Sarasota, Fla. (PRWEB) May 26, 2015
The Patterson Foundation contributed a $70,000 gift to its international partner NetHope to support the Nepal earthquake response effort. The catalyst gift – one of the first gifts committed to NetHope’s latest effort – enabled NetHope to quickly begin assessing needs and coordinating humanitarian efforts through enhanced connectivity and communications technology. Since their partnership began in 2011, The Patterson Foundation has contributed a total of $840,000 to NetHope’s global response efforts.
The disaster in Nepal began after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the region April 25. The already catastrophic situation was further complicated by a 7.3 magnitude aftershock that occurred May 12. The earthquakes had devastating results, affecting more than 8 million people, killing more than 8,000, destroying nearly 600,000 homes and flattening entire villages. The lack of telecommunication and access to remote areas is making it difficult to assess damage and provide much needed aid, and more high-magnitude aftershocks are expected in the coming weeks.
“The most important thing in disasters like this one is to respond quickly and efficiently,” said Michael Corley, senior consultant for The Patterson Foundation. “Lack of communication and access to remote areas makes this difficult. We support NetHope because they expertly leverage resources to help with critical communications needs on the ground. We want to ensure that organizations have the opportunity to maximize their efforts and help those in need.”
NetHope partners with global leaders in technology and philanthropy – including Microsoft, Cisco, Facebook and Google – to collect donations of money and communications equipment. These resources are used to build the communications infrastructure employed by its network of 41 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) as they work to support the developing world, especially during emergency-response situations. NetHope’s information and communication technology (ICT) services will be crucial for restoring communications and supporting relief efforts in Nepal.
NetHope is anticipating a long-term response effort. They are working to provide connectivity using a variety of portable satellite communication devices, including satellite phones, BGAN satellite Internet terminals and VSAT terminals. They have already distributed more than 40 satellites phones and have helped connect six locations through VSAT terminals. They are considering three more VSAT locations and are actively working with local ISPs and mobile operators to provide and restore service to ensure connectivity now and in the future.
The Patterson Foundation supported NetHope most recently during its communications infrastructure response to the Vanuatu Cyclone Pam disaster. This and previous catalyst gifts to NetHope are designed to help encourage contributions from other supporters. The foundation hopes to create long-term change with one-time donations by helping NetHope establish communications infrastructures that will last beyond their immediate response efforts.
About The Patterson Foundation
The Patterson Foundation works with partners to accelerate positive change by sharing fresh perspectives on strategy, contributing new ideas and providing resources. We believe the act of creative collaboration produces results and knowledge that can be applied more broadly to transcend any single act of philanthropy. For more information, please visit http://www.thepattersonfoundation.org.
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