Nepal is sandwiched between Tibet and India and is home to over 26 million people. Although rich in splendour and scenery, more than 40% of its people are living below the poverty line – surviving on less than $1 a day.

National figures for 2003 show that only half of all students completed primary education (approximately up to age 10, or Class 5) in Nepal. Figures for rural areas, such as Salme Khola in the Ramechhap district, are even lower. School is not compulsory and the cost of tuition and supplies are often prohibitively expensive for poorer families.

Teaching often occurs in classes with unmanageably large numbers and a wide age range, leading to limited progress in learning. Early childhood development i.e. pre-primary education is a particularly weak area of the current education system.

At present in Salme Khola and surrounding villages, the limited formal education provision only provides for children aged between five and nine. Developing a pre-school and secondary provision will have an enormous impact on this area, the children and their families.

Using Nir’s first hand experience of the village and its community will enable Sailung TriNetra to develop a facility that will also encompass a number of surrounding villages.