Quality education for girls from marginalized communities in Nepal

There is no alternative to education to live a life of dignity, respect and prosperity. While ‘Right to education’ remains the belief that the world can stand by, the ‘right to quality education’ remains a distant goal. Read More…

Latest Update — December 2024: Preparing to welcome our second scholar in 2026

Our Story

It is for our father’s everlasting legacy - a scholarship program that will create great minds, that will foster many careers and that will shape many hearts with the same passion that our father had for bringing out the best in everyone around him.Our dad, Rajendra Lal Das was born in the 1950s in Nepal, destined to live a humble life. In those days, struggle for survival was real. During his childhood, he lived with his grandparents and their extended family. He learnt very early in his life the importance of compromise and the value of maintaining his focus. Lack of basic amenities did not deter him. We grew up hearing several stories about his hardships – stories that could melt any heart. From ‘not using his sandals to delay its wear and tear’ to ‘spending several nights shivering in the cold because he couldn’t afford a blanket’.These life events molded him to become someone we loved, respected, and adored all our lives. We would not want to miss the opportunity of using these stories to shape us and generations after us. He was determined to finish his education and was the first in the family to ever do so. He graduated in economics and had a love for philosophy. He worked overtime to make a respectful living and supported his parents, along with all of his six siblings throughout their lives; paving the way for a better future for all of them.By the time we were born, things were made very easy and comfortable for us. We had everything we needed and did not have the need to fight the odds, like our dad had to. He had the vision to plan ahead and plan them well for us. We will forever be grateful for the wonderful lives he provided for us. He will always be in our memories. He stood for the ideas and ideals that brought the best in everyone around him. He was kind and generous, a long term thinker and above all, a very caring person. Throughout his life, he made the best of what was given to him. His love will never fade and his light will never dim. His memory is here with us to last forever.

The Problem We’re Solving

Quality education in Nepal means private schooling with motivated teachers who can provide individual attention. This costs approximately $400 per year—significant in a country where GDP per capita is around $1,200.
For children from marginalized communities, this cost is prohibitive. Girls face additional barriers: they are systematically deprioritized, often succumbing to early marriage, early childbirth, and truncated futures. Their potential goes unrealized—not for lack of ability, but for lack of opportunity.

Why Girls From Marginalized Communities?

Why only girls? Because they deserve better. Girls in rural Nepal face systemic disadvantages that compound over generations.
Why marginalized communities? Because they are never afforded another choice. The only thing they can offer is hard work and they are more than willing to do that. We refuse to let that willingness go to waste.

Our Approach

We provide comprehensive support - not just tuition, but books, uniforms, school supplies, and mentorship. We commit for the long term, supporting scholars throughout their education. We maintain rigorous accountability, with detailed financial tracking and regular progress reporting.
This is not charity. This is an investment in human potential.

Our Programs

Girls' Scholarship Program

Our flagship initiative provides comprehensive educational support for girls from marginalized communities in Nepal. We identify students with academic promise whose families cannot afford quality private education, and we commit to supporting them throughout their schooling.
What We Provide:
• Full tuition at a private school
• Books and educational materials
• School uniforms
• School supplies
• Regular progress monitoring
• Connection to mentorship network
This is not a one-time grant. We commit to each scholar for the duration of her education, creating the stability needed to focus on learning.
Current Status: Year 2 of the program, with plans to expand to a second scholar in the 2026/27 academic session.

Merit Recognition Award

Each year, we present a merit award to the top two students graduating from 5th grade at the elementary school where Rajendra Lal Das grew up. This award honors our founder's roots and celebrates academic excellence in the community that shaped him.
The award recognizes achievement and motivates younger students to strive for excellence. It is a one-time recognition distinct from the ongoing Girls' Scholarship Program.
Running since: 2019

Our Impact

Meet Our Scholars

Madhu Rajak joined the scholarship program in 2023. She is currently thriving in her studies and represents the first scholar in our Girls' Scholarship Program.
[Photo and fuller story coming soon]
This section will expand as we add more scholars.

Our Journey

2018 — Scholarship program founded in memory of Rajendra Lal Das
2019 — First Merit Recognition Awards presented at elementary school (Gadhiya village, Saptari, Nepal)
2020–2022 — Merit awards continue annually
2023 — Girls' Scholarship Program launches with first scholar
2024 — First scholar completes year one with strong academic results
2025 — Preparing to add second scholar for 2026/27 session

Our Commitment to Transparency

We believe accountability is essential to meaningful giving. We maintain detailed financial records, provide regular progress reports to our board, and document results through academic records and direct communication with scholars and families.
Donations are processed through Friends for Nepal, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Support the Scholarship

Your donation provides quality education for a girl who would otherwise have no access to it.
Note: $400 covers one full year of tuition, books, uniforms, and supplies.

Donations are tax-deductible through Friends for Nepal, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Contact Us

Have questions about the scholarship or want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you.