“Ensuring every child continues their education safely and with dignity.”
For more than two decades, the community school in the slum area operated only up to Grade 5. After completing primary level, children had no local access to continued education. Many were pushed into child labour, early marriage, unsafe migration, or were exposed to the risks of trafficking. Education stopped too early — and with it, many dreams faded.
Peace Himalaya stepped in with a long-term vision: not just to support a school, but to transform opportunity for an entire community.
Upgrading the School: From Grade 5 to Grade 8
Through sustained coordination, advocacy, and collaboration with the local government, Peace Himalaya successfully facilitated the upgrade of the school to Grade 8. The municipality has:
- Officially approved the extension to Grade 8
- Provided three government teachers
- Indicated the possibility of assigning additional teachers as student numbers grow
This milestone ensures that children can now continue lower secondary education within their own community — safely and consistently.
Today, enrollment continues to increase steadily. Although admissions reached over 200 students, around 180 children attend regularly, reflecting both strong demand and ongoing challenges faced by highly vulnerable families.
Building a Safe Learning Environment
To provide a secure and dignified space for learning, Peace Himalaya is currently supporting:
School Infrastructure
- Construction of a new earthquake-resistant school building (underway)
- Safe classrooms for expanding grades
- Improved learning environment for long-term sustainability
Completing the new building is urgent so that students can safely continue their studies up to Grade 8 now — and eventually expand to Grade 12 in the future.
Comprehensive Support for Children
Education is more than textbooks. Many children in this community come from families struggling with poverty, food insecurity, and unstable living conditions. To ensure that children stay in school, Peace Himalaya provides:
- Support for teaching and non-teaching staff
- Mid-day meals to address hunger and improve concentration
- Stationery, uniforms, and essential school materials
- Family support for the most vulnerable children
This integrated approach reduces dropout risk and ensures children can learn with dignity.
Computer Education & Skills Development
The school now has a newly built computer lab, giving children access to basic digital education — a crucial step toward bridging the digital divide. However, the lab still requires additional equipment to fully meet student needs.
Beyond academics, the school promotes holistic development through:
- Physical games and sports
- Cooking practice sessions
- Sewing training
- Music classes
These activities build confidence, creativity, and practical life skills.
The Dipendra Cup Football Tournament
One of the school’s most significant annual events is the Dipendra Cup Football Tournament, organized among schools within the municipality.
This tournament:
- Encourages teamwork and discipline
- Strengthens inter-school relationships
- Builds confidence and leadership among children
- Brings the wider community together
It has become a proud symbol of hope and positive youth engagement.
Looking Ahead
The journey is ongoing. As student numbers grow and aspirations rise, completing the new school building and strengthening educational resources remain urgent priorities.
Peace Himalaya envisions a future where:
- No child leaves school after Grade 5
- No child is forced into labour due to poverty
- Every child can continue education up to Grade 12
- Education becomes a pathway to dignity, opportunity, and resilience
Together, we are not just supporting a school — we are protecting childhood and building futures.
