Why do we work in Nepal?  

Nepal is the least developed country in Asia, and the poverty is made worse by years of internal conflict.
 

Out of every 100 children in Nepal:

• 42 live below the poverty line
• 48 will be malnourished
• 42 will be involved in child labour
• 55 will not complete primary education
• 30 will never go to school
• 15 will die before their fifth birthday
• 5 will lose their mothers due to complications with pregnancy

These figures demonstrate the real need to support children and young people in Nepal, who make up 40% of the population.  They suffer from the effects of poverty including poor nutrition and healthcare, lack of access to education and training, and dangerous child labour practices and child marriage.  In particular girls and young women in Nepal are discriminated against and exploited, especially those from the lower castes.

 
"Nepal is far behind in meeting the Millennium Development Goal to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger and is not yet on track to meet targets for universal primary education, maternal health or combating major health problems such as HIV/AIDs.  Malnutrition is prevalent, resulting from poverty, disease and poor caring and feeding practices.  Over half of all children below 3 years of age have stunted growth as a result."
(World Health Organisation 2005)

CWS is empowering the Nepalese people to change the lives of their most deprived children.

See our CWS film for more on why Nepal's children need our help.

Where do we work?  

CWS and our partners work with children in the western region of Nepal, at present specifically in Kaski and Lamjung districts.  In 2008 we started new partnerships in eastern and western Nepal, working with small Nepalese organisations in three districts, the Gorkha district bordering Tibet, the mountainous district of Myagdi, and the Solukumbu district, home of Mount Everest.  These districts have been carefully researched, and identified as the areas most in need of our support.  We have also considered factors such as infrastructure, accessibility, and the political situation, to ensure we are able to deliver quality projects and monitor progress in these areas.