* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
On her quest to climb the highest peak in each of the seven continents, Nimdoma, a former WFP school meals recipient, has just conquered Mount Aconcagua in the Andes. It's the fifth mountain on her list, the highest one in Latin America.
KATHMANDU - Braving harsh weather conditions, Nimdoma Sherpa and her three Nepalese fellow climbers reached the top of Mt. Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest mountain of South America, in late February.
Only four of the seven-member team, which is on a mission to reach all the seven highest peaks in the seven continents, made it to the top of Mt. Aconcagua on the ninth day of their climb on February 23.
"I was worried if we would be able to make it because of harsh weather. When I finally made it, I felt even the most difficult dream can come true. Seven Summits is not a small challenge and I felt 'Wow, it's only two more to go now!'," said Nimdoma on reaching the top.
According to Shailee Basnet, the leader of the team, the weather in Mt. Aconcagua was very challenging during the summit push, allowing just four of the seven-member team to kiss the summit.
"We only had one day of summit window, all other days were windy with snow. When we reached the base camp, no one had been able to reach the summit for almost weeks due to bad weather. Me and my two colleagues decided to return from Plaza de Independencia at 6400m, as our hands ran the risk of frostbite," said Shailee in an email from Argentina.
Scaled Mount EverestAt the age of 17, Nimdoma became the first WFP school meals recipient to climb Mount Everest in May 2008. Born on the foothills of the Himalayas, her journey from a simple village girl to pursue her dream of climbing seven highest peak of seven continent is an inspiration for many young children across the world.
"When I was a little girl I made my mother happy by going to school and even bringing little bit of the afternoon meal back home. When I look back it feels like education is a power that makes a normal person a superhero. I wish every single girl could have this power that helps us reach for the sky," said Nimdoma.
"Nimdoma is change personified, from a village girl to an international icon, first educated member of her family and national champion. She is an example of what girl education can result into," said Shailee Basnet.
Before returning back in Nepal, the team will be celebrating the International Women's Day in South America. Their next mission is to prepare for climbing Mount Denali in North America and Mount Vinson Massif in Antarctica by the end of this year.
The all female climbers team from Nepal has already climbed the highest peak in Asia, Australia, Europe and Africa. The team has been dedicating their climb on raising awareness about education, women empowerment and environment protection.
Find out more about WFP school meals
