Plan Nepal Annual Program Report 2007

146.5mm FLAP

148.5mm BACK

Challenge and change in Nepal

Real progress

A decade of political strife and violence has left Nepal’s economy shattered and hampered the delivery of basic services. The instability continues. For example, our work in the district of Bara, southern Nepal, was disrupted by violence in September 2007. At the time of writing, our operations there are still temporarily suspended until elections, currently postponed, take place.

With the support of Plan, children and adults in Nepal are working together to develop their communities and claim their right to a better future. And real progress is being made. Last year, our work included:

“Huge challenges remain,” reports Country Director Prem Shukla. “Inequality is widening due to age-old practices of social exclusion based on caste, gender and ethnicity.” Health and education services are poor, particularly in rural areas.

Many women die of preventable causes related to pregnancy and birth, and half of under-fives are malnourished.

• Improving the conditions in which women

In this context, Plan’s priorities include improving health, sanitation, nutrition and education, and helping families to increase their incomes. We promote children’s rights, work to protect them from abuse and exploitation, and support children in difficult circumstances, including those affected by conflict or forced to work.

p Plan is distributing posters to poor commun ities to promote health and wellbeing

A key part of our educational work is promoting nursery schools; an in-depth example is given in this Country Progress Report.

Nepal country facts Capital: Kathmandu

People without adequate sanitation: 65%

UN Human Development Index ranking: 138th (of 177 countries)

Children aged 5 to 14 involved in child labour: 31%

Adults who can read and write: 63% (men); 35% (women)

(Sources: the UN, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office)

Population: 28.2 million

give birth. In Plan-supported communities, more than 70% of women p Plan is sup porting the co give birth attended by a skilled nstruction of local material toilets made wi s, which can be th easily replaced attendant or using a clean home delivery kit, or repaired compared to a national rate of 11%

• Building or upgrading 2,749 toilets in 30 communities, reducing • Enabling 67,477 families to increase their incomes through training in areas including vegetable cultivation and business development

• Helping 80,000 women to fund their own small businesses with savings and loans schemes.

Plan’s greatest successes come from a joint effort combining the hard work and determination of communities, children, volunteers, staff, and partner organisations. The ongoing support of our sponsors is a vital ingredient, too. It’s their generosity and commitment that allows us to continue to help children in 49 of the poorest countries in the world.

So on behalf of the children and communities we work with, thank you to all our sponsors!

NPL

Any enquiries please contact: Nick Burton. e: nick@bright-uk.com m: 07884 367567. d: 020 7620 8150 Size (Prod)

Colours(Prod)

Art (A/D)

0407 100647 PLAN 0407_Nepal 04.12.07 210x443.5mm FOLD TO A5 Client proof: 2 3 Copy (C/W)

Content (Acc.)

Nepal

waterborne and hygiene-related diseases, a major killer of under-fives

Plan UK Registered Charity No: 276035

Admagic No: Bright No: Client name: File name: Date: Size: Studio proof:

148.5mm FRONT

Country Progress Report 2007

146.5mm FLAP

148.5mm BACK

Challenge and change in Nepal

Real progress

A decade of political strife and violence has left Nepal’s economy shattered and hampered the delivery of basic services. The instability continues. For example, our work in the district of Bara, southern Nepal, was disrupted by violence in September 2007. At the time of writing, our operations there are still temporarily suspended until elections, currently postponed, take place.

With the support of Plan, children and adults in Nepal are working together to develop their communities and claim their right to a better future. And real progress is being made. Last year, our work included:

“Huge challenges remain,” reports Country Director Prem Shukla. “Inequality is widening due to age-old practices of social exclusion based on caste, gender and ethnicity.” Health and education services are poor, particularly in rural areas.

Many women die of preventable causes related to pregnancy and birth, and half of under-fives are malnourished.

• Improving the conditions in which women

In this context, Plan’s priorities include improving health, sanitation, nutrition and education, and helping families to increase their incomes. We promote children’s rights, work to protect them from abuse and exploitation, and support children in difficult circumstances, including those affected by conflict or forced to work.

p Plan is distributing posters to poor commun ities to promote health and wellbeing

A key part of our educational work is promoting nursery schools; an in-depth example is given in this Country Progress Report.

