Trip to Nepal ‘insightful and amazing’

A STUDENT who embarked on a “life-changing” trip halfway around the world following a chance conversation in Perth is encouraging others to follow his lead.

Calum Archibald described his two-month trip to Nepal to teach English in a remote school as “challenging” but rewarding.

Still suffering from the after-effects of the devastating earthquake in 2015, the people of Nepal are grateful for outside assistance, said Calum, 20.

The trip by the former Dundee High pupil came about after his father Steven started speaking to Bhola Khanal at his restaurant in Perth, the Everest Inn.

Mr Archibald senior had been in Nepal many years ago on a biology-led expedition and as he and Mr Khanal swapped stories they spoke of the pressing need to help the people.

Mr Khanal, who has lived in Perth for more than 17 years, has visited his home country several times since the disaster, and as well as fundraising had been appealing for people to volunteer as teachers to meet a shortage.

Calum, who is now back at Edinburgh University where he is studying physical education, rose to the challenge.

“Experiencing how kind the Nepalese people are and seeing the value that is placed on education made the trip an insightful and amazing experience,” he said.