The story of Harmony and Akash Pandey, two grade school siblings from Southern California who mobilized international relief and rebuilt schools in Nepal.
When a catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015—claiming nearly 9,000 lives and destroying thousands of village schools—siblings Harmony and Akash Pandey, then elementary students in Southern California, refused to simply watch the tragedy on television.
They launched "By Kids 4 Kids of Nepal" with a simple principle: young people have the power to create immediate, tangible change. They began collecting recyclables for cash redemption, donating their personal birthday money, and presenting to their elementary school classes.
“Fellow classmates were so moved that they began donating their personal piggy bank savings to help kids they had never met across the ocean.”
— From Harmony & Akash's Campaign JournalThe grassroots campaign raised funds to construct a brand-new, earthquake-safe primary school in the remote Gorkha district. In 2016, Akash traveled to Nepal to attend the official ribbon cutting, delivering backpacks, warm jackets, and learning tools directly into children’s hands.
Today, the foundation continues to expand educational access, clean water installations, and long-term supply drives for rural mountain schools in Nepal.
In 2016, President Barack Obama officially acknowledged Harmony and Akash’s youth humanitarian relief campaign, sending a personal commendation letter recognizing their dedication to rebuilding schools for Nepali children.
CBS Los Angeles broadcast covering catastrophic Nepal flash floods and landslides, featuring Harmony Pandey and By Kids 4 Kids of Nepal mobilizing urgent emergency relief.
Bill Plaschke chronicles Nepali golfer Pratima Sherpa and highlights the support and advocacy efforts led by Harmony and Akash Pandey.
NPR radio segment detailing Harmony and Akash’s grassroots community fundraising and delivery of aid in Nepal.
Front-page coverage of Aspen Elementary students raising over $15,000 for disaster relief.
Whether through donating, attending school speaking assemblies, or sharing our story, every contribution continues to support classrooms and clean water for children in Nepal.
