Nepal is an isolated monarchy with nominal, limited democracy after 1 February 2005. A Maoist insurgency since 1996 has left thousands dead and many more displaced. Many areas are under Maoist control and both they and the government use execution and torture. Still, many see the Maoists as the only alternative to repression and inequality.We're working to stop exploitation of pupils and teachers because of conflict or for political reasons, and for schools to be places of protection instead.

We aim to broaden access to a more relevant and reliable education, in an environment where children are safe and better protected from the effects of war.We will strengthen our relations with and increase our influence on the government in the areas of greater financing, policy development and training due to our practical track record with children.

"School is important if I am going to do something in life"
Henang's story »

Our target

We need the international community to create a climate in which Nepal accepts that it must - and can - reach its education targets.Along with our partners, we will support the Nepalese government as it works to:

increase literacy from 57 per cent to 70 per cent
increase net school enrolment to 90 per cent
provide early childhood development opportunities to 40 per cent of children
increase the primary education completion rate.

Our direct practical work with community and government partners will help 898,000 more Nepalese children go to school by 2010, and offer these plus 735,000 others a better and more relevant education.

How Nepal measures up

20% of all primary-aged children do not attend school
Only 46% of girls are in primary school
30% of primary school teachers have been trained
61% of grade 1 students do not pass the year
30% of pupils have to repeat the year
There are about 40 pupils per primary teacher

Full details

Nepal
country briefing

English » 380kb PDF