When the dZi Foundation was started, Jim Nowak couldn’t imagine where the journey would lead. Since 1998, dZi has grown from sponsoring the education of 14 girls in Kathmandu to partnering with 49,000 people in Eastern Nepal across multiple programs. None of this would have been possible without the commitment of the dZi team and community of supporters who believe in the vision of building prosperity in Nepal.
Longtime mountaineers Nowak and Kim Reynolds launched the dZi Foundation in 1998. While leading a trek in Nepal, the two encountered a safe house for girls that was failing financially. After returning to the United States, the two organized dZi’s first fundraising effort — an expedition to climb a new route on the Himalayan peak, Pumori.
dZi – named from ancient Himalayan etched beads that bestow health and prosperity upon the wearer – pledged to support the girls in the safe house until they had graduated from college or received vocational training.
That promise has been kept for two decades, as dZi expanded and today serves more than 45,000 people in a network of 15 villages in the Solukhumbu, Bhojpur, and Khotang districts of Eastern Nepal. dZi now has offices in the United States, the United Kingdom and Nepal.
Upon his retirement this month, Nowak will become part of dZi’s Advisory Council.
“I leave knowing that dZi will flourish into its next chapter of growth and deeper impact in Nepal,” Nowak said. “As I make this transition, nothing would make me happier than your continued support for dZi. Your lasting investment provides a strong foundation for dZi’s future.”
During the past year, dZi accomplishments in Nepal included:
- Improved nutrition and food security and increased annual income for 3,003 farmers.
- Brought safe drinking water to 3,213 people via nine new water systems.
- Built 18 new earthquake-safe classrooms for 326 students.
- Improved the quality of education for 3,347 students.
- Increased safety and improved access for 1,272 people with three new truss bridges.
- Expanded dZi programs to two new communities, bringing dZi’s work to 4,300 more people
With his retirement, Nowak reminded people still can give to the Foundation by donating here.
“We are working every day toward our goal of greater opportunity and prosperity in Nepal, and there is still significant work to be done,” he said.
