Australian Charity Launches to Bring Solar-Powered Learning Hubs to Himalayan Nepal

Himalayan Helping Hands Foundation (HHF), a new Australian charity operating under Riverun Pty Ltd, launched this week with a bold mission: build solar-powered education hubs in remote Himalayan communities across Nepal — one hub at a time. Each hub costs $5,000 AUD and delivers 10 refurbished laptops, satellite internet, and a solar power system to communities entirely off the electrical grid. The foundation was co-founded by Melbourne entrepreneur Liam Tormey and Nepali community leader Uttam Baniya, whose on-the-ground knowledge of the Himalayan region underpins the model. "We're not doing aid drops," said Tormey. "We're building infrastructure that communities own and operate themselves from day two." The foundation's website at himalayanhhf.org offers four flexible giving paths — from full Hub sponsorship at $5,000, co-sponsorship at $2,500, component gifts from $150, to monthly giving from $20. The 2026 pilot targets a single hub; the roadmap reaches 15 hubs by 2030, serving 4,500+ learners across five Himalayan regions. ACNC registration is in progress.