What is the focus region of Nepal sathi Foundation?
At the start, the main focus area of SATHI was identified as Saping village, Kavre district (see the map of Saping). This village lies between 500-1500 meters altitude, and has 9 sub-units called the ward numbers, totalling more than 3,500 inhabitants (see Saping statistics below). The people of Saping exclusively depend on subsistence farming that relies on unpredictable seasonal rainfall. Most children are unable to attend school, which often takes hours to reach, as they have to help their parents on the farms. The large-scale illiteracy has resulted in not just population boom due to early marriages and lack of family planning awareness, but also massive environmental degradation and subsequent scarcity of basic resources, especially land. These are some of the key reasons that prevents villagers to come out of the poverty cycle.
Key statistics of Saping (total area 19 Sq. km)
People |
From 681 H/H |
0-4 |
5-9 |
10-14 |
15-19 |
20-24 |
25-29 |
Male |
1877 |
207 |
297 |
305 |
170 |
118 |
98 |
Female |
2079 |
215 |
295 |
293 |
236 |
179 |
152 |
Both Total |
3956 |
422 |
592 |
598 |
406 |
297 |
250 |
It is interesting to note that Saping has one of the largest female population, especially under 30, in Kabhre district, but their literacy rate remains one of the lowest and they work the most.
Total male illiterates |
610 |
Economically active males |
1393 |
From 2006, however, SATHI has expanded its geographic areas, and in particular, we help most vulnerable and needy children from any parts of Nepal. As we make it clear, of course, they must be highly motivated to study as it is one of our key objectives. At present, our students come from as far districts as Kaski and Bardiya. Likewise, our actual physical projects concerning education, environment, and heath will also be carried out in other districts. What we really expect from the local people is that they are motivated cooperate and provide all necessary support, which they can, to successfully implement the kinds of projects they see helpful to them.
By working as an impartial and transparent organization, SATHI aims to first and foremost educate poor children rural Nepal so that they are able to seek better livelihood alternatives. We aim for a ‘good’ education children, which eventually allows them to initiate/lead locally suitable projects in their respective communities. Hence, in the long-run, SATHI offers mainly financial and technical assistance to these 'young leaders.'