According to the 2021 National Population and Housing Census, Nepal’s female literacy rate is 69.4%, compared to 83.6% for males. While 75% of children attend lower basic education, attendance drops to 50% at upper basic and 48% at secondary levels, with girls, especially from rural and impoverished families, facing greater challenges. This lack of education increases the risk of trafficking, abuse, early marriage, and limited potential for girls. Recognizing these barriers, Heifer Nepal initiated the Girl Child Education (GCE) project in 2000 to empower girls through education and address gender disparities. The Girl Child Education (GCE) project has benefited 2,851 girls to date. In 2024, the program provided scholarships and essential school supplies to 210 girls across Nepal. The project aims to educate and support 1,000 girls by 2026, ensuring they have access to essential educational resources.

The fund for this program was raised with support from the Life Insurance Social Contribution Committee Korea, KYOBO Life Insurance, Social Solidarity Bank Korea, Heifer International Korea, Helping Hands for Nepal, Heifer Project Nepal, volunteers, and other donors. This program is currently being implemented through donations from multiple Heifer International Korea donors, Helping Hands for Nepal, locally raised funds from Heifer Project Nepal’s staff, volunteers, donors, and other supporters.