The concept of Sailung TriNetra began in Sikkim, India in 2005 when the Founding Director, Claire Martin spent some time teaching at a school for disadvantaged children. Identifying the impact of good education on the life quality and prospects of the children she was working with, Claire began to look at how she could contribute personally beyond her involvement as a teacher.

Whilst in Sikkim, Claire met Nir Thapa. Nir was working at the Karmapa International Buddhist Institute in Delhi as Head Chef, but following closure for extensive building work he had come to Sikkim, volunteering his time to set up a bakery for the school.

Originally from Salme Khola, a small village in rural East Nepal, Nir’s children were attending the school where Claire was teaching and the two began to discuss the education system in Nepal – specifically in the rural areas.

Having successfully established the school bakery, Claire went with Nir back to Nepal, visiting Salme Khola and gaining an understanding of the current school provision. Talking with the village development committees (VDC) it became very apparent that there was potential to make a real impact through the provision of an improved educational facility. Sailung TriNetra was established to define and develop the project and plans.

Meanwhile, needing to generate revenue for Sailung TriNetra, Claire and Nir opened a bakery in Boudha, Kathmandu in October 2006. The bakery also provides training opportunities and is a promotional platform for Sailung TriNetra’s work.