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Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Foundation

Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Foundation (TNSF) was established on 27th March, 2012 in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. It is run by the heirs of late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. Tenzing Norgay Sherpa along with Sir Edmund Hillary were the first two humans to reach the top of Mt. Everest on the 29th May, 1953.

Our father, "Tenzing Norgay Sherpa" devoted much of his life in helping to give back to the Sherpa Community in the Everest region of Nepal and in Darjeeling which he called home after Everest. Of particular interest was the welfare of widows and the children of Sherpas who died on mountaineering expeditions.

The sole purpose of this Foundation is to help the local Sherpa and Himalayan community who are still struggling to make ends meet in remote villages in and around the Darjeeling district area where many Sherpas live.

The Objectives of the Foundation are:

To receive and maintain funds and apply it for the purpose of helping to preserve the heritage and to improve the quality of life of the Sherpa Community as well as other communities in and around the Darjeeling District .

The development, improvement and maintenance of health services and facilities and the implementation of community health education programs, including free health camps.

The availability and quality of education by assisting in the development and enhancement of literacy and education programs.

The development and implementation of programs to address the environmental concerns of the region such as reforestation, water purification and pollution control.

The maintenance and restoration of historical structures and monuments; Scholarships and bursaries for students of the Sherpa Community who engage in further studies or special training programs including Mountaineering courses.

2013 / 2014 PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

Education:

Twenty five Sherpa students are receiving a full 3 years college scholarship to attend the local Jesuits College or any other college they are admitted into.

Four Tibetan Students receive a full three year College scholarship in Darjeeling.

Ten students from the 5th to the 12th Grades get a full scholarship for their schooling including their room and board at the "Kripasan Buddhist Mission" Darjeeling, home for underprivileged and orphaned children.

Additionally, 6 separate educational scholarships have been given to Sherpa Students of various grades for school and college to under privileged families.

TNSF has funded uniforms and shoes for 50 Tibetan School children from the Sonada, Darjeeling. These children are from poor refugee families.

Mountaineering and outdoor activities:

Sherpa Students receive full scholarship to attend the one month Adventure/Basic/Advance Mountaineering courses offered at the prestigious "Himalayan Mountaineering Institute" in Darjeeling (founded by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa). This is done in collaboration with the United Sherpa Association, Darjeeling. This scholarship will teach mountain safety and train young Sherpas interested in the field of mountaineering.

TNSF is organizing the "Tenzing Norgay Sherpa Memorial Open Tennis Championship" in collaboration with "Darjeeling Gymkhana Club" each year in an effort to promote Tennis and Sports in Darjeeling. Expected about 60 -80 participants from all over India, Nepal and Bhutan.

Healthcare:

TNSF also sponsors and organized two free Health Camps in the remote villages of the Darjeeling district area. This is an outreach program for the villagers who do not get much medical care. We usually have about 10 to 12 Doctors volunteering, and all medication is free. On an average we oversee about 400 – 500 patients in one health camp.

Cultural preservation:

TNSF has supported various projects in and around Darjeeling including the" Manjushree Center for Tibetan Culture", in helping them preserve their cultural and rich heritage.

TNSF has been supporting the local community in helping build a community hall in the same neighborhood as Tenzing Norgay Sherpas old residence. This is the only place where the entire community can get together - especially for cultural gatherings and community meetings.