Girl Child Education Program in Nepal Empowers 210 More Young Girls to Stay in School
-By Shahira Thapa
This year, through the Girl Child Education (GCE) program, we impacted the lives of 210 young girls across Nepal with scholarships that emphasize empowerment through education and school retention. Since its inception in 2000, Heifer Nepal’s GCE program, initially funded by voluntary
donations from Nepal staff, has benefited 2,851 girls. These scholarships include vital school supplies such as bags, uniforms, shoes, socks, and stationery, ensuring each girl is fully prepared for the academic year. Beyond mere provisions, this initiative fosters empowerment, encouraging girls to flourish academically, remain enrolled, pursue their education, and envision a future filled with opportunities for growth and empowerment.
According to the National Population and Housing Census 2021, the male literacy rate in Nepal is significantly higher at 83.6%, compared to the female literacy rate of 69.4%. While 75% of age-appropriate children attend lower basic education, attendance drops sharply at higher levels, with only 50% attending upper basic and 48% attending secondary education. This disparity is even more pronounced for girls, particularly those from rural and impoverished households. The gender disparity in literacy rates underscores the importance of initiatives like GCE. Several factors such as poverty, early marriage, gendered roles in household and agricultural labor, and limited access to schools contribute to high dropout rates, especially among girls from rural and impoverished backgrounds. Economic conditions often prioritize boys’ education, perpetuating gender inequalities entrenched by societal norms.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous individual donors, volunteers, Helping Hands for Nepal, and especially Heifer International Korea for their partnership and support since 2022.The GCE program not only promotes academic success but also addresses poverty and gender inequality through community-driven initiatives.
Through collaboration with Heifer Korea, the GCE program established the Heifer Mauel Library at Shree Panchakanya School in Kudule, Sindhuli, serving as a community hub specifically for girls and women in the area. We are excited to announce plans for another library at Shree Janajyoti Secondary School in Model Dairy Village, Kamalamai, Sindhuli. These libraries symbolize hope and education, inspiring girls to dream big.
The impact of our initiative is clear as more girls are staying in school and envisioning brighter futures. Heifer Nepal demonstrates the transformative power of collective action in advancing girls’ education through fostering community ownership and sustainable change.
As we celebrate the achievements of these 210 girls this year, we eagerly anticipate creating more success stories in the years ahead.
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