Girls' Education Project in Rural Nepal

The Girls’ Education Project addresses the persistent barriers preventing girls—particularly those from poor and Dalit families in rural Nepal—from accessing and completing their education. Despite the well-documented benefits of girls’ education, including improved gender equality, health outcomes, family planning, and economic growth, cultural norms, financial hardship, limited awareness, and inadequate schooling environments continue to restrict opportunities for the most marginalised girls. The project focuses on supporting those most at risk of dropping out by reducing financial and social obstacles to continued schooling.

The initiative raises awareness among families about the importance of girls’ education through regular home visits and community engagement, while providing direct financial and academic support to girls struggling to cover schooling costs. It also strengthens local livelihoods by contracting community members to produce school uniforms, shoes, and stationery, creating income-generating opportunities linked to the education supply chain. In partnership with local government authorities, community schools, teachers, and parents, the project works to improve the overall learning environment and ensure girls remain enrolled through completion of their secondary education (10+2 level).

Key stakeholders include sponsored girls and their families, eight community schools in Mahadewa Municipality, and the wider village communities. The project maintains close coordination with parents and schools to monitor attendance and progress, fostering shared responsibility for girls’ long-term educational success and community wellbeing.