AirAsia mobilises to aid Nepal

KUALA LUMPUR  AirAsia Foundation announced Wednesday, its second fund-raising drive this year to join global efforts to support Nepal after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake of 25 April.
The campaign, which will run until 22 May, will provide donation boxes on board AirAsia flights and at hub airports, in addition to on-going flight sponsorships for medical and relief aid workers.
Other than on-board collections, the public will also be able to donate via a dedicated donations website on airasiafoundation.com/relieffund.
AirAsia X Group CEO Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said: “In these times of need, we have to play our role by mobilising our network and resources as an airline that cares. This initiative will be kicked off first in Malaysia to be followed by Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and India.”
inside no 7Funds raised from the campaign will benefit Open Learning Exchange Nepal (OLE Nepal), a Kathmandu-based non-government organisation with an established track record working with more than 140 primary schools in 30 districts across the country to address disparities in education access and quality.
Executive Director of OLE Nepal Rabi Karmacharya said: “As communities begin the rebuilding process, special attention must be paid to the welfare of thousands of vulnerable children who have been affected by the earthquake.”
“Our priority is to ensure that children have a safe learning space that they can return to quickly, while also ensuring that they do not miss out on school during the rebuilding period,” he added.
Karmacharya said based on early assessments, 4,500 of the country’s 36,000 schools have been affected by the earthquake with many schools located in difficult to access regions.
Funds raised by AirAsia Foundation will be used to rebuild schools in Gorkha district, where about 90% of the schools have been affected. Children will also get the opportunity to engage in learning in temporary shelters using OLE Nepal’s innovative laptop-based program while their schools are repaired and reconstructed.
AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said: “Nepal has one of the youngest populations in Asia. We believe it is important that rebuilding funds also go to supporting the work of strong local organisations that can make an effective impact. We hope this will play a role in helping affected communities rebuild their lives.”
Meanwhile, AirAsia continues to offer seats sponsorship for aid workers from accredited relief organisations to respond to Nepal’s call for international assistance. The free seats arrangement will remain in place until 10 May.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia