Scholarship Programme
Although providing scholarships for higher education may seem like a common intervention, its importance as a core programme of HELP is deeply rooted in the personal journey of our founder, Jimmy Lama. After completing his schooling in Helambu in the early 2000s, Jimmy moved to Kathmandu in search of higher education. At a critical moment, it was a scholarship of similar scheme and timely guidance from his teachers and seniors that helped him identify the right college and continue his education. This support proved decisive to continue higher education—not only for Jimmy, but also for many of his peers who aspired to pursue higher education but faced significant financial and informational barriers.
Motivated by this experience, Jimmy later volunteered to support several students from his school and community.
In 2010, following the establishment of HELP, Jimmy and Nitish Upadhyaya, a volunteer from the UK, met four students from Helambu who had completed Grade 10 with strong academic results (then known as SLC, now SEE) but were preparing to leave for India due to financial constraints and lack of guidance. Recognizing their potential, Jimmy and Nitish intervened to set up admissions for them in a few colleges in Kathmandu. That same year, HELP arranged scholarships for seven students in total.
Similar needs continued to emerge in the following years among school leavers from various villages where HELP was working in Helambu. In response, HELP formalized the scholarship initiative as its annual programme and worked consistently to fundraise resources each year. Over time, Hirsh Cashdan, a Mondo volunteer then and later chair, became a major instigator and individual contributor, followed by sustained support from the Mondo Foundation.
Over the past 15 years, the scholarship programme has grown significantly, supporting more than 750 students through the contributions of numerous volunteers, individuals, and partner organizations. Today, Mondo Foundation and Interhands Foundation Norway are the programme’s principal supporters, enabling HELP to provide scholarships to approximately 70–75 students each year.
Continue Exploring Our Scholarship Programmes:
- Post-SEE Scholarship and Mentorship Programme [View More]
- Bachelor's Level Scholarship Programme [View More]
- Anthony Lunch Memorial Scholarship [View More]
- Robin Needham Memorial Fund [View More]
