Ever thought what life might be like in Nepal?

•  A small, land-locked country, wedged between two of the largest and most populous nations on Earth.
• Just north of the Tropic of Cancer, geography ranging from 70 m. above sea level to 8 of the 10 highest mountains in the world including Everest
  
• Population 30.4 m. (18% more than Australia) in 147,000 sq.km. (2/3 of Victoria)
• GDP per capita US$ 1,085, up from $495 when this website was established ten years ago but still amongst the lowest in the world   Much of Nepal's increase has been due to a dramatic rise in remittances from family members working abroad - now at 29% of GDP, below Tonga, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
  

Nepalis are generally happy people despite living in relatively primitive circumstances.  A typical rural household in Nepal might:

• comprise 4 to 6 people living in a dwelling of one or two rooms (average Australian household: 2.6 persons)
  
• derive its food from subsistence farming a landholding of less than a hectare, often made up of several small plots
  
• obtain its water from a communal water tap in the village
• depend on kerosene for lighting and a wood fire or kerosene stove for cooking
• share access to communal 'pit' toilet facilities.
  

Until 15 years ago, few villages had either road access or electricity.  While infrastructure development has been rapid since then, many are still isolated.  Thus Paudwar village in Myagdi District, where our activities began, has only recently been reached by a very rough four wheel drive track rising almost 1,000 m. above the nearest road point.

Village people have needs for better education, health services and employment opportunities.  Without the latter, young people are moving to the cities (Kathmandu, Pokhara), causing over-crowding and to loss of prime agricultural land to housing.  With the right opportunities they could continue to enjoy village life.

The Nepali Village Initiatives Project was established in 2009

The Nepali Village Initiatives Project grew out of a chance meeting at Khopra Ridge in 1993 between an Australian trekking group dubbed the "Annapurna Allstars" and Gyan Bahadur Pun, then Headmaster of Paudwar Secondary School.  Since then the project has supported Paudwar and associated villages in the Myagdi District of Nepal, and the Nepal Wireless Project led by Mahabir Pun.  It has contributed computers, library books and medical supplies; funded the construction of school buildings; funded English medium teaching at Paudwar and Gibung schools (a first among government schools in Nepal); and funded a Development Coordinator who led the establishment of the "Khayar Bahrahi Milk Production Co-operative" to develop a dairy farm.

In 2011 the project initiated a program of teacher training which has since become its major focus, leading to a change of name to Quality Education Nepal..

The project is endorsed by the Rotary Club of Melbourne Passport in Australia and the Rotary Club of Pokhara Annapurna in Nepal, and is registered with Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS).  Managed by an incorporated association (quality Education Nepal Inc.) It has been accredited by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission as a Public Benevolent Institution, making donations by Australian tax payers tax deductible.

This website outlines the project and offers you an opportunity to contribute. If you have any problems viewing it, please email admin@nepalaid.org.au.   It has been revamped to suit phones and tablets, so we'd be pleased to receive feedback..