Schools in Nepal remained closed for nearly 7 months due to COVID-19. Only the expensive private schools offered online classes. As a result, the majority of Nepalese students missed out on an education. We carried hundreds of books through the mountains for our children and teenagers.

Motivation is important

The longer children have to stay away from school and are not motivated to continue learning and reading, the higher the risk of “drop-outs”, i.e. those who drop out of school without graduating. Back to Life wants to counteract this with all its might.

Education against the crisis

During the COVID-19 crisis, we’re giving our more than 200 sponsored children and the students at the schools we support—7 in Chitwan, 6 in Nuwakot, and 29 in Mugu—the chance to learn from home. To make this happen, our team members in Nepal repeatedly set out on long walks. The textbooks have to get to the children somehow, no matter how remote their homes are.

Crayons with special permission

Armed with a special permit from local authorities and loaded with children’s books, schoolbooks, and writing and art supplies, our team visits schoolchildren at home. There, they provide families with valuable tips on homeschooling. They show older siblings how to help the younger ones practice and set learning goals.

Pull together

In addition, our team arranges with parents to give their children the space to learn and read. In these discussions with parents, the prohibition and the consequences of child marriage are again clearly addressed, because unfortunately, precisely at times of crisis, their number skyrockets. Of course, the team takes the opportunity to remind the families of the distance rules and the necessary hygiene to protect against corona and answers parents and children’s questions about the pandemic.

Success makes you happy

The regular home visits make a big impact. When the Back to Life employees come to the villages, the children proudly show off their homework. The students often ask when their school will finally open again. They miss the lessons and their school friends. The great joy of the children is worth the long walk of the team in the remote areas. Because, as Voltaire already recognized: “Reading strengthens the soul”.