Educating Children in Nepal

Thimi, a traditional Nepalese village near Kathmandu, relies on pottery, mask-making, and farming for livelihood. Potters create their wares on manual wheels in the village streets, firing them in open kilns. The rise of inexpensive machine-made pottery has made it challenging to sell handcrafted goods, prompting villagers to explore furniture-making and other employment opportunities. Farmers cultivate vegetables and rice in the fertile soil, transporting their produce to Kathmandu markets or selling to hotels.

Education levels in Thimi remain low, with children often leaving school early to help their families. This cycle of limited education perpetuates traditional employment patterns. In 1989, local teacher Surendra Prajapati established Vinayak Shiksha Niketan School to provide affordable education for Thimi‘s children. The school, initially operating from his home, now boasts a multi-story building, 45 teachers, and 810 students. Through international sponsorship, the school offers English, Maths, Science, Computer Studies, and Nepali, enabling students to complete a high school education. This is particularly crucial for girls, who often face early school departure. The school’s success stories include sponsored students pursuing higher education in fields like medicine, engineering, and teaching, offering hope for a brighter future.