Dhangada, Padariya, Sahodwa and Shreepur Schools
Sarlahi, Nepal
Sarlahi, a rural district in the southern plains of Nepal, is home to a community of farmers and laborers, many from the “Dalit” caste – historically marginalized and often denied opportunities for upward mobility. As a result, poverty, gender discrimination, and caste-based inequities remain deeply entrenched, making access to education a challenge for most children.
Hoste Hainse, a non-profit organization, operates four schools across Sarlahi with a mission to end child labor and uplift marginalized communities through education. A well-resourced library can be a powerful tool in this effort, especially in a district where literacy rates hover at just 50%. Research consistently shows that libraries play a critical role in fostering a love of reading, promoting independent learning, improving academic performance, and providing a safe space for intellectual exploration. Recognizing this, Books of Joy partnered with Hoste Hainse to establish libraries and donate books to all four schools, ensuring that students have the resources they need to dream bigger and learn beyond the classroom.
Beyond academics, holistic development is essential for a child’s growth. Sports offer a valuable opportunity for students to build teamwork, resilience, and social skills while staying active and healthy. To complement the library initiative, Books of Joy also donated sporting equipment, including soccer balls, volleyballs, and badminton sets. By integrating both learning and play, this initiative aims to create a more enriching educational environment – one where students in Sarlahi can thrive, both in the classroom and beyond.