Nepal country facts Capital: Kathmandu

People without adequate sanitation: 65%

UN Human Development Index ranking: 138th (of 177 countries)

Children aged 5 to 14 involved in child labour: 31%

Adults who can read and write: 63% (men); 35% (women)

(Sources: the UN, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office)

Population: 28.2 million

give birth. In Plan-supported communities, more than 70% of women p Plan is sup porting the co give birth attended by a skilled nstruction of local material toilets made wi s, which can be th easily replaced attendant or using a clean home delivery kit, or repaired compared to a national rate of 11%

• Building or upgrading 2,749 toilets in 30 communities, reducing • Enabling 67,477 families to increase their incomes through training in areas including vegetable cultivation and business development

• Helping 80,000 women to fund their own small businesses with savings and loans schemes.

Plan’s greatest successes come from a joint effort combining the hard work and determination of communities, children, volunteers, staff, and partner organisations. The ongoing support of our sponsors is a vital ingredient, too. It’s their generosity and commitment that allows us to continue to help children in 49 of the poorest countries in the world.

So on behalf of the children and communities we work with, thank you to all our sponsors!

NPL

Any enquiries please contact: Nick Burton. e: nick@bright-uk.com m: 07884 367567. d: 020 7620 8150 Size (Prod)

Colours(Prod)

Art (A/D)

0407 100647 PLAN 0407_Nepal 04.12.07 210x443.5mm FOLD TO A5 Client proof: 2 3 Copy (C/W)

Content (Acc.)

Nepal

waterborne and hygiene-related diseases, a major killer of under-fives

Plan UK Registered Charity No: 276035

Admagic No: Bright No: Client name: File name: Date: Size: Studio proof:

148.5mm FRONT

Country Progress Report 2007

148.5mm INSIDE

Foundations for a brighter life “My son goes to school regularly.”

“My son tells stories, sings songs and reads.”

Supported by Plan, the people of Apchaur have been running a nursery for seven years. It wasn’t easy at first: people didn’t see the need for early childhood education, but as parents

in a joyful learning environment, including reading, writing and speaking skills, and personal hygiene. They also have lots of fun: they sing, dance and play musical instruments, and learn social skills through playing together.

“We know the early life of children is the foundation for a brighter life.”

These comments are from parents from the village of Apchaur, central Nepal, who are excited about their children going to nursery. They’re right to be excited: nursery education has many benefits, and children who go to nurseries get the best start in life.

After nursery, most children find it easier to make the transition to primary school. Nursery also helps them develop social skills and start becoming independent. It gets parents involved in their children’s early education, developing the habit of supporting their children through school. It’s also a great help for mothers who know their children are being well looked after while they work: “We are now free to do our household work,” says one.

148.5mm INSIDE

At the age of five, they enrol in primary school, and the Nursery Management Committee keeps a keen eye on their progress, concerned about their progress, and keen to see the results of nursery schooling. p After going to nursery, childr en find it easier to make the transi tion into primary school

started sending their children to the nursery, they saw the benefits. Now the whole community is convinced of the nursery’s importance and is active in its management.

A joyful learning environment The nursery at Apchaur opens at 10:30am and closes at 3pm. Children get involved in lots of different activities

Co-operation and commitment Keeping the nursery running is no mean feat, and demands co-operation and commitment from several groups of people.

Community members make up the nursery management committee, which raises money for running costs by celebrating occasions such as DeushiBhailo, the national festival of colour and lights. The Chairperson of the committee says: “We formed this committee for the betterment of

children aged three to five and to help the nursery keep running in the long term.”

The District Education Office and the Village Development Committee also provide support; parents regularly attend meetings to make decisions about improving the centre and Plan provides midday meals, de-worming, vitamin supplements and health check-ups for every child.

Working together

146.5mm INSIDE

Parents in Apchaur are visibly happy with their nursery. "We have realised the need for nurseries for the improvement of our children,” says Ishwari, whose child Chandrawati attends the nursery. “We know the early life of children is the foundation for a brighter life,” she goes on.

“They need proper nutrition and a good environment for their wellbeing and learning. Our children are well looked after at nursery and learn to read and write.”

Plan will continue to work with communities like Apchaur, as well as with local and national government, to make sure that all children in Nepal have the same chance of a better start to their educational life.

Some names have been changed for privacy and child protection reasons.

In Nepal, Plan supports a total of 800 nurseries attended by over 30,000 children. In every case, just as in Apchaur, it’s a joint effort. Plan helps with construction, provides training for teachers and management committees and supports parents to get involved with their children’s education.

Communities themselves lobby local government to allocate funding for nurseries, and contribute land and materials for constructing nurseries.

Parents contribute to running costs and teachers’ salaries.

In Nepal Plan supports 800 nurseries attended by over 30,000 children. In every case, it’s a joint effort.

p A facilitator encouraging

the children to play a game at the

nursery in Apchaur

148.5mm INSIDE

Foundations for a brighter life “My son goes to school regularly.”

