The idea of helping girls to go to school stems from our own experience of free education in our home countries Finland and New Zealand. Having travelled, worked and lived in Nepal we have seen first hand just how difficult it is to have an education in a country ranked amongst the 10 poorest nations in the world.
A quarter of Nepal's population live below the poverty line and almost half of the Nepali people are unemployed. Currently 70% of children start school but only 7% reach 10 th school year and gain School Leaving Certificate. The literacy rate in Nepal is 65% male and 47% female. As in many Asian countries boys are favoured over girls, the ratio of boys to girls in Nepali primary and secondary school is almost 2:1, in favour of boys.
We believe every child should have the right to go to school. As educated and empowered women ourselves, girls' education is especially close to our hearts. We believe the whole family benefits when the mother is educated. Research shows that families of literate and educated mothers have higher standards of hygiene, lower birth rates and an increased likelihood of children going to school.
As a sponsor you can be sure that all your money donated goes directly into this programme. We are a small, charity based on everyone volunteering their time and effort. There are no middlemen and virtually no admin costs involved.
GEN Founders
Nonna
Living in Nepal makes me acutely aware of how lucky I am to have been born in Finland where education is free and no-one ever goes hungry. The Nepali women work incredibly hard, and in many cases all odds are against them. Having had all the opportunities in the world given to me I felt the least I could do is to try to give the same opportunity to girls who never had a chance. It still amazes me how much you can do with relatively little money. For the price of a flash London meal a girl can get an education for a year - mind blowing stuff!!'
Nonna Lamponen lives in Kathmandu where she works for the International Centre for Intergrated Mountain Development. In addition to full-time job and her two charity programmes she leads an active outdoor life style. Nonna is a keen mountain biker, climber, trekker and a beginner kayaker, still trying to perfect that Eskimo roll.
Amanda
New Zealander Amanda McKay strongly values education. With several university qualifications behind her, she is well aware of the positive influence education and knowledge has played in her life.
From her time and work in Nepal, Amanda has a deep love for the Nepali people. And she is thrilled to provide Nepalese girls with an opportunity for a bright, educated future.
Amanda's high level of integrity and dedication makes her a trustworthy founder and supporter of Girls Education Nepal.
GEN Programme co-ordinator
Indira
Indira Rana Magar is a well-established figure in the Nepali development scene. She started her career as a teacher but very soon found her true calling in helping the most vulnerable in the society - women, children, elderly and the mentally ill. In 2004 Indira was named as one of the 50 most influential women in Nepal.
Indira worked for ten years as a social worker and in 2000 founded her own charity - Prisoners Assistance Nepal. PA Nepal's activities range from managing a home for 50 children whose parents are in jail to providing social services in prisons. PA Nepal also arranges training projects for income generating and skills training. Outside the prison world PA Nepal provides welfare and educational services to children as well as support programmes for women. Indira is vocal about her field and regularly publishes articles on issues ranging from human trafficking to prostitution to torture.
For Girls Education Nepal Indira is responsible for co-ordinating the ground work. Indira identifies the most needy cases, submits her recommendation and together with Nonna decides which girls are chosen for the programme. She also co-ordinates the follow-up making sure there are no problems and the girls are attending school regularly. Indira's role in the project is crucial and her knowledge and experience in this field invaluable for the success of GEN.
GEN Project co-ordinator Sushovan Sushovan Ranjit is dedicated to humanitarian matters in Nepal. Sushovan has worked for various charitable organisations within education, development and peace building. He is also an alumni of the Ashoka Forum for Young Social Entrepreneur . Sushovan has a BSc in Humanities and Social Studies from Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal. As the GEN projetc co-ordinator Sushovan is responsible for the practical running of the programme in Kathmandu - visiting the girls and taking care of their needs, talking to teachers, writing updates and making sure all GEN expenses are properly recorded and audited. Sushovan works very closely with Indira, who provides him with help and advice on all GEN-related matters.
Girls Education Nepal was inspired by the success of Nonna and Amanda's previous (and ongoing) project - Orphan Help Center in Kathmandu, Nepal. OHC has been running since August 2004 and now accommodates, feeds and educates 15 children aged between 4 and 12. For more information please see www.orphanhelpcenter.org |
