#BringASmile to Nepal 2.0: What $10 CAD can do in Nepal

Our distribution of school supplies was really appreciated by the students and the community, and the fact that we were able to help hundreds of kids at once really made it a memorable experience. That is why we are continuing the #BringASmile to Nepal initiative - 2.0 - to ensure students at Madu School in the Achham District continue to have sufficient school supplies every year.

Did you know?

• Poor families in the Achham District are categorized under 3 groups of ID cards by colours (red, yellow, green), based on their financial standing. 80% of the students at the school have red ID card, indicating poor status.

• Absenteeism from school is often attributed to affordability. For $10 CAD, you can provide all the necessary school supplies to a student for an entire school year.

Although public school in Nepal is government funded, additional costs to students include: school uniform, shoes, backpack, school supplies and a yearly school fee of 2,000 NPR (~$22 CAD). Fortunately, the far western region of Nepal receives UN funding that provides students with a nutritious school lunch daily.

That is why we are fundraising to cover for school supplies. It provides substantial financial relief to the students and their family, as well as dignity having the fundamental tools for learning. 

The Plan

Raise $5,000 CAD for 500 students expected in the new school year starting April 2025.

This provides each student at Madu School a back-to-school 'kit' (see infographic) when they start school. It also provides the school with a supplies stockpile of notebooks, pencils and pens available throughout the year, so that no student is left without the basics.

To stretch your donation, the school supplies will be sourced locally at wholesale prices. Team Nepal member, Sita, will be overseeing the ordering and delivery of supplies to the school, and partnering with the school administrator to coordinate the distribution to the students.  

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Why Achham

Achham is a far western region and is one of nine districts within the Suderpashchim province of Nepal. The entire district is hilly. Total population is 228,852, with 46-54% male-female split (2021 Government of Nepal Census). Key facts:

• 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 mostly attend underfunded public schools, while higher-caste students can afford better private schools.