Celebrities
Charities
Causes
Children, Disaster Relief, Education, Environment, Fair Trade, Health, Human Rights, Literacy, Poverty, Water
January 14, 2008 by Tim Saunders
Actor and heartthrob Orlando Bloom has just returned from a trip to Nepal, where he visited several UNICEF programs working to help the impoverished nation and its children.
The 31-year-old star of “Lord of the Rings” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” spent four days touring the western districts of Kaski and Chitwan, as well as visiting Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha.
During the trip, Bloom had his forehead smeared red with “tika” and was presented with the traditional garlands of flowers, which he wore around his neck. He spoke with young mothers at the Sayapatri Community Organization in the village of Dibyanagar, and learnt about the ways that UNICEF works to promote safe hygiene and sanitation practices in the country.
Nepal, with an estimated population of 29 million, is currently recovering from a decade-long civil war that left 13,000 people dead. The conflict hampered the delivery of basic services to many of the more remote villages, and malnutrition became rampant, accounting for over 60% of child deaths. Even today, 48% of children are grossly underweight, maternal mortality is high, and many people suffer needlessly from treatable medical conditions. As of six years ago, only 84% of children received a formal education, but thanks to work by UNICEF and the Himalayan Trust, that figure is now closer to 100%.
“Previously, only 25% of the households were taking iodized salt [to prevent iodine deficiency disorders such as goiter],” said Chali Subedi, who facilitates over the village of Kalika. “The figure has now increased to 38%. Similarly, women’s workloads have decreased from 17 hours per day to 14 hours a day.”
Bloom also spent time with over three dozen blind children who attend a special school in the village of Pokhara, deep in the Pumdi Bhumdi hills, and learned about their studies, ambitions, and the world in which they live.
“I may be disabled, and might need assistance from others for everything I do,” said 10th-grader Sujan Dhakal. “Yet the world I see for myself is one where I can be of assistance to others and work for the betterment of my society and country.”
Bloom joined the students in recording a UNICEF-supported radio program entitled “Saathi Sanga Manka Kura” (Talking With My Best Friend). The drama dealt with the plight of a group of girls in a hostel with no female warden, and Bloom played a guest who offers advice to the girls.
“Talk about your problems,” he said during the program. “There’s no need to feel shy. It’s always good to talk about issues that concern you.”
Liked this? Why not receive future articles
4 comments
Orlando Bloom is a very sensitive and beautiful person. The article about his trip in Nepal is an important message to the world. The support by "stars" is so important and inspirational. It would be wonderful to have these humanitarian activities in the news for all to appreciate and to encourage others to do the same.
i am so happy that orlando bloom cares about poor and needy. i am from Nepal and i am very grateful that Orlando bloom came to my country and i wish he had visited Kathmandu too
Orlando Bloom has been my favourite actor ever since from the lord of the ring.Recently he visited my country(Nepal) and i must say the guy is full of compassion, kindness who is willing to help those people out there. I hope Orlando Bloom liked out country eventhough of its poorness.
Mr.Orlando, thanks to the service that you rendered to the needy of Nepal. I originally hail from Nepal but presently working in India as Asst. Prof. in English, Indian Law college and wants to help my people through small contribution of money that I am rising in Hyderabad, India. I want you to join this group that I am forming with the help ofe like minded people of my cadre.
7 months ago