doTERRA International and CHOICE Humanitarian Complete First Two Earthquake-Proof Schools since Nepal Earthquake, Making Progress amid Slow Recovery Efforts

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- CHOICE Humanitarian, in partnership with doTERRA International and doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation, recently announced the completion of the first two earthquake-resilient schools in Nepal, helping advance the nation's slow recovery efforts over the past year.

The new Sanskriti Sadan Archaleni School and Sharada Secondary School are the first schools to comply with new structural post-earthquake government regulations resulting from last year's 7.8-magnitude earthquake.

"Building these earthquake-resilient schools is a huge accomplishment, and we are so grateful for doTERRA's continued support in these efforts," said Leah Barker, CEO of CHOICE.  "Completion of this school is just the beginning. With our inspiring and committed teams, we continue to rebuild several Nepali communities. We are also helping grow the local economies through micro-enterprise development and tuition scholarships to hundreds of children attending schools such as the Shree Sanskriti Sadan School."

During the past year, doTERRA and CHOICE have been working to help Nepal rebuild after the mass destruction that resulted from the worst natural disaster in the nation's history. In addition to the physical work, doTERRA and its Wellness Advocates have donated $636,000 to the rebuilding efforts, and doTERRA has sent several expeditions to assist with those efforts. In addition to the rebuilding efforts, doTERRA has invested in some of the most affected regions through its Co-Impact Sourcing of wintergreen essential oil. Teaming with local harvesters and distillers of this wild-crafted oil, doTERRA and CHOICE are able to help families in Nepal by providing jobs that truly impact the local economy.      

"It is a blessing and a privilege to work side by side with the beautiful people of Nepal in helping them rebuild their lives. Seeing the devastation of the earthquakes first-hand makes it all too clear how this tragedy took almost everything from so many," said Emily Wright, founder and vice president of sales and marketing for doTERRA. "Through the amazing generosity our doTERRA Wellness Advocates and those working in Nepal, together we've been able to help families begin to reestablish themselves. Something as simple as having a school to attend or a simple, safe home makes all the difference. We are honored and happy to be able to play a part."

With help from doTERRA and numerous other partners and volunteers, CHOICE has completed several projects in just over a year, including the construction of 550 desks, 200 temporary homes, 20 earthquake-resilient homes, as well as three more schools expected to be completed this year.

CHOICE is still seeking donations to continue its efforts in Nepal. doTERRA has offered to match all donations up to $100,000. Those wishing to donate may visit Meridian Magazine at http://bit.ly/1WFuqH4.

About dōTERRA
doTERRA is the world leader in sourcing, testing, manufacturing, and distribution of CPTG® essential oils through a global network of more than 3 million independent direct-sale distributors, known as Wellness Advocates. doTERRA, the Latin derivative meaning "Gift of the Earth," sets the standard for essential oils  by having developed the expertise and commitment required to derive these unique oils directly from the best sources in the world. doTERRA Co-Impact Sourcing® provides local growers and distillers fair compensation for their efforts, creating stronger local economies and a healthier, stable supply chain. In addition to a premium line of single-plant extracts and proprietary essential oil blends, the company offers oil-infused personal care and spa products, dietary supplements, and healthy living products for the home. For more information, visit www.doterra.com.

About CHOICE Humanitarian
CHOICE Humanitarian – 'The Center for Humanitarian Outreach and Inter-Cultural Exchange', is a strategic non-governmental agency (NGO) currently working in seven countries, Nepal, Kenya, Bolivia, Guatemala and Mexico. Our overriding goal is to end extreme poverty and improve quality of life through a bottom-up, self-developing village-centered approach. Working with a small headquarters staff, CHOICE coordinates the efforts of full-time In-Country Directors and their staffs in all project countries. CHOICE was founded in 1982 by Dr. Tim Evans and Dr. James Mayfield and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

With support from our donors and partners, we connect motivated villages to resources and tools that allow villagers to change their lives. By building skills, capacities and leadership of the villagers, entire communities can break the cycle of poverty. Communities continue to move forward by defining objectives and leveraging connections.

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