In Madhesh Province we have built Community Learning Centres (CLCs) that provide non-formal educational support to children from the "untouchable" community. The CLC serves a vital role as it acts as a stepping stone towards admitting children to mainstream education, giving them the necessary self-confidence that is so lacking within their community. And, once the children join school, the CLC provides support with extra tuition and homework that children cannot receive from their illiterate parents. Overall, the CLCs increase school attendance, reduce school dropouts and, by extension, undermine child marriage.

The tutors are college students (year 12-13) from the same caste groups, to whom we pay very modest salaries that help them to complete their own education. Once they graduate from college, they must move on to make way for those who are still at college and we are working to find these CLC graduates support teacher appointments at mainstream schools. Needless to say, these tutors act as tremendous role models, proving to the small children that education can have its rewards.

In 2023 we will launch a fund that will cover the tutor costs for new female tutors. That fund can be topped up from time to time by donations, grants, events and challenges. By the end of October, we are aiming to have an initial £20,000 in place for this purpose and we already have matching pledges of £10,000 towards that target. Can you help? Your £5 donation can automatically become £10 through this page!