Learning Without Barriers: Chepang Children’s Education Initiative in Remote Nepal

Introduction to Laxmi Pratisthan: Laxmi Pratisthan is a Nepal government–registered non-profit organization (est. 2010), founded by Mr. Bishnu Gautam and Mrs. Laxmi Gautam in memory of their late sons. The foundation works with the most vulnerable communities in remote Nepal, focusing on education, health, skill development, and community transformation.

Since 2013, Laxmi Pratisthan has maintained a continuous presence in Kanda, implementing integrated interventions including free hostels, school support, clean drinking water, agriculture support, and health and sanitation awareness. Today, it operates one of Nepal’s longest-running community-supported education programmes for Chepang children.

Here are details of the projects currently being supported by SAVE UK through Laxmi Pratisthan.

Kumar Balram Memorial Free Hostel – Kanda Branch

Established by Laxmi Pratisthan, the Kumar Balram Memorial Free Hostel in Kanda provides a safe and supportive home for 140 underprivileged children studying at Shree Kandeshwori Basic School. Before the hostel was established, many children had to walk 4–5 hours daily through difficult forest trails to attend school. This resulted in frequent dropouts, poor attendance, malnutrition, and limited access to education.

Today, the hostel provides nutritious meals, accommodation, clothing, educational materials, and a child-friendly environment that enables children to continue their education safely and consistently. Due to the remoteness of Kanda and limited infrastructure, the hostel still faces ongoing challenges in maintaining proper facilities and educational resources for the children.

Video Link: https://youtu.be/GWbphxw5jnM?si=3gIfnH0ISeDMxX_2

Kumar Balram Memorial Free Hostel – Kavre Branch

To ensure continuity of education after Grade 7, Laxmi Pratisthan established the Kumar Balram Memorial Free Hostel in Kavre, where 60 children currently receive education and care while attending the nearby Shree Saraswoti Secondary School.

The hostel provides nutritious food, accommodation, clean water, clothing, sanitation facilities, and recreational activities. Children also benefit from sports facilities, life-skills training, and vocational exposure, helping them develop confidence, discipline, and independence. Most of the residents are Chepang children, alongside orphans and children from highly vulnerable families.

The South Asian Voluntary Association has been a long-term partner of Laxmi Pratisthan and is currently actively supporting these educational projects benefiting more than 200 children.

Video Link: https://youtu.be/QoYCU5MOJTg?si=9puEOZ9yihNaFMEU

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