50th Anniversary Of The Hillary School

June 13, 2011

“I have been fortunate enough to be involved in many exciting adventures.  But when I look back over my life, I have little doubt that the most worthwhile things I have done have not been standing on the summits of mountains – great experiences though they were.  My most important projects have been the building and maintaining of schools and clinics for my good friends in the Himalayas. These are the things I will always remember.“  –  Sir Edmund Hillary

After his ascent of Mt Everest, an elderly Sherpa friend told Edmund Hillary, “Our children lack education. They are not prepared for the future. What we need more than anything is a school in Khumjung.” So in 1961 Hillary established a small three-room school, which has now grown into the only high school in the Khumbu, with dorms for students from villages where schooling ends after 5th grade.  The Khumjung school currently has 358 students and 18 teachers.   Graduates include IMG Nepal partner Ang Jangbu Sherpa.  In commemoration of the 50^th anniversary, the American Himalayan Foundation is helping to raise money to support this good work.  You can help!