PAWA trekkers Zehan Albakri, Minh-Tam Janssens and Mara Gardner in Nepal
Welcome to our PAWA Autumn update
The summer lull is well forgotten! It’s been a busy few months getting organised for our major fundraising event of the year: The International Day of the Girl (IDG).
Falling on the 11th of October, IDG reminds us all of the unique challenges girls face around the world. It’s a day to recognise their rights, listen to their voices and celebrate their limitless potential.
Nepal holds a special significance for many members of the PAWA community, and we chose our projects in Nepal to be the focus of this year’s IDG campaign. Visiting the girls we support is incredibly valuable, helping us to better understand their needs and see firsthand the impact we’re making in their lives. Read about our team’s visit and trek in Nepal below.
Every time a girl stays in secondary school, she gains more confidence, is empowered, and becomes more aware of her rights – improving her opportunities in life. Thank you to our PAWA volunteers who work tirelessly to deliver the promise of education to the girls we support.
Thank you for your continued support of PAWA.
Clare Muhiudeen, Chair of PAWA Trustees
Funding Summary
Our annual campaign, bolstered by match funding from Big Give, raised £10,613.
“Elevating her to new heights” was the message in support of our trekkers in Nepal. These funds will be directed to our projects in Nepal, which, as shared below, are so in need of PAWA’s support.
Thank you to all those involved.
Serena Janssens Fundraiser Dinner
The Janssens Family hosted a special fundraising dinner in memory of a deeply beloved figure in the PAWA community, Serena Janssens, who tragically passed away five years ago, at the age of 19, just before she was to begin university.
In honour of Serena’s legacy, her vibrant spirit and strong belief in the power of education, the Serena Janssens Memorial Fund (SJMF) was established by her loved ones. The fund provides scholarships for young women of college age and is administered by PAWA. We are currently supporting three PAWA girls in Nepal through the SJMF to continue on to university.
PAWA Trustees, Betty Yao and Zehan Albakri chat to Serena’s mother Minh-Tam Janssens
The Café Mission in Shoreditch provided a beautiful backdrop to the evening. The dinner raised £20,000 and was an uplifting celebration of Serena and the Scholars that are supported through her legacy. We heard from the Scholars, in their own words, what the support of the Serena Janssens Memorial Fund and PAWA means to them for supporting the completion of their university studies.
It was a beautiful evening with a personal touch: the food was cooked by one of Serena’s favourite chefs. PAWA trustees and supporters joined Serena’s family, school friends and former teachers – and heard some lovely stories about Serena’s final trip away with her school to trek in Nepal.
Serena’s Nepal trek was recreated by family, friends and some PAWA supporters earlier this October.
Nepal Trek Testimonies
Lost Bags, Found Friends: Suna
Suna (in black) alongside PAWA trekkers
“My trekking trip to Nepal was meant to be an exciting adventure – but it quickly became far more dramatic than I could ever have imagined. And it all began before I even set foot in the country…
My flight was caught in a severe storm, and we ended up having to make an emergency landing in New Delhi. The turbulence was terrifying – people were praying, some were screaming, others were vomiting, and the girl beside me passed out. It was quite an experience, to put it lightly!
Arriving in Kathmandu the following day felt like a triumph – until the baggage carousel stopped spinning and my two checked pieces of luggage were nowhere to be seen. I was speechless, but I was still hopeful when I returned to the airport the following evening.
But there was still no sign of my luggage…..
I stood by the empty carousel still wearing the same jeans, shirt, and sandals I’d arrived in on the previous day — because that was all I had. Not exactly ideal attire for trekking in the Himalayas!
By then, the rest of my group had already flown on to our next base, and I was stuck in Kathmandu with nothing. No boots, no trekking gear, no poles —all the essentials for the journey had disappeared.
But life, as always, finds a way – especially when you are surrounded by kind people. Friends, both old and new, came to my rescue, lending me clothes and necessities to keep me going.
View from Teahouse Chhomorong
In Pokhara, the mountaineering gear capital of Nepal, I searched relentlessly for trekking boots. My wide feet made the hunt even more complicated. After hours of trying, I finally found one pair – two sizes too big. That was the only choice – I had to take them. At least I wasn’t trekking in sandals!
At last, I ventured into the mountains. The landscapes were breathtaking: snow-capped peaks that seemed to touch the sky. Gazing at the beautiful natural panoramas that surrounded me, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude, and I cherished the moment. It was as if every challenge – the emergency landing, the lost luggage – had led me to that breathtaking view.
What began as a chaotic and stressful ordeal became one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
Resilience isn’t just about endurance. It’s about community, adaptability, and spirit. Kindness and humour can carry us much further than we ever imagine!”
Troughs and Peaks: Mara
Kanchha held Mara’s hand for four hours
“With some trepidation, I agreed to join Mandy on the Nepal Trek in support of PAWA. It wasn’t exactly how I’d imagined celebrating a big decade birthday, but Mandy assured me it was designed for people with “bad knees” – we even called it The Comfy Nepal Trek. I trained beforehand – though probably not enough – and while trekking 2,172 metres sounded daunting, I had no idea just how challenging it would become.
