KATHMANDU, JANUARY 26 A South Korean philanthropist's 20-year journey of educational support and environmental advocacy in Nepal has culminated in recent high-altitude training programs aimed at protecting the Himalayas. Kim Young Sik, an accredited Leave No Trace (LNT) trainer, recently conducted critical environmental stewardship sessions for mountaineering stakeholders in partnership with the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC).

Last week, Kim led a one-day LNT training program in Lukla for 22 participants, including SPCC staff and the famed Icefall Doctors who maintain the treacherous route through the Khumbu Icefall on Mount Everest. The session emphasized sustainable practices essential for preserving the fragile alpine ecosystem. The training marked a milestone as SPCC formalized its commitment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Leave No Trace Korea. 'This collaboration is aimed at supporting cleaner, safer and more sustainable mountaineering activities in the Khumbu region, where environmental pressures continue to increase with rising expedition traffic,' SPCC stated. 'This partnership is crucial for delivering lasting LNT education and fostering environmental awareness among those who work on Everest,' said SPCC CEO Tshering Sherpa. The Lukla session followed a two-day LNT and First Aid training that Kim conducted at Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) headquarters in Kathmandu. NMA President Fur Gelje Sherpa praised the initiative, encouraging participants to apply their new knowledge toward mountain preservation.

Kim's dedication to Nepal, however, extends far beyond recent environmental training. For three decades, he has maintained a profound connection with the country, treating it as his second home. Since 2005, Kim has led the Himalayan Remote School Expedition, a distinctive program combining youth development, community service, and cultural exchange. The initiative has just completed its 20th expedition following a pandemic-induced pause, leaving lasting impacts on communities across Lalitpur and Kaski districts. Central to this work is Kim's two-decade partnership with Banibilas Secondary School in Chapagaun, Lalitpur. His support has transformed the institution through the establishment of a library, science and computer laboratories, and a Korean language classroom. Kim personally provides annual scholarships for 13 students and has furnished every classroom with modern educational equipment. In the Annapurna region, Kim has maintained a 10-year relationship with Baraburi Primary School, funding construction of fencing and water supply systems, replacing roofs, and providing consistent support for school meals, educational supplies, and winter clothing for students.

'Kim is a good friend of Nepal and he believes Nepal as his second home,' said Finjo Sherpa, Managing Director at Korean Treks Pvt. Ltd., which coordinates Kim's visits. 'He has a heart of gold and his support to Nepal communities is commendable.' The expedition program goes beyond physical infrastructure, fostering authentic cultural exchange through shared classes and homestays. Environmental consciousness is woven throughout, with students participating in litter collection during treks. Through three decades of sustained commitment, Kim Young Sik has created a comprehensive legacy-educating children, empowering communities, and now training those who protect the towering peaks of the nation he considers his second home.