Katmandu — Nepal
Inclusion and Education for People with Disabilities
Area — Education
Beneficiaries — 25 young students
In Nepal, students with disabilities—ranging from deafness and blindness to chronic health issues, mobility challenges, physical defects, developmental disabilities, autism, and other conditions—face significant systemic barriers. Historically perceived as burdens by their families and society, many of these individuals are often denied access to education. This exclusion creates a vicious cycle, preventing them from showcasing their exceptional potential and accessing equal opportunities.
The Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF) program offers personalized financial support tailored to each individual’s needs, aspirations, family circumstances, and other factors. This assistance covers tuition fees, learning materials, accommodation near campuses, transportation costs, and individualized advocacy for every student. In some cases, a specialized residential school is the best solution, while in others, home tutors or assistants are required. Additionally, students may receive devices specifically designed to meet their needs.
Students also benefit from the ongoing support of NYF social workers, who engage with not only the students but also their families and schools. These social workers advocate for each student’s rights, helping them demonstrate their abilities and overcome obstacles within the educational system. In situations where school administrators resist, social workers step in to ensure that students gain access to the educational opportunities they are entitled to. Through this program, NYF is committed to fostering equality, social inclusion, and empowerment for people with disabilities in Nepal, ensuring that every student has the best possible opportunity to pursue their education.
Partnership between Monde par la Main and Nepal Youth Foundation
This marks the second collaborative project between Monde par la Main and Nepal Youth Foundation. We are excited to work together once again to improve access to education for students with disabilities in Nepal. We are fully confident in the potential of this project and believe it will have a profound and positive impact on the lives of students and their families.
“Education is the key to mitigating the social hierarchy. If you educate children properly, the hierarchies—the barriers in society—can be destroyed in a generation.” – NYF’s President, Som Paneru
Nepal Youth Foundation
Founded in 1990 by Olga Murray and a group of dedicated advocates, the Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF) is a nonprofit organization committed to providing Nepalese children with access to education. Over the past three decades, NYF has supported more than 60,000 children and families in Nepal by offering quality education, healthcare, shelter, freedom, and emergency assistance when needed. NYF continuously adapts to the evolving challenges faced by Nepalese youth, promoting equality and prosperity. Through donor-funded, culturally relevant programs led by local Nepalese experts, NYF transforms lives, strengthens families, uplifts communities, and inspires a new generation. Mr. Ryan J.Walls is now the president-director of NYF USA.