Our Work in Nepal

Without an education, English language skills or vocational training, many individuals and families in Nepal can only hope to make less than £2 per day, barely enough to live on. In partnership with HOPE worldwide Nepal, we’re on a mission to empower Nepalese children, youth, women and families with the skills and jobs they need to overcome poverty.

The Asha Vidhyashram School  

For many children of migrant workers in Kathmandu, a quality primary school education is impossible because their parents do not make enough money to send them to private schools, and state-run schools can be overcrowded and underfunded. But thanks to your generous support, the dreams of these children can become a reality.  

At the Asha Vidhyashram School in Kathmandu, children of materially poor migrant workers can receive a free, high-quality education. With a capacity for 125 students from nursery age up to year 5, the Asha Vidhyashram School began in 1995 and has provided students with uniforms, free books and learning materials, free nutritious meals, and free fun activities ever since.  

Students who perform well in their studies and whose families make less than £3  per day – or are particularly disadvantaged — can qualify for one of our secondary school scholarships. A £400 per year scholarship allows students to gain admission to a local private school and covers entrance fees, exam fees, monthly fees, and costs for uniforms, shoes, socks, stationery, books and school bags. 

The Women’s Empowerment Programme

It is estimated that fewer than 49 percent of Nepalese women are literate[1], a fact that limits their economic potential. In a traditional Nepalese family, the husbands are the only earners, which means that a job loss or even working as a day labourer can result in an unstable income for the family. Providing women and wives with valuable skills allows them to contribute to a better quality of life for themselves and their families. 

Launched in June 2022 in Kathmandu, HOPE worldwide Nepal’s Women’s Empowerment Programme lives up to its name. Teaching 100 women per year high-demand skills such as tailoring and beauty industry expertise, the Women’s Empowerment Programme allows students to apply for a $500 USD microloan upon completion of their coursework. This microloan helps them purchase the equipment to start their own business. 

The Chhaimale Village Programme

The deadly April 2015 Nepal earthquake — which killed 9,000 people and injured more than 22,000 — hit Chhaimale Village hard. Homes and local businesses collapsed, leaving farmers and livestock workers unable to provide for their families, as they had no way to sell their goods, house their livestock, or even grow crops.  

A worldwide relief effort was launched to rebuild the region. HOPE worldwide Nepal partnered with branches of HOPE worldwide in Canada, USA and the United Kingdom, who came together to create the Chhaimale Village Programme in 2018.

The Chhaimale Village Programme features English and computing training for residents, which is vital for residents to gain access to higher paying administrative roles. Local farmers receive additional skills at the training centre, budding businesses can apply for microloans, and women can make pear candy at the factory in the villageProceeds from pear candy sales are re-invested in the Programme, ensuring its growth and future.

Vocational Training Centres

In keeping with our mission to give children, youth, women and families skills for success, we have three vocational training centres in Nepal. These vocational training centres — which focus on English language skills, computing and, where applicable, farming skills — are in convenient locations for residents in Kathmandu Village, Chhaimale Village and Biratnagar. 

Building and maintaining trust and relationships in our communities is at the heart of all we do, and we are proud to be a thriving member of these neighbourhoods.  

Click to donate to our programmes in Nepal 

[1] WorldVision.org. ‘Literacy Rates Are Improving in Nepal’. http://bit.ly/3UcvCBO