Every child deserves to learn to read and write. Sadly, many children in Nepal are denied the right to go to school, because they are forced to work instead.

UNICEF is partnering with local organisations to provide education opportunities for these children through the Urban Out of School Programme (UOSP).

Kiwis visit Nepal Projects!

In April a team of 12 adventurous Kiwis set out on the UNICEF NZ Sherpa Everest Trek with adventure company, World Expeditions.

Our team embarked on a 19-day trek through the magnificent Himalayas and experienced first-hand what UNICEF NZ does for children in Nepal by visiting some of the charity's projects.

One of the UNICEF projects the trekkers visited was 'The Urban Out of School Programme' which gives child labourers and street children the chance to learn basic literacy and numeracy skills, as well as valuable life skills. With funds that our team raised going to this and other local projects, it was a great opportunity for our Kiwi team to meet the children who will directly benefit. 

Helen Chapman, one of the participants, said "Meeting the children who went to 'The Out of School Programme' in Karve was amazing as I got to see how much they loved school and how many opportunity it opened up for them." 

the UOSP Programme

This programme gives out-of-school children aged 10 – 14 years old the chance to learn to read and write.

Many of the children are child labourers working in hotels, restaurants, construction sites, brick kilns, as domestic servants, porters and even rag pickers. Other out of school children are street children, who live on the streets and cannot access to formal education.

The children complete 2 modules lasting 10 months each, to gain basic education skills required for entering the formal education system. They learn to read and write, as well as being taught hygiene and living skills. The lessons are two hours a day, and fit around the children’s working day. The lessons are held in a fun, child-friendly manner, to engage children and motivate their achievements.

Tara Nepali, a 10 year girl caught in child labour, says that playing and learning at the classes is her favourite time of day. Read Tara's story.

For more information on this unique opportunity visit the World Expeditions website.