About us
Founded in 1975, the Eugene-Kathmandu Sister City Association (EKSCA) is a volunteer-run non-profit organization dedicated to fostering friendship and understanding between the people of Eugene, Oregon, and Kathmandu, Nepal. Through cultural events, delegations, and fundraising, EKSCA creates opportunities for Nepalese and Americans to connect and celebrate their shared love for Kathmandu (and Nepal). It is a community-serving nonprofit organization with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in the United States. Everyone is welcome to participate in this vibrant community dedicated to building lasting bonds between our two cities.
History
Early Years (1975-1990):
- Eugene and Kathmandu officially became Sister Cities in 1975, thanks to Mayors Les Anderson and Babu Ram Regmi. The Eugene-Kathmandu Sister City Association was subsequently born.
- Another key participant in the early years was Professor Hugh Wood of the University of Oregon, who helped establish the Education Program at Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu. Over the years, hundreds of Nepalese students have attended the University of Oregon for higher studies as a direct result of Dr. Wood’s involvement. Many of them went back to Nepal to become government officials, university professors, and community leaders.
1990s-2000s:
- Following a Kathmandu Sister City delegation to Eugene in 1993, Eugene citizens residing in Kathmandu worked with USAID/Nepal to develop electric vehicles in Nepal.
- Lumbini is the birthplace of the Buddha. In 1993, EKSCA provided support for the Lumbini Clinic, a free medical facility. The Eugene Committee also helped to provide a power backup system for the clinic.
- EKSCA has had a relationship with the students of Pokhari Village, a small community in the hills east of Kathmandu, providing scholarships for girls at the secondary school.
- EKSCA has provided solar energy for monasteries in the Solo Khumbu region.
- EKSCA has supported social service groups operating in Kathmandu, such as Helping Hand in Nepal (education to orphans), the Self-Reliance Support Center (rural health clinics), and The Ganesh Foundation (corrective surgery for cleft palate).
2000-2025
- In July 2014, six local experts in waste management and recycling went to Kathmandu for a 10-day study of the Nepalese waste stream. The delegation has produced recommendations to Nepalese governmental bodies and private industry on finding value in garbage through recycling, bio-gas production, or composting.
- Following the April 25th earthquake in Kathmandu, the EKSCA raised $30,000 for relief efforts. The donated funds went to agencies that are on the ground and delivering aid.
In 2021, EKSCA invited Kathmandu/Nepal-based artist Kiran Maharjan to contribute to two murals in Eugene’s 20X21 Mural Project. His artistic is carefully curated in Lane Community College as well as the 8th & Charnelton Street. Find more about it here: https://www.20x21eug.com/murals/h11235/
