The Alpine Fund is a nonprofit organization based in Kyrgyzstan that uses the local mountain resources to help the country’s most vulnerable youth. The Alpine Fund was founded in 2000 by American climber Garth Willis, and also maintains an office in Minnesota, where it is registered as a nonprofit organization.

The Alpine Fund serves youth from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan who are orphans, lack family support or no longer attend school. Orphanages, residential facilities, hot lunch programs and other local child protection organizations refer children and young adults to the Alpine Fund programs.

About 37% of the Kyrgyzstans’s population is under 15 years of age, and face difficult times in becoming self-sufficient in a country where 44% of the residents live below the poverty line. Youth in state run orphanages leave at the age of 16, and many have no way to finish their high school education and little opportunity to find a good job.

What is being done by the Alpine Fund?

‘Clouds at Their Feet’ is a wilderness-education program that provides weekly hiking, trekking, climbing or camping programs. The participants learn new skills, environmental lessons, and new perspectives on their abilities to conquer challenges in their life.

The Alpine Fund programs teaches English and computer skills to local children. Two computers are available for the children.

Alpine Interns gives young adults who have participated in other of the organization’s programs a chance to instruct and lead younger students. Interns gain confidence and leadership skills, which also increases the chances for employment in the tourism field.

The Alpine Learning Center is a cabin that serves as the staging area for outdoor expeditions. The cabin provides a safe shelter from the weather and also provides an area to learn living skills, such as cooking and maintaining good hygiene.

Another Alpine Fund operation in Tajikistan was opened in 2004 by Garth Willis, but was put in hibernation after the civil rest following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The equipment and some local staff are on standby to renew the operations when new funding can be arranged.

More information on donation opportunites and other program details can be found on their website.