About Us
The primary aims of this Trust are to help in rural community development and conservation projects, disability projects, income generation projects and education projects.
The Wilkins Memorial Trust commemorates the Wilkins family and their work in Nepal. We sponser projects which it is felt Andrew and Helen would have supported.
On the 28th September 1992, PIA flight number PK 268 crashed on its approach to Kathmandu international airport. There were no survivors. On board were the Wilkins family from Peterborough, UK, Andrew (38), Helen (36), Hannah (10), Naomi (8) and Simeon (6) returning to Nepal for their second term of service. The family's first term in Nepal started in 1988. During these first three years working in the country, Andrew and Helen also studied the language and culture of the Nepalese people and developed awareness of local environmental problems.
Andrew was seconded by United Mission to Nepal, through Interserve, to the Butwal Power Company as a geo-technical engineer. He was a field consultant and adviser for microhydroelectric schemes to provide power for poor rural communities in the more remote areas of the country, with projects at Tatopani, Andhi Khola and Jhimruk. He was also involved in the reconstruction of Okhaldhunga hospital following the earthquake of 1988.
Helen was a qualified social worker and she had planned, on their return, to participate in a children's programme at Patan hospital near their home in Kathmandu. Hannah, Naomi and Simeon were pupils at the British Primary School in Patan. Andrew, Helen and the children loved Nepal and were concerned for the country's future. Following the tragic death of the family, it was decided that a fund should be inaugurated in their memory.
Nepal is one of the poorest countries of the world. This Himalayan kingdom was first opened to Westerners in 1952 and since then has become a popular trekking destination. It is a very beautiful country and the people are friendly, but Nepal suffers from the demands of tourism, a population explosion and political unrest. These have resulted in environmental degradation, especially deforestation and growing economic problems which are threatening the future of Nepal. WMT supports schemes that help the people of Nepal and assist in preserving and improving the environment of the country.