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#BringASmile to Nepal

Providing essential school supplies to students in the Achham district, western Nepal

In the Achham district, many families face significant financial hardship. For students, this often means choosing between basic necessities and school-related expenses.

School fees, backpack, notebooks, pens, pencils, and even warm clothing can be difficult to afford. Classrooms rely on natural sunlight and lack heating during colder months. When families struggle, education is often the first sacrifice.

Our goal is simple: remove one barrier by ensuring students have the school supplies they need to attend class consistently and with dignity.

Why This Project Matters

Achham is a remote, hilly district in western Nepal with a population of 228,852 (2021 Census). Limited infrastructure and geography restrict economic opportunities.

Literacy rates remain low - 71% for men and 43% for women, significantly below national averages for women. Poverty remains widespread, with nearly half the district living below the poverty line.

Caste-based discrimination continues to influence access to resources. Lower-caste students often attend underfunded public schools, while private education remains out of reach for most families.

At the schools we support:

80% of students hold red ID cards, indicating severe financial hardship.
Absenteeism is frequently linked to their inability to afford school-related costs.

These realities informed our decision to focus our efforts here.

Why Achham

How the Project Works

Back-to-School Kits

At the start of the school year in May, each student receives a school kit distributed by their teachers.
While supplies vary by grade level, every student receives a kit. This ensures consistency and reflects our commitment that no student is left without the essentials needed for class.

Ongoing Supply Stockpile

Throughout the school year, essential items such notebooks, paper, pencils, and pens remain available at the school.
This ensures students who run out of materials are not forced to miss class.

The preparation work is supported by volunteers on the ground.

The Schools We Support

School #1

Name: Madu Vidhyalaya

Address: Binayak-2, Achham, Nepal

Principal: Sham Dhami

Grade range: Kindergarten to Grade 10

# of students: 504

School #2

Name: Shree Yubabarsha Basic School

Address: Panchadewal Binayak Municipality 03, Binayak, Achham, Nepal

Principal: Jagat Nepali

Grade range: Kindergarten to Grade 8

# of students: 322

We currently support the following public schools in the Achham district:

In November 2024, we visited Achham and delivered school supplies directly to students.

Seeing firsthand how limited access to basic materials affected attendance shaped the development of this project. That experience led to the launch of #BringASmile to Nepal.

We remain committed to continuing this work responsibly and consistently.

For additional photos and reflections, visit our blog posts under Resources.