Emily Bray, a 21-year-old Salvationist from Oxford, just outside Christchurch, is taking meaningful steps to support children in Nepal through a new charity she’s founded. Her initiative, Child Nepal New Zealand, was born out of a personal experience that left a lasting impression.
Last year, Emily spent five weeks in Nepal on a mission trip, teaching in a local school. During her time there, she noticed that many students came to class without basic learning materials, no books, paper, or pens. Even the school itself lacked essential equipment. For Emily, who learns best through hands-on activities, it was clear how much these resources matter.
“I learn by doing,” she says. “I need to connect what I’m learning onto a piece of paper or through an activity.” Seeing students without the tools to do that made her realise how much of a barrier this could be to their education. “What we take for granted here in New Zealand could mean the world to a child in Nepal.”
When she returned home, Emily decided to do something about it. She started Child Nepal New Zealand with the aim of raising funds and gathering resources to support schools in Nepal. The charity’s focus is simple: provide children with the basic tools they need to learn, books, pens, and paper.
Although the charity is still in its early stages, Emily is already working on ways to build support. She’s reaching out to schools in New Zealand, encouraging them to get involved through fundraising activities like mufti days. She’s also keen to create connections between Kiwi students and students in Nepal, helping young people here learn about global issues and how they can be part of the solution.
For now, the best way to support Child Nepal New Zealand is by following and sharing their social media pages. The website is childnepalnewzealand.wordpress.com, and they’re on Facebook and Instagram under the name Child Nepal New Zealand. Emily is also interested in hearing from teachers who might want to get their schools involved.
Emily’s story is a great example of practical faith in action. She saw a need and responded, not with grand gestures, but with a clear plan and a willingness to serve. As a young Salvationist, she’s showing that making a difference doesn’t require waiting for the perfect moment. Sometimes, it starts with a pencil, a book, and a heart willing to help.