The programme began when we saw parents struggling to provide basic educational materials for their children. By helping families increase their income, they could better support their children’s schooling. We selected farmers of -many of them parents of students in HELP-supported schools—and provided resources and technical guidance to start livelihood activities suited to their local environment.

 

GreenHouse Programme

 

A major breakthrough came in 2015 when Tom Wager, a U.S.-based climate scientist experienced in high-altitude greenhouses, approached to partner with us. Together, we introduced passive solar greenhouses for 10 farmers living above 2,000 metres in Helambu. Since then, the programme has expanded to include simple polytunnel greenhouses, later supported generously by Mondo Foundation and Himalayan Hilfe Germany.

To date, 55 farmers have received greenhouse support from HELP. On average, each farmer earns between Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 50,000 per season through greenhouse cultivation.

We are also expanding this programme to the school level to strengthen mid-day meal initiatives, in partnership with Paanchpokhari Rural Municipality.