetheless, Batuli maintains a positive outlook, believing that life unfolds as it should. Since 2016, she has received monthly rations, easing her financial strain and enabling her to save her old age allowance for emergencies. While she manages minor household tasks, generating income is beyond her capacity due to age-related limitations. Batuli’s story reflects the challenges faced by many elderly individuals in similar circumstances, yet her optimism and gratitude for the support she receives shine through her adversity.

5) Kafal Chari Tamang - 67 years old

Kafal Chari 2

Kafal Chari Tamang, a mother of three sons in Majhuwa Tole, Bhimdhunga-11, endured neglect and hunger after her husband’s death 25 years ago due to his alcoholism. Her sons, one jobless and two stone carriers, live nearby but fail to provide care, often threatening to evict her from their shelter. Kafal’s daily routine revolves around solitary tasks, as she is deemed ‘unproductive’ by her sons for her inability to work in the fields, leaving her hungry for days. However, since the inception of the Sponsor a Grandparent (SAG) program, her situation has improved drastically. Reaping Hope (RH) swiftly included her in the initiative upon learning of her plight through local initiatives. Now, Kafal no longer relies on others’ pity for food and expresses gratitude for the consistent support provided by RH. Beyond addressing basic needs, RH’s intervention has positively impacted the emotional and mental well-being of elderly beneficiaries like Kafal, underscoring the program’s holistic approach to elder care.

6) Ram Maya Tamang - 63 years old

Ram Maya Tamang

Ram Maya Tamang, a widow without children, lost her husband 17 years ago while he was working as a laborer in a nearby village. Her brother-in-law, who lives nearby and works as a laborer himself, occasionally provides her with food and clothing. Despite her solitude, she finds companionship in her niece, the daughter of her brother-in-law, who enjoys spending time with her. Ram Maya suffers from a chronic cough, compounded by the challenges of old age, which limits her ability to work. Since the inception of the Sponsor a Grandparent (SAG) project, Reaping Hope (RH) has been supporting her with both essential items and emotional care. Expressing her gratitude, she remarks, “The kindness and compassion shown by RH have not only met our immediate needs but has also brought immense comfort and reassurance to me and others like me.” RH’s ongoing assistance not only addresses her basic necessities but also provides emotional solace to vulnerable individuals like Ram Maya.

Download full profiles of grandparents here.