Education

Over the years, significant strides have been made in increasing access to education, particularly for girls and marginalised communities in the Himalaya. However, to truly set kids up for a brighter future, we’re focusing on elevating the quality of education students receive and ensuring it is accessible to all.

Local context

Why we support education in Nepal

In remote regions of Nepal, schools are severely under-resourced, often lacking essential infrastructure such as safe, accessible classrooms, proper furniture and clean water. The challenges are compounded by insufficient teacher training and a scarcity of teaching and learning materials, creating significant barriers to students achieving a high-quality education.

Despite these obstacles, regions in Nepal that invest significantly in literacy and education have shown rapid improvements in education outcomes. In line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4, we strive to provide ‘inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’.

Education

A teacher stands in a classroom in nepal reading a book and talking to students as part of the AHF teacher training program

Nepal program

In partnership with REED Nepal, our quality education programs are providing children living in the lower Solukhumbu and Bahjang in Nepal with access to better, more inclusive education - and keeping them in school for longer.

We align our education programs with local and national government education strategies and policies to ensure they meet current priorities and objectives.

In addition to our generous donors, these programs are supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).

How we support education in Nepal

Icon of a school with a Nepali flag on top.

Supporting vulnerable students

We support students and families by providing essentials like school bags, uniforms, books and stationery, so that the most disadvantaged kids can access and continue education.

Shelves filled with stacks of paper, notebooks, and school supplies.
Icons of a Nepali man and woman standing side by side

Community awareness

Taking a whole family approach to changing traditional attitudes and practices, we educate parents on the importance of their involvement in their children’s education. 

A minimalist icon of a bookshelf with five books arranged vertically.

School management

Through training in governance, leadership, child safeguarding , gender and disability equity and disaster preparedness, we equip school leaders and decision-makers with the skills to boost school management and improve education services.

Simple icon of a boy and girl standing side by side holding hands.

School facilities

We refurbish and rebuild schools, upgrading water and sanitation facilities along with providing essential classroom resources like furniture, equipment and books to create safer, more engaging educational settings.

A Nepali school teacher sitting in a chair and talking to a student sitting in a chair.

Teacher training

We train teachers in child-centred methods, helping them build safe and welcoming classrooms that prevent abuse, support mental health and promote gender, disability and social equity so every child can learn and thrive.

  • “AHF’s support has significantly transformed the quality of education in remote regions of Nepal, empowering teachers, creating well-equipped classrooms, and promoting girls' education. Together, we are building a strong foundation for educational reform in rural villages. This enduring partnership has ignited hope and is a symbol of what can be achieved through commitment and collaboration. We are deeply grateful to AHF, its supporters and the Australian Government for your continued dedication and solidarity.”

    — Bhim Bogati, CEO at REED Nepal

Nepal education program stats from the last year

  • Simple black-and-white icon of a boy and girl standing side by side

    200

    Vulnerable children (106 girls) received going to school support

  • Icon of a Nepali Teacher and student sitting opposite each other in school desks

    1,043

    Teachers (532 women) trained and mentored to improve their teaching practice

  • Icon of school building with Nepali flag above

    500

    Students benefitted from new classrooms and improved WASH facilities

Education is their Everest

Support AHF to train teachers, provide vulnerable students with scholarships and supply vital resources like furniture, equipment and books to classrooms.

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Local context

Why we support education in Bhutan

Supporting education in Bhutan is crucial for driving socioeconomic development, preserving its unique cultural heritage and addressing educational disparities. It also supports Bhutan’s commitment to Gross National Happiness (GNH) by enhancing holistic well-being and balanced progress.

Education

two school kids in bhutanese traditional dress writing at their desk in concentration

Bhutan program

In Bhutan, our education program focuses on increasing opportunities and improving wellbeing for children and young people who have experienced violence, abuse or neglect. The program prioritises girls, children with disabilities and adolescents.

In partnership with RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women), we ensure that these vulnerable children and young people can access school until at least Year 12, as well as receive counselling support.

Supporting RENEW in delivering quality care is a central aspect of our project. This includes providing training to strengthen the skills of counsellors, developing policies and processes and distributing them nationwide. Our goal is to strengthen child safeguarding, combat discrimination and violence, and advance gender and disability inclusion in Bhutan.

  • “Thanks to the support of AHF, I was able to graduate from high school with honours. I was also accepted to my dream college, where I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce, Finance at the Gedu College of Business Studies.”

    — 2023 scholarship recipient

Bhutan education program stats from the last year

  • Outline of a backpack icon

    206

    Students (131girls) supported to attend school up to Grade 12 and access counselling services

  • Icon of a boy and girl holding hands

    100%

    of Grade 12 graduates continued on to tertiary or vocational study

  • Icon of two hands holding a large heart

    17

    RENEW counsellors and case managers received training to strengthen the quality of services they provide

Local partners

REED Nepal’s (Rural Education and Environment Development) mission is to ensure all children in Nepal have access to quality and inclusive education and a resilient environment.

RENEW (Respect Educate Nurture & Empower Women) is dedicated to the relief and empowerment of disadvantaged women and adolescent girls in Bhutan.

From the field

Education stories

Other AHF programs