Education is the only real ticket out of poverty for destitute, disabled, or orphaned children in Nepal. But education in Nepal isn't like it is in Western countries. Imagine not even being able to go to school or learn the basic skills needed to participate in society, to get a job, to create a better life for oneself. Without an education, a child in Nepal is destined to lead a life of extreme poverty and backbreaking labor.

An education is the only way to break the bonds of poverty, low caste, and disability. This is especially true of girls, who are often illiterate, married off before they are 14, and spend the rest of their lives bearing children and working endless hours. The literacy rate is very low, especially among women, and there is little assistance available for school expenses.

We are committed to support impoverished children until they are able to stand on their own feet. From the first five college scholarships given personally by NYOF's founder, Olga Murray, to boys from an orphanage in 1985, the number of students in our scholarship program has grown to more than 4,000. In fact, the Nepalese Youth Opportunity Foundation is now one of the largest non-profit providers of scholarships in Nepal.

NYOF emphasizes the education of girls, who are severely disadvantaged in Nepali society. Many are married by arrangement while they are still children, and boys get preference in education and nourishment. The education of girls not only postpones the age of marriage and child-bearing, but an educated girl is more likely to use family planning, take better care of her children, and educate her own daughters. For these reasons, the large majority of NYOF’s scholarship students are girls.

Why don't many Nepali children go to school? Government schools are often insufficient and the families cannot afford such simple items as the school uniform, supplies, and the small school fee. Private schools cost more than most families can afford. Often the family needs the money the child can earn by working. Abandoned children, of course, are forced to beg instead of study. Where schools do exist, there are often few trained teachers.

NYOF makes education possible for Nepalese children who have no other hope. We currently give scholarships to students from kindergarten through medical school. Our students attend day school in Kathmandu and in rural villages a day's walk from the nearest road, boarding school, and college. Some of the children we sponsor are "untouchables," shut out from education for centuries. Others are orphans or disabled. We also train teachers and improve schools.

Our scholarships provide more than money. To students in the Kathmandu area, we provide counseling, physical assistance, medical care, referrals, and other services as truly needed. NYOF prides itself on the personal touch we enjoy with our children. When our scholarship program grew too large for our scholarship coordinator to get to know each child and his or her problems, we employed a team of social workers to do the job. They each visit students regularly, consult with the teachers, keep track of family and health problems, and report back to us any serious issues relating to the child.