Ombir Foundation Nepal
In 2017 I travelled to Nepal for the first time to photograph for the Ombir Foundation. An organisation founded by the Dutchman, Mick Brocker. When in 2015 the kids of the Ombir Foundation lost their home due to the earthquake, Mick decided to halt his studies and started to work fulltime to raise money for the kids.
Now he lives in Nepal and gives 11 kids without parents the opportunity for a better future by giving them a solid base. A roof above their head, three warms meals, education and the attention they deserve.
I go back every year to document their journey together. I’ve seen the kids grow into these beautiful individuals with big dreams and life goals. And with your support they can achieve these dreams.
For more information Ombir.org
Tihar
During Tihar the kids dress up in traditional Nepali clothes and perform dances for the people that donate to their home. To thank them for their support.
They also decorate the house with twinkly lights and there are blessing ceremonies where the girls bless the boys and the boys gift the girls.
Moving
In 2018 the build of the house was finally done. And we got to move the kids out of their tiny apartment to the big house and warm home they deserve. You could feel the tension and excitement in the air. Everybody helped, carrying stuff, entertaining the little ones, making food.
When we were standing on top of the roof, overlooking their new neighbourhood. I saw these gentle pats on Mick his back. Thankful for their new situation.
2017 - Ombir in school2022 - Ombir just started college
Education
Because of the donations the kids can go to school. One by one they are graduating high school now and need to start thinking about their future.
Health
In 2019 one of the kids got open tuberculosis. He was very ill and had to be hospitalized. A scary situation. Because this disease is extremely contagious. Everyone had to be tested, so we had to bring in 15 kids and 4 adults to the hospital. Thankfully there was only one other kid infected, but not with the open type, so he did not have to be quarantined.
