The Government of Nepal declared free, compulsory education for the first five grades, but 60% of children are still unable to go to school. Of the 40% that do attend school, 70% drop out. A few reasons for this high rate is the parents’ ignorance and illiteracy, child marriage, poverty and the need for the child to work in the home, and the nature of the conservative society.
The School Sponsorship Program is designed to meet the needs of children living in Ramechhap, Lamjung Tanahun, Rautahat, and Dolakha Districts. When a child is enrolled in the program, they receive 1,000 rupees per month to assist them in going to school. They are regularly visited by Slisha, allowing us to take further action when needed.
Every year, Slisha sponsors 45-50 children across the five districts. The children receive support to attend school through all 12 grades. After they complete grade 12, they are encouraged to find a job or start their own business.
Currently, 90% of our students work at school, bakeries, the army, construction, or microfinance. The other 10% own a small business, such as an eatery, agriculture farming, and livestock farming.
The program started from 2001 with support from Kam for Sud.