By Anna Skinner
A 2012 Carmel High School grad got a firsthand look at the extreme damage caused by the April earthquake in Nepal and its lasting effects on people in the area.
Rob Fauth, a Penn State senior majoring in international politics, took a three-week trip to Nepal through the humanitarian organization Thirst No More.
Rob’s father, Doug Fauth, was with him for the first week and a half. His step-father, Sean Edwards, accompanied him for the remaining time.
“Everybody was very welcoming to us,” Doug said. “People were literally just under a tarp with just sticks to hold it up, and they wanted to make sure we were comfortable. They wanted to share what little they had with us.”
When Doug was there, he and Rob took transportation out to remote villages, going from house to house to meet with the residents and talk about their living situations and the damage done by the earthquake. They evaluated the temporary shelters and what the residents needed to rebuild their homes.
They reported their findings to Thirst No More, which is able to purchase the right materials and make plans to help the residents get back on their feet.
Rob, 21, periodically provided updates on Facebook when he was able to get an internet connection.
“While (in Nepal), we interviewed a total of 51 families in Gimdi and some surrounding villages to assess their damage and needs going forward and will be passing the information along to Thirst No More,” he wrote. “We were amazed at everyone’s generosity towards us and their resiliency in the face of great adversity.”
Rob is still raising money for those in need. Donations may be made at https://www.crowdrise.com/NERRDS/fundraiser/nerrds-sean.
