Happiness Kits
Budhanilkantha, Nepal
During Nepal’s second COVID-19 lockdown, job losses left many families struggling to afford education and school supplies. As a result, many children lacked the resources to continue learning, and school attendance drastically dropped even after schools reopened in September 2021. Research shows that the longer children stay out of school, the less likely they are to return, especially children who already demonstrate irregular attendance.
To address this, we partnered with Food for Life Nepal to launch Happiness Kits, packages filled with essential educational items. Based on a needs assessment survey of 400 families in Budhanilkantha Municipality, we identified the 200 most vulnerable students ranging from nursery age to 8th grade to receive these kits.
Timed with Tihar, one of Nepal’s most cherished festivals, the Happiness Kits were designed not just as aid, but as a gift to motivate children to return to school. Each kit included notebooks, coloring pencils, sharpeners, pens, and other essential tools to help students maintain learning continuity during the pandemic. By equipping children with the resources they need, Happiness Kits keep education within reach for students in rural, low-income communities.