“My son tells stories, sings songs and reads.”

Supported by Plan, the people of Apchaur have been running a nursery for seven years. It wasn’t easy at first: people didn’t see the need for early childhood education, but as parents

in a joyful learning environment, including reading, writing and speaking skills, and personal hygiene. They also have lots of fun: they sing, dance and play musical instruments, and learn social skills through playing together.

“We know the early life of children is the foundation for a brighter life.”

These comments are from parents from the village of Apchaur, central Nepal, who are excited about their children going to nursery. They’re right to be excited: nursery education has many benefits, and children who go to nurseries get the best start in life.

After nursery, most children find it easier to make the transition to primary school. Nursery also helps them develop social skills and start becoming independent. It gets parents involved in their children’s early education, developing the habit of supporting their children through school. It’s also a great help for mothers who know their children are being well looked after while they work: “We are now free to do our household work,” says one.

148.5mm INSIDE

At the age of five, they enrol in primary school, and the Nursery Management Committee keeps a keen eye on their progress, concerned about their progress, and keen to see the results of nursery schooling. p After going to nursery, childr en find it easier to make the transi tion into primary school

started sending their children to the nursery, they saw the benefits. Now the whole community is convinced of the nursery’s importance and is active in its management.

A joyful learning environment The nursery at Apchaur opens at 10:30am and closes at 3pm. Children get involved in lots of different activities

Co-operation and commitment Keeping the nursery running is no mean feat, and demands co-operation and commitment from several groups of people.

Community members make up the nursery management committee, which raises money for running costs by celebrating occasions such as DeushiBhailo, the national festival of colour and lights. The Chairperson of the committee says: “We formed this committee for the betterment of

children aged three to five and to help the nursery keep running in the long term.”

The District Education Office and the Village Development Committee also provide support; parents regularly attend meetings to make decisions about improving the centre and Plan provides midday meals, de-worming, vitamin supplements and health check-ups for every child.

Working together

146.5mm INSIDE

Parents in Apchaur are visibly happy with their nursery. "We have realised the need for nurseries for the improvement of our children,” says Ishwari, whose child Chandrawati attends the nursery. “We know the early life of children is the foundation for a brighter life,” she goes on.

“They need proper nutrition and a good environment for their wellbeing and learning. Our children are well looked after at nursery and learn to read and write.”

Plan will continue to work with communities like Apchaur, as well as with local and national government, to make sure that all children in Nepal have the same chance of a better start to their educational life.

Some names have been changed for privacy and child protection reasons.

In Nepal, Plan supports a total of 800 nurseries attended by over 30,000 children. In every case, just as in Apchaur, it’s a joint effort. Plan helps with construction, provides training for teachers and management committees and supports parents to get involved with their children’s education.

Communities themselves lobby local government to allocate funding for nurseries, and contribute land and materials for constructing nurseries.

Parents contribute to running costs and teachers’ salaries.

In Nepal Plan supports 800 nurseries attended by over 30,000 children. In every case, it’s a joint effort.

p A facilitator encouraging

the children to play a game at the

nursery in Apchaur

148.5mm INSIDE

Foundations for a brighter life “My son goes to school regularly.”

“My son tells stories, sings songs and reads.”

Supported by Plan, the people of Apchaur have been running a nursery for seven years. It wasn’t easy at first: people didn’t see the need for early childhood education, but as parents

in a joyful learning environment, including reading, writing and speaking skills, and personal hygiene. They also have lots of fun: they sing, dance and play musical instruments, and learn social skills through playing together.

“We know the early life of children is the foundation for a brighter life.”

These comments are from parents from the village of Apchaur, central Nepal, who are excited about their children going to nursery. They’re right to be excited: nursery education has many benefits, and children who go to nurseries get the best start in life.

After nursery, most children find it easier to make the transition to primary school. Nursery also helps them develop social skills and start becoming independent. It gets parents involved in their children’s early education, developing the habit of supporting their children through school. It’s also a great help for mothers who know their children are being well looked after while they work: “We are now free to do our household work,” says one.

148.5mm INSIDE

At the age of five, they enrol in primary school, and the Nursery Management Committee keeps a keen eye on their progress, concerned about their progress, and keen to see the results of nursery schooling. p After going to nursery, childr en find it easier to make the transi tion into primary school

started sending their children to the nursery, they saw the benefits. Now the whole community is convinced of the nursery’s importance and is active in its management.

A joyful learning environment The nursery at Apchaur opens at 10:30am and closes at 3pm. Children get involved in lots of different activities

Co-operation and commitment Keeping the nursery running is no mean feat, and demands co-operation and commitment from several groups of people.

