President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), Mr. Phur Gelje Sherpa, has fulfilled his election pledge by donating NPR two million to the NMA’s Welfare Fund, which supports the education of children from mountaineering families who have lost their parents while working in the mountains.
Election Promise Fulfilled
Mr. Sherpa was elected President of the NMA in the election held on 23rd August 2025 and formally assumed office on 8th September 2025. On the same day, during the first meeting of the Executive Board, he handed over the cheque to NMA Treasurer Ms. Sumi Moktan. The contribution fulfills his campaign commitment to strengthen the Welfare Fund.
Supporting Families of Fallen Mountaineers
The Welfare Fund was established by the NMA with the purpose of providing educational support to children whose parents died in mountaineering-related work. Each year, the fund extends scholarships to students from such families.
This year, the NMA is supporting 57 students through the fund, ensuring they have access to education despite the loss of their primary breadwinners. The initiative is part of the association’s broader commitment to the welfare of Nepal’s mountaineering community.
Sustainable Funding for Education
Currently, the NMA has approximately NPR two crores in fixed deposits across various funds, including the Welfare Fund. The interest income from these deposits is used to provide ongoing financial assistance for the education of orphaned children from mountaineering backgrounds. President Sherpa’s donation is expected to further strengthen the fund’s capacity, enabling the association to expand its scholarship programs and reach more beneficiaries in the future.
Commitment to the Mountaineering Community
Speaking on the occasion, President Sherpa reiterated his commitment to uplifting the lives of those who have contributed to Nepal’s mountaineering sector. He emphasized that the welfare of climbers’ families is as important as promoting the mountains themselves, adding that the NMA will continue to prioritize both. The donation was widely appreciated by the board members and the mountaineering community, who viewed it as a strong gesture of solidarity and responsibility from the newly elected leadership.
