Nepal has made significant gain in promulgating rights for children including the landmark Children’s Act 2075 (2018) which banned physical and harmful punishment for children in all settings. Despite commendable policy advancements and increased investment in healthcare, social protection, and education, children in Nepal continue to face numerous challenges that hinder their ability to reach their full potential.
While the number of children enrolled in schools has reached a record high, alarming statistics reveal that third-grade students struggle to solve 56.5% of reading and 62.78% of math-related problems. The COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters have disrupted education, raising concerns about the safety of children within school premises.
Tragically, 25 out of every 1,000 live births in Nepal result in the death of infants before their first birthday, highlighting an urgent need to prioritize children's health and nutrition.
Child protection remains an area of grave concern, as over 80% of children under the age of 14 experience psychological aggression or physical punishment. Shockingly, more than 1 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 are engaged in child labor.
Additionally, approximately 34% of children under the age of 17 in Nepal endure multidimensional poverty, further exacerbating their vulnerability. It is crucial to acknowledge that children and women in Nepal face a disproportionate risk of multiple shocks and disasters.
At Save the Children Nepal, we are dedicated to addressing these pressing issues head-on. Through our collective efforts, we strive to create a safer, more nurturing environment where children and women can thrive, free from the burdens of poverty, exploitation, and violence.
Save the Children has been actively operating in Nepal since 1976, dedicating ourselves to improving the lives of children in the country.
At Save the Children, our programs are designed to provide children with a healthy start in life, recognizing the critical importance of the first 1000 days of a child's development. During this golden period, we strive to ensure that children not only survive but also receive the protection and nurturing they need to thrive.
Our goal is to prepare children for school, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter formal education when they reach the appropriate age. We collaborate closely with the government and other stakeholders to create an enabling and safe environment that allows children to resume their education without any hindrances.
Creating violence-free environments where children can live happily is a core objective for us. We are committed to achieving social protection for children, ensuring that families have a safety net to rely on during times of crisis. Additionally, we aim to provide stigma-free sexual and reproductive health services to adolescents and youths, supporting their successful transition into adulthood through vocational and technical education.
By working together with local communities, partners, and supporters like you, we can make a lasting impact and create a brighter future for children in Nepal. Join us in our mission to empower children and ensure their well-being and success.
*data source: Child Rights Situation Analysis (CRSA)
Nepal Country Office
Airport Gate Area, Shambhu Marg
Kathmandu, Nepal
GPO Box: 3394
post.nepal@savethechildren.org
Tel: +977-1-4568130/4564803