Education

Education

Strengthening access to quality education for all

In some Indian and Nepalese villages, community schools are underfunded, neglected and sometimes non-existent. Public schools, even in urban areas, remain inaccessible to children from economically disadvantaged families, creating educational inequalities.

Some figures : In India, 64% of adult women are illiterate, while in Nepal the rate is 71% (2018). Early school leaving is also a concern in both countries, affecting 50% of young people in secondary education.

Education is not only a means of improving living conditions, it is also an opportunity for an individual’s development. It is a key factor in promoting equality and autonomy. That is why at Karuna, one of our objectives is to offer everyone a chance to learn : children, young people and adults.

Our early childhood program brings joy, encourages cooperation and promotes the healthy development of children. In the primary schools, we encourage young people to become more generous and responsible. Basic education for illiterate adults is ongoing at all our sites.

Our impact in 2024

11,840 children and adolescents supported in their schooling

7,975 young children attended kindergarten

1,080 children practiced yoga

629 adult women taught to read and write

One of our programs in Nepal

Building, renovating and equipping elementary schools

Isolated rural villages lack infrastructure. We build and rehabilitate schools with the voluntary participation of local residents.

In the Ruby Valley, after almost two years of work and refurbishment, the Kharsa School is now up and running, with the supply of furniture, insulation work and the creation of a playground. In Sindhuli, local residents generously contributed to the construction of a new school. In our other locations, we have equipped several schools with drinking water supplies, which they had not had since the 2015 earthquakes.

When I heard that a new school was being constructed in our community, I felt immense joy. We must focus on the future – our children. They deserve quality education and a bright future.  Every day during the construction, I gave my best. The work was hard, but the children’s smiles made all the effort worthwhile. 

Gau Maan Magar, Volunteer mason and grandfather of a school pupil

In 2024, 2 schools built benefiting to 683 pupils.

I support the building of schools

One of our programs in India

Encouraging the presence of fathers in education 

In rural areas, it is common to consider mothers as the ones responsible for education. To encourage the equal participation of parents, Karuna raises awareness among fathers.

The shared involvement of both parents is essential to the healthy development of children. Through workshops based on theory, play and exchange, fathers learn how to provide for their children’s needs, give them good food, raise them with kindness and ensure their good hygiene. As a direct result of this project, the children of participating fathers have developed better school results.

Today’s session was highly instructive and provided us with valuable information about our children’s learning and well-being. Including us, fathers, in this initiative is a fantastic idea and will greatly benefit our children. 

Ajay Mallah, father of a 4-year-old boy

In 2024, 20,398 accompanied parents.

I support the support of fathers

Our method of intervention

Our programs integrate respect and preservation of local culture and languages. Our approach emphasizes the creation of caring learning environments, and encourages the involvement of parents and the community to ensure the sustainability of projects. We pay particular attention to the needs of girls and to gender parity in each class.

To learn more about our education programs