Until they signed up for a week-long trip to Nepal, Hong Kong physiotherapists Gigi Foo Win-chie and Sylvia Lee Win-yi never thought the trip would involve altruism and connecting with the local community. There wasn't.
Last December, Fu, Lee and two other physical therapists led an injury prevention workshop for 15 young women studying to become trekking guides in Nepal. . The medical experts shared their knowledge about the effects of hiking on skin and joint conditions, with a 30-page guidebook they created.
“Many of the girls are actually pursuing bachelor's or master's degrees and are very passionate about trekking,” said Ms. Fu, 24, who works at a public hospital in Hong Kong.
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“For them, becoming a trekking guide is not just a financial matter. They love this activity and want to introduce foreigners to the beauty of their country and interact with them.”
Tourism is a major industry in this South Asian country with stunning natural scenery and many of the world's highest peaks. Although trail guiding is considered a well-paying job, it is also a dangerous occupation that is dominated by men.
“Being a trekking guide requires physical strength and there is a risk of injury, so I thought physical therapy would be a good way to further support them. If you can learn it, it will help you advance your career,” explained travel organizer Rosina Singh Shukhan.
A physical therapist hikes with Nepali girls and teaches them stretching exercises.Photo: Handout
The volunteer trip to Nepal was the first trip for Ms Shin's charity, Travel Kind, which encourages Hong Kongers to give back to the communities they travel to. The NGO is planning another trip for physiotherapists later this year and hopes to expand to other professions in the future.
Through icebreaker games and hiking with aspiring trekking guides, participants had the opportunity to forge deeper bonds while learning about Nepali culture.
Mr. Fu and Mr. Li fondly recalled: “When we said goodbye, the girls gifted us traditional Nepali wallets with money in them as a blessing. It touched our hearts deeply.”
A whole new world of travel
After Singh co-founded Travel Kind in 2018, the charity's first few years focused on raising funds for partner NGOs in other countries.
As a next step for the organization, Singh wanted to arrange trips focused on connecting experts with specific community groups in need of their expertise. She contacted Travel Her Kind's 3 Summits for Nepal, one of her long-standing philanthropic partners. The organization aims to help girls in rural areas escape poverty by training them to become trail guides.
The trip, which cost HK$10,970 per person, was arranged to allow physiotherapists to share their skills with trekking guides in Nepal. Travel Kind wanted to help these young women pursue their dreams.
“This tour was a unique combination of volunteering and tourism,” said Singh.
Initially, the 56-year-old was worried about finding experts to take part, but was surprised when four people applied. His experience ultimately turned out to be more fruitful than I expected. ”
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For both Fu and Lee, the trip was a revelation.
“I saw the great work of charities and had the opportunity to make a positive impact by helping others and connecting with the community,” said John, who specializes in pain management, sports and work injury rehabilitation. said Lee, who works at a private clinic.
The 24-year-old added: “This journey has gone beyond material possessions and reached a spiritual level.”
In addition to collaborating with three summits in Nepal, the physiotherapists also visited two other charities. Together with the Human Welfare Committee, we cooked a meal together with Nepali women. At the Association for Welfare of the Intellectually Disabled (AWIH), we interacted with children with disabilities. These experiences exposed them to lesser-known sides of Nepal.
Travel Kind volunteers participate in cooking classes through the Human Welfare Commission's Women's Employment Project.Photo: Handout
“Some families tend to hide children with disabilities at home. On the one hand, they do so to protect themselves from discrimination, but at the same time they are also aware that doing. [the illness] … It's a disgrace to the family,” Lee said.
The physical therapist said cultural bias and a lack of structured support systems prevent many children with disabilities from receiving the support they need.
She further added: “Even NGOs want to help. [but] The country does not provide a comprehensive system to facilitate their work, including a classification of degrees and types of disability. ”
local perspective
Aside from volunteer work, the other half of the trip was spent sightseeing. When Fu and Li visited Nepal for the first time, they were impressed by the religious sites and natural scenery.
Hu was particularly fascinated by the sunset views from the Chandragiri hills and Hattiban in central Nepal.
“Hong Kong's highest peak is only about 900 meters above sea level, but during my trip I climbed as high as 1,900 meters. The sunrise I saw there gave me a completely different feeling. [being in] It’s a city,” said the Hong Konger.
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She added that the trip changed her perspective on the purpose and power of visiting new places.
“When I traveled before, I never really interacted or chatted with the locals or understood their stories. But on this trip, I was able to meet girls and feel like I was lost. I was also helped by other Nepalis who sometimes showed me the way,” the physiotherapist explained.
“Unlike my previous travel experiences, this trip allowed me to truly immerse myself in the local culture.”
This trip helped participants realize the value of building connections with local people while traveling.Photo: Handout
Talking to ordinary people in Nepal revealed perspectives she would never have known otherwise. They shared about their lifestyles and the political issues they face, which is difficult to understand during regular travel. ”
“These experiences have made me want to communicate more with local people on future trips.”
Ms. Lee also reflected on the great impact this trip had on her, saying, “In the past, I didn't spend much time volunteering, but this tour has given me the opportunity to realize that the world can benefit from our support.'' I realized that there are many people who can do this.”
“Small acts of kindness can dramatically change the lives of people in need.”
