General objective

The project aims to improve access to inclusive, high-quality education for children in marginalised communities in Chitwan. By building a functional school kitchen and improving hygiene and nutrition standards, the initiative seeks to provide pupils with a healthier, safer learning environment that is more conducive to their academic success.

Specific objective

1. To improve health, nutrition and hygiene in rural schools through the construction of a fully equipped school kitchen and handwashing stations.

2. To reduce the risk of school dropouts by ensuring the daily distribution of fresh, nutritious meals, prepared directly on-site.

Expected results

1. A fully equipped school kitchen will be operational, enabling the preparation of healthy meals for all pupils.

2. Children will benefit daily from healthy and nutritious food, as well as awareness of hygiene practices that limit the spread of disease.

3. Finally, a local management committee will ensure the maintenance, coordination and sustainability of the scheme.

About the project

In the rural district of Chitwan, many children struggle to stay at school all day due to a lack of adequate food. The Nepalese government has set up a school meals programme, but this does not cover the necessary infrastructure or basic equipment. Chepang Primary School (Manahari), which serves a Chepang community – one of the most marginalised in the country – is particularly affected: without a kitchen, furniture or a water source, it is impossible to prepare quality meals.

To bring about a lasting improvement in pupils’ nutrition and learning conditions, the project combines construction, community organisation and awareness-raising activities. -The first step is to set up a construction committee to oversee all the work.

A kitchen building will then be constructed, equipped with a smoke-free cooking area, adequate ventilation, separate storage spaces and access to drinking water. Handwashing stations will be installed nearby to encourage good hygiene practices.

Once the infrastructure is in place, the project will purchase and supply all necessary equipment: utensils, dishes, tables, chairs and kitchen equipment, favouring local suppliers wherever possible. At the same time, kitchen management committees – often made up of mothers – will be set up to ensure the day-to-day running of the canteens and to coordinate with the school management committees. Finally, two awareness-raising sessions will be organised in each school to promote the preparation of fresh food, food hygiene and essential sanitation practices.

Project activities

Beneficiaries

The project will directly benefit 136 pupils, including 70 girls, as well as 5 teachers, including 3 women.

Indirectly, it will improve the living conditions of 140 households, comprising 784, , by strengthening links between families and schools, stimulating the local economy and improving access to basic services. The Chepang communities, who are particularly vulnerable, will be at the heart of this positive impact.

SDG’s that the project contributes to achieving

Funder(s)

  • Coromandel Foundation 

Partners

The success of the project depends on close collaboration with local education authorities, school management, beneficiary communities and management committees.

Helpcode Nepal will oversee operational implementation, in coordination with local authorities who will provide technical expertise. This synergy ensures an intervention that is firmly rooted in the local area and sustainable over time.

Bharat Patak

Bharat Patak

Country representative – Nepal