Strong Foundations: Early Education in Rural Nepal

Early childhood education (ECE, which many of us know as pre-school and kindergarten) used to be relatively rare in Nepal. These days, it's increasingly common nationwide: Whereas only 33% of children entering grade 1 in 2007 had attended ECE, by 2017 that figure had doubled to 66%!

We know that ECE is valuable in providing young children with the foundation that will help them succeed as they grow. Becoming familiar with basic math and literacy concepts, developing social skills, and forming regular attendance habits are among the many advantages of quality ECE.

We also know that not all children in Nepal are benefiting equally. Particularly in rural areas and among socioeconomically disadvantaged families, access to any ECE is overall more challenging, and the quality may not be the best it could be.

This is where ETC and program partner Save the Earth come in. We focus on both quantity (access and enrollment) and quality:

• During the 2022/23 year alone, we facilitated 18 group meetings for parents, to encourage them to enroll their children in ECE. 
• Throughout each school year, we offer a variety of training and networking opportunities for ECE teachers, through which they enhance their skills, share their successes, and brainstorm ideas for overcoming challenges.
• Each classroom receives furniture and classroom materials to improve the learning environment more welcoming, comfortable, and enriching.

Currently, 324 young students are enrolled in our supported ECE classrooms - and there will be a new group every year! Your support of our early education programming makes this possible. As always, we thank you!

P.S. Tuesday, Nov. 28th is Giving Tuesday. All eligible gifts to our "Strong Foundations" project made on that day will help us earn a share of the $1.2 million in incentive funds. 

Links:

• Our new video about our early education work
• ETC's Facebook page
• ETC's website