STUDENTS and staff have hoisted the Nepalese flag in an act of solidarity with victims of the Kathmandu earthquake.
The symbolic gesture also marked the launch of a fundraising campaign by Risedale Sports and Community College, which lies at the heart of Catterick Garrison and its Nepalese community.
Every year hundreds of Nepalese are trained as Ghurkhas at the garrison, which also often remains their home as ex-servicemen.
Associate principal John Kelly said: “When the devastation happened our young people wanted to do something to recognise the plight of the people caught up in the earthquake and support those here who are worried about their families.
“As well as flying the Nepalese flag over the school we are also planning Nepal-themed non-uniform days and a fair to raise much-needed funds for the relief effort.”
Student Saubhagya Gurung, 15, was anxious to help because her brother-in-law was about to fly out to help his sister whose house was destroyed.
“Thankfully, she was unhurt but she has lost everything,” she said. “It is great that students, staff and governors here have been so quick to react to help people in Nepal.”
