In celebration of another successful year of education scholarships, Helambu Education and Livelihood Partnership (HELP) hosted their annual Scholarship Distribution Programme in the beautiful Taragoan Museum – a monument to the cultural heritage of Kathmandu. Since HELP’s foundation roots in 2010, the programme has seen a wide number of students receive the financial support provided through the scheme, a figure constantly rising with HELP’s presence in the region. Covering a variety of colleges and choice of subjects, over fifty-seven talented, yet economically disadvantaged, young men and women were recognized and successful in attaining the award (the total number of scholarships now reaching two hundred and seventeen). From beginning to end, the event was a fantastic tribute to the academic efforts of an aspiring generation of students.

Concluding their 10^th grade in education, the scholarship’s principle aim is for guidance: leading thestudents toward their own particular future, whilst allowing enough distance for them to grow as independent men and women. Twenty-seven young women and thirty young men were awarded the scholarship, out of a total two-hundred applicants, completing a reference, grading, and two essay question regarding their motivation and choice of subject. The transition to study in Kathmandu, whether in landscape or social background, is often a challenging and strange experience, a process that HELP actively alleviates. Students are assisted in their ability to survive and thrive.

Managing Director of the Nepalese Electricity Authority, Kulman Ghising, a popular figure in Nepal for removing the load-shedding problem, was invited to speak in the event on his own educational experience. Inspiring and confident, Ghising spoke on the high value of the scholarship and the benefits that it will bring to students now and in time to come. Through his involvement with the Nepalese Electricity Board, a significant transformation was made in reducing the frequency of power cuts, an issue that, over time, had effected the progress of many students. Speaking also was the Chief Editor of My Republica Subash Ghimire, a presence highly anticipated for his educational journey from a small town in Gorkha to Harvard University. The event further hosted General Secretary of the Nepal Student Union Kundan Kafle, who recently has proposed a programme of 10,000 scholarship to the Nepal government. In addition, an expeditionistMaya Gurung, famous for ascending the highest summit in seven different continents, who spoke of her personal journey from hardship to individual success. Sindupalchowk based Assistant District Education Officer, Mr. Krishna Subedi informed the audience of their plan in rebuilding 500+ schools that were destroyed in the 2015 earthquake, and thanked HELP for the responsibility it has taken in reconstructing 15 schools to the earthquake-resistant standard.

Concluding the event were the words of Executive Director of HELP and Nepal Country Director, Jimmy Lama, whose passion for fostering a new education, one in which horizons for all students can be broadened, can be felt across the entirety of the region. Number-themed candles were lit in celebration, music was played, photos were taken, and the 2017 Scholarship Distribution Programme concluded for yet another wonderful year.

HELP would like to thanks it partner in the UK, MondoChallenge Foundation for making this scholarship financially possible as well as to a number of friends and past volunteers who have further contributed. We look forward to the continued support in the years ahead as we grow and develop this programme.

Reported by:

Johannes Black, a volunteer with HELP 2017

31 July 2017