Pratiksha is a happy seven year-old girl who enjoys dancing and singing with her friends.

But last year, she wasn’t always in school. Many children in rural Nepal don’t attend school because, even at very young ages, they are expected to share the household responsibilities of chores, looking after animals, and caring for younger siblings. That’s especially true for girls from the poorest families.

But over the past 18 months, Pratiksha’s village has benefitted from a project delivered by our partner United Mission for Nepal (UMN) which is improving the local schools and working with parents and children to make sure the next generation get the education they deserve. INF UK supporters have helped make this possible.

Now, Pratiksha is in school most days, completes her homework regularly, won second prize in a drawing competition, and finished Year 1 at the top of her class! She’s enthusiastically enjoying Year 2, especially the children’s songs she learns with her classmates.

A comfortable classroom

More than 2,000 children across 20 schools will be impacted during this project in East Rukum district which runs until 2027.

Working with parents has been key – there has been a significant increase in their involvement in school and interest in their children’s performance – but simple changes like having a cushion to sit on have also contributed to this success.

One school had the youngest children sitting outside and playing in the dirt and dust most of the day. To improve their classroom, carpets and floor cushions were added, as well as low tables, a shoe rack and white boards, creating a child-friendly environment. The head teacher said:

“Earlier, the children had to be forced to come to school, but after the child-friendly classroom management, the situation has changed. Now the children do not want to go back home!”

Pratiksha’s life is off to a great start, and the local teachers are so encouraged by the help they’ve received to improve the lives of the children they care about. Your support is making a big difference to these children’s childhoods now, and their chances of breaking the cycle of poverty in the future.

Growing hope

This project in East Rukum was awarded a grant by the Educational Opportunity Foundation. We are very grateful for their support of almost £60,000 over 3 years to improve the education of more than 2,000 children, as well as supporting many teachers and parents.