Why do we exist?
Education in crisis
In recent decades, Nepal's education system has made notable progress. The government has prioritised the expansion of educational opportunities, as demonstrated by the 2016 education reform bill, which made Grades 1 to 8 education free and compulsory. However, significant challenges remain, with many students still lacking access to quality education and opportunities.
Most public schools grapple with under-resourcing, leading to difficulties in recruiting and retaining teachers. Consequently, in areas with insufficient teacher allocations, primary school teachers find themselves compelled to instruct secondary level students, exacerbating their workload and compromising the quality of education. This strain particularly impacts students preparing for the SLC board examination, as they are taught by instructors who may lack the qualifications to adequately prepare them for success. That 67% of public school students failed their SLC in 2015 signifies this pattern of underperformance, conveying the need for systemic change.
Financial constraints and disinterest hinder many Nepalese students from completing their education, perpetuating a cycle of limited opportunities. Despite efforts to enhance educational access, significant barriers persist, particularly for those from disadvantaged and rural communities.
Teacher quality remains a pervasive concern, with many educators lacking adequate training. Low salaries and limited professional development exacerbate high turnover rates, aggravating the shortage of qualified instructors. Insufficient access to teaching materials, textbooks, and technology further impedes educational quality.
UKF’s model for change
To address these challenges, the Upendra Kandel Foundation will:
Hire, train, and support teachers: UKF aims to address the shortage of qualified educators by actively recruiting teachers, providing them with comprehensive training programs to enhance their teaching skills, and offering ongoing support to ensure their continued professional development. By investing in the capacity-building of teachers, UKF seeks to improve the overall quality of education imparted in schools.
Donate essential resources: Recognizing the critical role of resources in facilitating effective learning, UKF plans to donate essential educational materials such as textbooks, laptops, and science equipment to schools in need. These resources will not only supplement classroom instruction but also enable students to engage in hands-on learning experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of various subjects.
Fund scholarships for disadvantaged communities: In an effort to break the cycle of limited opportunities as a result of financial constraints, UKF intends to provide scholarships to students from disadvantaged communities. These scholarships will enable deserving students to pursue their education without facing financial barriers, empowering them to fulfil their academic potential and pursue higher education or vocational training opportunities.
Offer English and IT lessons to schools in rural locales: Recognizing the importance of English language proficiency and IT skills in today's globalized world, UKF plans to offer English language and IT lessons to schools in rural areas. By equipping students with these essential skills, the foundation aims to enhance their employability prospects and broaden their access to educational and economic opportunities beyond their local communities.
The health dilemma
Challenges in Nepal's healthcare system include low health literacy and awareness among its population, contributing to delayed healthcare-seeking behaviour and a higher burden of preventable diseases. This deficiency in understanding preventive healthcare measures, symptoms of common illnesses, and appropriate healthcare-seeking behaviour often results in delayed medical intervention, exacerbating health conditions.
The challenges posed by communicable diseases like diarrheal diseases, respiratory infections, malaria, and dengue fever are made worse by limited awareness about preventive measures like sanitation, vaccination, and mosquito control. Additionally, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer are increasing due to changing lifestyles. Yet, there remains a pervasive lack of awareness regarding risk factors such as unhealthy diet, sedentary behaviour, and substance abuse, contributing to the increasing incidence of non-communicable diseases.
Overall, these challenges underscore the critical need for comprehensive health education, promotion, and disease prevention initiatives to enhance healthcare outcomes and mitigate the burden of diseases in Nepal.
UKF’s model for change
Delivering health education and awareness programs in schools: UKF aims to provide students with knowledge about preventive measures against common diseases, symptoms of illnesses, and the importance of timely healthcare-seeking behaviour. By delivering health education and awareness programs, the foundation will empower students with the necessary information and skills to make informed decisions about their health.
Promoting healthy lifestyles in our partner schools: Recognizing the significant impact of lifestyle choices on overall health and well-being, UKF plans to promote healthy lifestyles within its partner schools. This initiative may include activities such as promoting physical activity, advocating for balanced nutrition, and raising awareness about the risks associated with substance abuse. By fostering a culture of health and wellness within schools, UKF will instil lifelong habits that contribute to improved health outcomes and reduced incidence of non-communicable diseases among students and their communities.
Providing health check-ups and screenings: To address the healthcare needs of Nepali communities, UKF intends to provide services such as essential health check-ups and screenings for common diseases. By offering these services directly within schools or through mobile health clinics, the foundation aims to overcome barriers to healthcare access. This proactive approach to healthcare delivery can facilitate early detection and management of health conditions, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and reduced burden of diseases in Nepal's communities.
Prevalence of natural disasters
Nepal, nestled amidst the formidable peaks of the Himalayas, faces a multitude of natural threats due to its unique geography. The nation is highly susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, which impose significant threats to both its population and infrastructure. Earthquakes, in particular, are a recurring nightmare, with notable occurrences in 1934 and 2015. The 1934 Nepal-Bihar earthquake, measuring an estimated magnitude of 8.0, resulted in widespread destruction and claimed thousands of lives. Similarly, the 2015 earthquake, registering at 7.8 magnitude, was one of the deadliest in Nepali history, causing over 9,000 fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure, including heritage sites and residential buildings.
Moreover, the country faces annual flooding during the monsoon season, exacerbated by heavy rainfall and glacier melt from the Himalayas, which can devastate communities, destroy homes, agricultural land, and infrastructure, and lead to loss of lives and displacement.
Compounding these challenges are the country's limited resources and capacity. With limited financial and technological resources for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, the government's capacity to mitigate the impact of disasters and support affected communities is often constrained. Financial constraints, coupled with a shortage of trained personnel in disaster management, hinder effective preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Moreover, Nepal's reliance on international aid, while crucial for supplementing its resources, can be unpredictable and may not always align with the country’s long-term development goals. Thus, Nepal finds itself in a precarious position, constantly striving to mitigate the impact of natural disasters amidst resource constraints and external dependencies.
UKF’s model for change
Prompt action after natural disasters: UKF aims to provide immediate assistance and support to communities affected by natural disasters in Nepal. This includes rapidly deploying emergency relief supplies such as food, water, shelter, and medical aid to affected areas to address the most pressing needs of survivors. By ensuring prompt and coordinated response efforts, the foundation seeks to minimize the loss of life, alleviate suffering, and facilitate the early recovery of affected communities.
Foster partnerships to supplement resources and expertise in disaster response and recovery efforts: Recognizing the limitations of our resources, UKF intends to collaborate with other organizations and donor agencies to enhance its capacity and expertise in disaster response and recovery efforts. This may involve establishing partnerships with local and international NGOs, government agencies, and humanitarian organizations to leverage additional resources, knowledge, and technical support. By pooling resources and coordinating efforts, UKF aims to strengthen its ability to effectively respond to and recover from natural disasters.