Community members make up the nursery management committee, which raises money for running costs by celebrating occasions such as DeushiBhailo, the national festival of colour and lights. The Chairperson of the committee says: “We formed this committee for the betterment of

children aged three to five and to help the nursery keep running in the long term.”

The District Education Office and the Village Development Committee also provide support; parents regularly attend meetings to make decisions about improving the centre and Plan provides midday meals, de-worming, vitamin supplements and health check-ups for every child.

Working together

146.5mm INSIDE

Parents in Apchaur are visibly happy with their nursery. "We have realised the need for nurseries for the improvement of our children,” says Ishwari, whose child Chandrawati attends the nursery. “We know the early life of children is the foundation for a brighter life,” she goes on.

“They need proper nutrition and a good environment for their wellbeing and learning. Our children are well looked after at nursery and learn to read and write.”

Plan will continue to work with communities like Apchaur, as well as with local and national government, to make sure that all children in Nepal have the same chance of a better start to their educational life.

Some names have been changed for privacy and child protection reasons.

In Nepal, Plan supports a total of 800 nurseries attended by over 30,000 children. In every case, just as in Apchaur, it’s a joint effort. Plan helps with construction, provides training for teachers and management committees and supports parents to get involved with their children’s education.

Communities themselves lobby local government to allocate funding for nurseries, and contribute land and materials for constructing nurseries.

Parents contribute to running costs and teachers’ salaries.

In Nepal Plan supports 800 nurseries attended by over 30,000 children. In every case, it’s a joint effort.

p A facilitator encouraging

the children to play a game at the

nursery in Apchaur

146.5mm FLAP

148.5mm BACK

Challenge and change in Nepal

Real progress

A decade of political strife and violence has left Nepal’s economy shattered and hampered the delivery of basic services. The instability continues. For example, our work in the district of Bara, southern Nepal, was disrupted by violence in September 2007. At the time of writing, our operations there are still temporarily suspended until elections, currently postponed, take place.

With the support of Plan, children and adults in Nepal are working together to develop their communities and claim their right to a better future. And real progress is being made. Last year, our work included:

“Huge challenges remain,” reports Country Director Prem Shukla. “Inequality is widening due to age-old practices of social exclusion based on caste, gender and ethnicity.” Health and education services are poor, particularly in rural areas.

Many women die of preventable causes related to pregnancy and birth, and half of under-fives are malnourished.

• Improving the conditions in which women

In this context, Plan’s priorities include improving health, sanitation, nutrition and education, and helping families to increase their incomes. We promote children’s rights, work to protect them from abuse and exploitation, and support children in difficult circumstances, including those affected by conflict or forced to work.

p Plan is distributing posters to poor commun ities to promote health and wellbeing

A key part of our educational work is promoting nursery schools; an in-depth example is given in this Country Progress Report.

Nepal country facts Capital: Kathmandu

People without adequate sanitation: 65%

UN Human Development Index ranking: 138th (of 177 countries)

Children aged 5 to 14 involved in child labour: 31%

Adults who can read and write: 63% (men); 35% (women)

(Sources: the UN, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office)

Population: 28.2 million

give birth. In Plan-supported communities, more than 70% of women p Plan is sup porting the co give birth attended by a skilled nstruction of local material toilets made wi s, which can be th easily replaced attendant or using a clean home delivery kit, or repaired compared to a national rate of 11%

• Building or upgrading 2,749 toilets in 30 communities, reducing • Enabling 67,477 families to increase their incomes through training in areas including vegetable cultivation and business development

• Helping 80,000 women to fund their own small businesses with savings and loans schemes.

Plan’s greatest successes come from a joint effort combining the hard work and determination of communities, children, volunteers, staff, and partner organisations. The ongoing support of our sponsors is a vital ingredient, too. It’s their generosity and commitment that allows us to continue to help children in 49 of the poorest countries in the world.

So on behalf of the children and communities we work with, thank you to all our sponsors!

NPL

Any enquiries please contact: Nick Burton. e: nick@bright-uk.com m: 07884 367567. d: 020 7620 8150 Size (Prod)

Colours(Prod)

Art (A/D)

0407 100647 PLAN 0407_Nepal 04.12.07 210x443.5mm FOLD TO A5 Client proof: 2 3 Copy (C/W)

Content (Acc.)

Nepal

waterborne and hygiene-related diseases, a major killer of under-fives

Plan UK Registered Charity No: 276035

Admagic No: Bright No: Client name: File name: Date: Size: Studio proof:

148.5mm FRONT

Country Progress Report 2007