About the Project
The project consisted of supporting the education and accommodation expenses for secondary students attending school in Kathmandu.
Location
Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal (hostel location) & Nyisal, Dolpa, Nepal (students’ hometown)
Quick Project Stats
| Funding Date | September 2024 |
| Luena Investment | $5,000 |
| CBO Partner | Himalayan Development Initiative (HDI) |
| Village | Nyisal, Dolpa |
| Country | Nepal |
| # of Children Impacted | 12 |
| Community Contribution | $7,500 provided by HDI (total funding required to maintain hostel and provide room and board is $12,500) |
The Struggle for Education and Healthcare in Upper Dolpa
Life in the Upper Dolpa region of Nepal is marked by extreme challenges, particularly for children and youth who struggle to access quality education and healthcare. Schools are severely under-resourced, often lacking basic necessities such as classrooms, trained teachers, and essential supplies like furniture, uniforms, and stationery. Many lessons are held outdoors due to the lack of proper infrastructure, making learning difficult, especially during harsh weather conditions. Additionally, many parents do not fully recognize the value of education, resulting in irregular school attendance as children are often required to help with household and agricultural work. The region’s remote and mountainous terrain further isolates communities, making it costly and logistically difficult to transport educational materials and healthcare resources.
Malnutrition is another pressing issue, affecting children’s ability to concentrate and perform well academically, yet nutritional programs and healthcare services remain inconsistent due to resource limitations. Seasonal challenges, particularly extreme winter conditions, force schools to close for months at a time, significantly disrupting children’s education. Organizations like the Himalayan Development Initiative (HDI) are working to address these difficulties by improving school infrastructure, implementing nutritional programs, training teachers, and engaging with the community to ensure that children in Upper Dolpa have a better chance at a brighter future.
HDI’s Solution for Education in Upper Dolpa
Until 2021, students in Nyisal had no option but to drop out of school after grade 5, as there were no higher-grade schools available. The entire Upper Dolpa region faced similar limitations, with most schools offering education only up to grade 6. While some schools received foreign donations to sponsor students for further studies, Nyisal village lacked such support, leaving its children with no path beyond primary education. As a result, generations of youth were trapped in a cycle where their futures were confined to traditional roles as shepherds, Lamas, or farmers, unable to access new opportunities.
The Himalayan Development Initiative (HDI) sought to change this by establishing a hostel in Kathmandu, allowing students from Nyisal to continue their education beyond grade 5. Under HDI’s supervision, these students receive the guidance, resources, and support needed to pursue higher studies, with backing from community champions and donors. This initiative has opened doors for young people in Nyisal, giving them the chance to break free from educational limitations and build brighter futures.
Hostel Accommodation Facilitates Access to Education
The donation from Luena Foundation was used to support the education of students from Nyisal, Upper Dolpa. This funding will help cover essential expenses for twelve children residing in HDI’s hostel in Kathmandu, providing them with access to education, accommodation, food, and other necessities.
Meet our Partner Community-Based Organization
HDI is a non-government organization committed to the development of Upper Dolpo. We are an initiative primarily working in the education sector. Our mission is to build a self-sustainable and better Dolpo where all children receive quality education to become leaders of the community.
To learn more about our partner organization, click here.