Our group of seven women faced unexpected trials from the start: political unrest and torrential rains that triggered landslides and road closures across the country. Thankfully, we explored Nepal’s culture and wildlife for several days first, and things eventually dried up.
Finally, with our intrepid guides, Sudhir and Kanchha, and strong porters, we set out on a nerve-racking jeep ride through landslides to start our first climb to Chhomrong at 2,172 metres – a three-hour climb. I wasn’t the fastest, but I made it – rewarded by stunning views and the comfort of a welcoming teahouse.
The view from the teahouse in Ghandruk, the morning after an 11-hour trek
Little did I know, the next day would be even harder. I did wonder if I should do it at all, but I knew I would regret it if I stopped. The route plunged before rising steeply again – and then some. It is the hardest thing I have ever done.
With Kanchha’s constant support and my teammates’ encouragement, I managed the challenging 11-hour trek, reaching Ghandruk in the dark. Our teahouse, naturally, was perched at the top of the village – a spectacular view awaited the next morning. Exhausted but elated, I felt immense pride in having completed it and gratitude for those who helped me get there.
PAWA trekkers
Equally motivating was the generosity of friends and family who helped us exceed my team’s fundraising goal of £2,172 for PAWA.
On our final day in Kathmandu, we visited a PAWA-supported programme and met the girls whose education our efforts will help sustain. Their determination and optimism were profoundly inspiring, a vivid reminder of what our trek truly achieved beyond the mountains. And it was so much fun dancing with them.
It was, without doubt, the journey of a lifetime – physically demanding, emotionally uplifting, and deeply meaningful. What a thrill. What a joy. What a trip.”
Aruna Bhawan
“Visiting PAWA’s project in Kathmandu, Nepal, was a profoundly moving experience that left a lasting impression on me and everyone present,” says trustee Zehan Albakri.
“The Aruna Bhawan Social Centre, which supports 45 girls, is far more than a social centre: it is a home and sanctuary for girls from troubled backgrounds. As we arrived, the staff welcomed us with warm smiles and a genuine appreciation that we had made the effort to visit them.
We were introduced to the 15 PAWA girls and two of the Serena Janssens scholars – the confident and poised Priyanka and Samikshya. The afternoon quickly became a joyful showcase of spirit and expression. Firstly, there was great excitement as the girls put on the PAWA hats we presented to them.
Then, the girls had prepared songs and dances that reflected their Nepali heritage. Between the songs, the scholars spoke eloquently about their journeys, their studies, and their aspirations. Their words revealed remarkable courage, gratitude, and determination to create better futures – not just for themselves, but for their families and communities as well.
We all said a few words, and Serena’s mother, Minh-Tam, spoke from the heart about Serena and her legacy. The atmosphere in the room was filled with emotion and many were moved to tears.
By chance, it was my birthday, and when the girls found out, they broke into a spontaneous ‘Happy Birthday’ – totally unexpected and so special. Aruna Bhawan is a place where you are encouraged to dream, learn, and grow in safety and solidarity.
As we left, we carried with us a renewed sense of purpose and admiration – for the dedication of those who run the project, and most of all, for the incredible young women whose strength and spirit define it. The visit was a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of education, compassion and community.”
Asmihan Ibrahim
Ash was born in Malaysia but has spent more time outside of the country. She now reads legislation for fun, and calls herself a foodie – but mostly repeats the same five dishes.
Ash gathered her favourite people together and painted the night pink for her intimate birthday dinner, swapping gifts for a good cause by raising funds for PAWA – proof that kindness never goes out of style. Thank you Ash!
PAWA MCM Volunteer SOCIAL
Volunteers Kristie and Simran with PAWA MCM SOCIAL organiser and Honorary Council member Anna Paik and Trustee Betty Yao
Our PAWA Volunteers are critical to everything we achieve at PAWA. In support of these wonderful people, we launched the new MCM PAWA SOCIALS initiative on September 24th, generously hosted by PAWA founder Sung Joo Kim at the MCM boutique in London.
PAWA SOCIALS are an opportunity for volunteers to connect, support each other, and hear from interesting speakers from a range of professions, in a friendly and informal setting. Prospective volunteers are also warmly welcome.
There was a great turnout for the first event, and it was rewarding to see such a mix of different age groups enjoying each other’s company.
We are grateful to PAWA Honorary Council Member Mei Sim Lai (OBE), who shared her valuable tips on how to enjoy yourself while making the most of networking opportunities, along with some of the interesting career destinations her networking experience has led her to.
PAWA volunteer Chuanzhi (left) with Honorary Council Member Mei Sim Lai (right)
Mei Sim provided an invaluable insight into the London business and social world. We will hold several PAWA SOCIALS a year, and if you would like to contribute with a short informal talk to our volunteers on a subject you are passionate about, then please do reach out to hon.sec@pawa-london.org.
We hope to build a long-lasting PAWA family circle where alumni and present volunteers can support and socialise together.
