With the Covid-19 pandemic having caused so much disruption to children’s education in Nepal, the timing of our new partnership with Group of Helping Hand (SAHAS) Nepal has become even more vital.

The first project we are supporting SAHAS Nepal with aims to help provide a better quality and more inclusive education, especially for girls in rural communities. Working with 12 schools across three rural municipalities in Bajura will result in improved learning outcomes for pupils in this remote part of western Nepal.

Sarita

Sarita, aged 14, attends one of the schools being supported by SAHAS Nepal. She lives with her mother and their major source of income is daily labour.

Sarita’s elder sister dropped out of school and got married when she was about the same age as Sarita, as her mother was unable to manage the cost of educational materials for her daughter.

When her mother was unable to work, Sarita started fearing she would end up in her sister’s situation. She borrowed books from friends and was often told off for not wearing the correct uniform. Sarita often thought she would have to drop out of school, but despite the many daily obstacles she continued to pursue her education.

Sarita was chosen as one of the students to receive support through this SAHAS project to help her stay in school. She is now always present in school and focused on her education.

She said: “I thought I would drop out of school but this support has helped me to continue my education. I will study hard and make my mother proud. I want her to live a comfortable life.”

Supporting community-led education in Bajura

The project also operates Community-Managed Coaching Centres (CMCCs) in three schools, benefitting 77 children (39 boys and 38 girls) in the first six months of the project. Each CMCC engages students in their school assignments, as the consequences of not completing homework can contribute to some children dropping out of school. Students also learn different subjects like maths, science, and Nepali, which has improved their learning and reading habits.

Also, 30 of the most disadvantaged children – including those from single parent families, orphans, children with disabilities, and Dalits – have been given items such as clothes, shoes, bags, and stationery to help make school more accessible.