That sense of fulfilment, personal to every individual who has reached the awe-inspiring base camp of Mount Everest, was only half of the reward Zoe Holloway was to enjoy during her adventure in Nepal. In June 2009, the young photo journalism student embarked on an intrepid journey of abstract experiences; the new landscapes, foods, culture, and people, were not to be forgotten. Through the foothills of the Himalayas, wafts of incense, greetings from Buddhist monks, and smiles from local children were to propel Zoe into a task which would both permanently capture the unfolding passage ahead, and bring home the hidden story of Nepal’s disadvantaged. This path had one aim: to “photographically raise the profile of poverty”, and record the dignity of individuals surviving in the midst of poverty. This was Zoe’s real reward.

As part of Childreach International’s Challenge Event ‘Expedition Everest’, Zoe, alongside countless others, helped to raise valuable funds for the charity’s development programmes.  Childreach International’s current Nepalese programmes seek to assist the impoverished people of the rural communities who make up 88% of the population. Civil war has wounded the educational and healthcare infrastructures in these communities, crippling children’s access to basic yet critical services.

In due course, Zoe’s journey led her to Dhulikhel Hospital. By now, her experiences captured on film largely reflected the diverse culture and serene magnificence of the landscape the Himalayas has to offer. Yet Dhulikhel Hospital would offer more to the reel of Zoe’s experiences. As a partner of Childreach International, Dhulikhel Hospital facilitates initiatives to help the rural Nepalese communities receive the vital health care and health education they require, benefiting 2,500 mothers and children to date. With this in mind, Zoe produced a series of fascinating photos, intimately portraying the undeniable benefits of sustainable development at the grass roots level.

Zoe (9th from the left), camera in hand, and other Challenge Event volunteers.

The team hand over valuable hospital supplies to a locally supported project in the mountain village of Lukla

Zoe eventually reached the breathtaking base camp of Mount Everest, drawing her trip to an end. However, Zoe’s contributions did not end there, and upon her return she sought to present her photography to the public and raise awareness of sustainable development programmes operating in Nepal. In collaboration with the Comolongmo Charity, a likeminded charity who works in a similar vein to Childreach International, Zoe set up a stall at Spitalfields Market, East London, to display the stories told by her imagery. The exhibition took place between 24th and 27th October and received great acclaim, fulfilling its task to raise awareness of the rural poverty in Nepal. Zoe’s beautiful images reveal, with intricate detail, an unseen side of life in the Himalayas, humbling those who view them. By capturing on film the everyday struggles of disadvantaged Nepalese rural communities, Zoe has emphasised why the work of Childreach International and its project partners is so crucial.

Zoe's Photography Stall at Spitalfields Market

Childreach International and its partners would like to thank Zoe for her contribution toward the Expedition Everest Challenge Event, and praise her astounding photography. For samples of Zoe’s photography, please visit her blog site listed below. Zoe is currently pursuing her talent, studying a NCTJ photo journalism course in Sheffield under the sponsorship of the Times Newspaper, and works with photographer Arthur Edwards.  If you are interested in taking part in a Challenge Event similar to Zoe’s, first click the Get Involved tab on our website and then from the drop down menu, click Challenge Event.

Zoe’s photographs of disadvantaged communities in Nepal

Zoe’s stall at Spitalfields Market, displaying her photography

Zoe’s blog