Just last week, Pokhara, Nepal’s tourist hub and the destination for SIS’s Moonlight charity trip, was struck by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake, devastating the local economy, decimating infrastructure, and taking the lives of 123 people. The annual Moonlight charity trip may face postponement after Poon Hill trek in Pokhara, the planned destination, was demolished by the recent seismic events.

“There was no doubt in my mind that we would be going this year,” Joonho Kim (10), a hiking enthusiast and past program participant, said. “I wasn’t oblivious to the fact that Nepal suffers from frequent earthquakes but it was still a shock to me that an earthquake of this magnitude took place.”

The Moonlight charity trip featured several activities. Throughout the eight days in Nepal, students would embark on Poon Hill, a scenic route leading into the Annapurna Massif and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The students would then visit the Moonlight School in Kathmandu and give lessons on topics of their choice. Toward the end of the trip, students would have two days to experience the local communities and markets.

“This trip is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Aidan Hong (10), a past program participant, said. “The Nepal trip really opened my eyes to both the beauties and prevalent problems in this world; I would definitely recommend it.”

Unfortunately, in addition to the recent earthquake and lesser-known commercial plane crash, this year’s Moonlight trip faces the risk of cancellation due to a lack of interest. The trip garnered interest from only four members, and more participants will be needed in order for the trip to come to fruition next year. 

Though there might not be an in-person visit from SIS students this year, the SIS Moonlight Charity Group will raise a funding campaign for the Moonlight School in Kathmandu. Last year, the group donated 3000 dollars through their in-person trip; this year, it seeks to maintain that amount.