Transforming Lives in Gaunkharka: A Collaborative Mission

In partnership with Sunrise Children's Association Inc., our organisation has launched a life-changing initiative in Gaunkharka, a village in Nepal's Nuwakot District. This three-year project, which began mid-last year, aims to improve education and livelihood opportunities for 44 children and their families. With a budget of AUD 65,000, we are committed to creating sustainable growth and prosperity for the community.

Supporting Education for a Brighter Future

Education is at the heart of this initiative. We provide full support for college students in years 11 and 12 and those pursuing technical or vocational diplomas, covering their admission and monthly fees. For students who live far from their schools, we offer financial assistance to overcome travel challenges.

For school students, we supply essential learning materials like exercise books to ensure uninterrupted studies. Beyond financial aid, we provide career counselling, life skills training, and awareness programs to support personal development. Regular monitoring, personalised counselling, and home visits further ensure students have the best environment for academic success.

Building Sustainable Livelihoods

Alongside education, we focus on improving livelihoods for families. Through skill development training, we help parents gain new abilities to increase their income. The training covers both formal and informal vocational skills, tailored to the needs of the community.

To create long-term sustainability, we have helped establish a cooperative for the families. Training in accounting, record-keeping, and operational management ensures they can run it efficiently. Basic support is provided during the cooperative's early stages, helping it transition to self-sufficiency.

Empowering the Community for Lasting Change

This collaborative project represents our commitment to driving meaningful change through education and livelihood development. By equipping the youth and their families with the skills and resources they need, we aim to foster self-reliance and prosperity within Gaunkharka.

As the project unfolds, we remain guided by the principles of partnership and sustainability. Together with Sunrise, we look forward to building a brighter, more inclusive future for the people of Gaunkharka.

Progress Report: November 2024

Education and Livelihood Achievements

The “Gaunkharka Education Scholarship Program” is making substantial progress in both educational and livelihood outcomes for participating families. As part of its mission to enable sustainable growth and empowerment, the program has delivered the following results during its first year:

Educational Support:

• 40 students are currently enrolled in the program:

  • 32 at school level, 5 in years 11-12, and 3 in technical diploma courses.

• Notable achievements include:

  • 21 students completing year 12.

  • 42 students completing their Secondary Education Examinations (SEE).

  • 51 students completing basic level education (class 8).

• Career counselling, life skills training, and personalised support are ensuring students can achieve their educational and professional goals.

Livelihood Development:

• Families have undergone training in goat and poultry farming, vegetable cultivation, and cooperative management.

• A registered cooperative now supports the community with savings, loans, and a Cooperative Collection and Selling Centre.

• Income levels for participating families have significantly improved, with many now earning between NPR 120,000 and NPR 200,000 annually.

Impact Testimonials

Students and families shared heartfelt stories of how the program has transformed their lives:

• Mendo Tamang: Now studying Agriculture (Plant Science), she plans to become an Agricultural Technician thanks to the scholarship support and counselling.

• Som Singh Tamang: Using skills from vegetable farming and goat-rearing training, he has built a business that supports his family and their education.

• Gyanimaya Tamang: Aspiring to become a nurse, she continues excelling academically with support from the program.

A Model for Sustainable Development

The achievements of the first year reflect the program’s effectiveness in addressing systemic challenges, such as poverty, lack of education, and limited opportunities. By integrating educational and livelihood support, the program is creating a foundation for long-term prosperity in Gaunkharka.

We are proud of the progress made so far and remain committed to empowering this community through meaningful, sustainable initiatives.