With a gross national product of $220 per capita and 45 per cent of the population living below the poverty line, Nepal is classified as one of the world’s least developed and poorest countries. It is experiencing a population increase of 2.4% per year.
Although non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as UNICEF and Save the Children have made commendable progress in tackling the problems facing disadvantaged children, they themselves admit that “sustainability, education and inclusion remain problem areas". UNICEF has also highlighted that future progress will rely less on “improving vertical service delivery than on care practices at family and community levels.” This community-focused approach is where KETAAKETI School found a niche, working presently in underdeveloped areas to which UNICEF refers. But as with everything, this will take time, effort and, most importantly, money.
KETAAKETI School places its emphasis on providing the poorest children with a basic primary education. At present, only 73% of children are enrolled in primary schools in Nepal. Increasing accessibility to basic education will provide women and their children with the skills necessary to work their own way out the unfortunate position in which they find themselves. Community-focused projects, such as KETAAKETI SPOWC Free School, are therefore important instruments in the overall effort to improve standards of living in the poorest areas of Nepal.