The students at Madu School in the western region of Nepal have a reason to continue smiling this year - thanks to the generosity of supporters, they will have access to free school supplies for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.
When the school year commences in April 2025, each student will receive a back-to-school kit, ensuring they have the basic essentials to start their school year. Throughout the school year, a supply stockpile of notebooks, pencils and pens will continue to be available, ensuring that no student is left without the basics needed to consistently attend school.
Did you know?
In the Achham District, where Madu School is located, families are categorized into three groups of ID cards - red, yellow and green - based on their financial standing. 80% of the students at Madu School have red ID cards, indicating their families' poverty status.
For many of these students, absenteeism is often linked to their inability to afford school-related expenses.
That's why we chose Madu Vidhyalaya (Madu School) to launch our #BringASmile to Nepal project with plans to expand to more schools in the district and other rural areas. Madu School currently enrols 450 students, ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 10. It operates six days a week, from Sunday to Friday, and serves a student body that is primiarly composed of marginalized groups facing systemic barriers due to caste, gender and socio-economic status.
While public schools in Nepal are government-funded, students still face additional costs such as school uniforms, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, and a yearly school fee of 2,000 NPR (~$22 CAD). Thankfully, this school receives UN funding (indirectly), which provides a nutritious daily lunch for the students.
However, the financial burden on families is still significant. That’s why we are fundraising to cover the cost of school supplies. By providing these essentials, we are offering not just financial relief to families, but also a sense of dignity — helping ensure that every child has the fundamental tools for learning and the opportunity to thrive.
Why Achham
Achham is a remote, hilly region in western Nepal. Total population is 228,852, with 46-54% male-female split (2021 Government of Nepal Census). Key facts about Achham:
71% of men and 43% of women are literate (can read and write); women in particular are far below Nepal's national average. Low literacy rates for women contribute to gender-based domestic violence, discrimination, and less opportunities in society.
47% of the population in the Achham district lives below the poverty line, and 10,071 families lived in extreme poverty. Poor infrastructure and geography limit growth opportunities.
Caste system and discrimination still prevail. Lower-caste students are often relegated to underfunded public schools, while higher-caste students can afford better private schools.
By supporting the #BringASmile Nepal project, we are not just providing school supplies — we are helping to break the cycle of poverty, promoting equality, and giving children the opportunity to consistently access education.
Our initial visit to the Achham district, Nepal in November 2024 to donate school supplies
Madu School
Resources
Financial Tracker for #BringASmile Nepal project (available soon)
Blog updates on #BringASmile Nepal project: