Mail by Runner 140: A Historic Moment for the Trust

Last week, history was made in Khumjung.

On the 72nd anniversary of Hillary and Tenzing’s Everest summit, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters became the first New Zealand Foreign Minister to set foot in the Everest region. But more than a symbolic visit, it marked a major step forward for the Himalayan Trust’s work in the mountains.

Joined by Alexander Hillary, Sir Ed’s grandson and our General Manager, Peters toured Khunde Hospital and Khumjung School, two of the very first institutions built by the Trust over 60 years ago. From there, he stood before students and staff to announce something big.

The New Zealand Government has committed $1.8 million over the next five years to support the next phase of our Quality Education Programme Solukhumbu, known as QEPS III.

This is a huge moment for us.

QEPS has been at the heart of the Trust’s education work for over a decade. With this renewed support, QEPS III will reach 108 schools and over 15,000 students, funding teacher salaries, training, classroom insulation, and 70 scholarships for students at risk of dropping out during the tourist season.

This is not just a government grant, it’s a vote of confidence in our model, our long-term partnerships in the region, and in the spirit of cooperation that’s defined the Trust since Sir Ed started it all.

And if you’re wondering, yes, Winston Peters did pause mid-speech to hush a group of noisy students. “I used to be a teacher once,” he said with a grin. Classic.

Read more on The Post.