Everest Community Network

ECN Phase I

"From Hidden to Connected: Empowering Khunde and Khumjung Villages with the Everest Community Network"

Introduction:

Khunde and Khumjung villages, which are tucked away in the magnificent Himalayan Mountains in Nepal's famed Everest area contains yet-undiscovered treasures. These settlements have remained less well-known and unaffected by the digital revolution, despite the area becoming more popular with tourists over time. By developing the Everest Community Network in Khunde and Khumjung, the Nepal Internet Foundation undertook the admirable task of bringing about change. The initiative intends to support eco-friendly tourism, protect the natural and cultural environment, and give Khumjung Secondary School and Khunde Community Hall Internet access. In this blog, we will examine the Community Network Project's astonishing effects on these villages, illuminating the transformative potential of Internet connectivity in rural areas.

Educational Empowerment at Khumjung Secondary School:

Khumjung Secondary School, which is located in Khunde and Khumjung, has seen substantial educational change as a result of Internet connectivity. For both teachers and For students, the Internet has unlocked a universe of instructional resources. With easy access to dependable resources like Wikipedia and Encyclopedia Britannica as well as engaging learning platforms, students can now explore a wide variety of subjects and courses. In addition, the Internet has eliminated geographic boundaries, enabling students to work with classmates from all over the world. This access to knowledge has proven invaluable for a school in a far-off place like Khumjung or Khunde, giving kids the power to design their own destiny.

Empowering Local Voices through Podcasting at Khunde Community Hall:

The Community Network Project has introduced a new era of podcast-based community interaction at Khunde Community Hall. The days of needing expensive tools and permits to launch a podcast have long since passed. Now that anyone with a computer and an Internet connection can make and share podcasts, it gives locals, companies, and the government a platform to construct a thriving network. Local podcasts that highlight Sherpa culture, hardships, and local news have grown to be a key resource for the neighborhood, highlighting local artists, companies, and cultural preservation.

Technical Triumphs and Overcoming Challenges:

Significant difficulties were encountered when establishing the Community Network in the isolated alpine regions of Khunde and Khumjung. It was difficult to get around poor weather, a manpower shortage, and power disruptions during the rainy season. These obstacles were overcome by the Nepal Internet Foundation's commitment and inventive usage of wireless point-to-point connections, providing the community with reliable Internet access. The success of the initiative was greatly influenced by local government backing, which emphasized the significance of community ownership and engagement.

Sustainability through Community Involvement:

The Nepal Internet Foundation's strategy for maintaining community networks focused on local ownership, capacity building, and participation. The network's lifespan was secured by involving important stakeholders, such as the local government, Khunde Club, and Khumjung Secondary School. The project gave the locals the tools they needed to operate their own network by teaching them these skills. The creation of a podcasting platform and the provision of money for a high-speed Internet connection strengthened the community's will to maintain the project's positive effects.

Conclusion:

In the villages of Khunde and Khumjung, the Everest Community Network has weaved a transforming tale of empowerment, sustainability, and advancement. The project has opened up new prospects for education, community involvement, and economic growth by bridging the digital gap. These formerly remote settlements are now part of the global community, enhancing lives and protecting their distinctive cultural heritage. The Nepal Internet Foundation's dedication to connectivity endures as the initiative widens its scope, representing the hope for a better and more connected future for Khunde, Khumjung, and beyond.

We cordially invite you to share in this amazing metamorphosis as Khunde and Khumjung embark on a journey of connectedness. Let's get together to celebrate how the Internet can strengthen communities, protect cultures, and build a sustainable future for future generations. We may transform the unseen into the celebrated and the disconnected into the involved by working together. Join us in Khunde and Khumjung communities as we pen the next chapter of the inspirational story of the Everest Community Network.

 

ECN Phase II

Connecting the Roof of the World: High-Speed Internet Reaches Khunde and Khumjung Villages of Solukhumbu

In a dramatic event that coincides with the 70th anniversary of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary's historic ascent of Mount Everest, the Everest Community Network has undergone a revolutionary metamorphosis. The joint efforts of the Nepal Internet Foundation and the Internet Society, the remote villages of Khunde and Khumjung in Solukhumbu now have high-speed Internet connectivity. The Sherpa community in the area as well as outside climbers will benefit greatly from this new facility, which was commemorated with an inauguration ceremony at Khumjung School.

Distinguished guests, including Mr. Peter Hillary, the son of Sir Edmund Hillary, and Mrs. Helen Clark, the former prime minister of New Zealand, graced the memorable inaugural ceremony conducted at Khumjung School. Mr. Laxman Adhikari, Chairman of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Ward No. 4, Mr. Naveed Haq, Regional Director of the Internet Society, Mr. Bikram Shrestha, President of the Nepal Internet Foundation, and countless other dignitaries were also present.

The installation of fiber optic Internet infrastructure in Khunde and Khumjung will have a significant impact on the neighborhood's Sherpa population. Notably, free Internet access is now available at Khunde Community Club, Khunde Hospital, and Khamjung Secondary School, promoting improved chances for learning and healthcare. In the upcoming phase, high-speed Internet will also be offered at discounted rates in homes and hotels, which will help the communities' socioeconomic development.

Beyond connectivity, the initiative aims to enhance the security of the villages by installing remote camera systems, safeguarding homes and animals during the Sherpa people's winter absences. Furthermore, the fiber-powered Everest Community Network will promote Sherpa culture and lifestyle through the introduction of Sherpa Homestay projects. By inviting climbers and trekkers to stay in Khunde and Khumjung, these projects offer a unique opportunity to experience the Sherpa way of life while supporting local communities.

For the Sherpa people, President Shrestha sees a future full of opportunities in fields like education, healthcare, coping with climate change, and generating income. A big step forward has been made with the introduction of high-speed Internet, which has allowed the neighborhood to close the digital gap and take advantage of possibilities and knowledge being shared throughout the world.

The establishment of high-speed Internet connectivity in the villages of Khunde and Khumjung is proof of the transformational potential of teamwork. These isolated areas of Solukhumbu are now flawlessly connected to the Internet because to the tireless efforts of the Nepal Internet Foundation, the Internet Society, and the local Sherpa community. This incredible accomplishment not only improves the lives of the Sherpa people but also has the potential to draw trekkers, adventurers, and tourists looking for a true Sherpa experience. Up on the highest mountains in the world, a better, more connected future is made possible by the fiber-powered Everest Community Network.

With Helen Clark and Peter Hillary.