The charity, Together in Education (UK and Nepal), aims to support children's education in Nepal while helping young people across Lancashire learn about Nepali culture and global citizenship, with schools across the region expressing interest in partnering with the charity.

A former teacher has established a new charity to support children's education in Nepal while helping young people across Lancashire learn about Nepali culture and global citizenship.

Together in Education (UK and Nepal) was founded following a family visit to Nepal in 2023 by Elaine Walsh saw first-hand the challenges faced by children in Kathmandu.

She said: “Hearing the life stories of the children was heartbreaking, they have been through so much trauma, and we had the opportunity to support them – it was a no brainer.”

The Walsh family on their first family trip to Nepal in 2023 pictured with the president of the New Nepal Society Centre. | Elaine Walsh

placeholder image — The Walsh family on their first family trip to Nepal in 2023 pictured with the president of the New Nepal Society Centre. | Elaine Walsh

The family immediately raised £1,000 for the New Nepal Society Centre (NNSC), a children’s home in Kathmandu that houses 30 children aged five-18.

Elaine and her husband Stephen, (55) son Adam, (21) and daughter Jessica ( 23) stayed with the president of the home, Kamal Bhattrai, meeting the children and hearing their stories. Many of the children had deeply troubled childhoods, with some coming from extreme poverty and/or having lost one or more parents.

After a second visit in April Elaine founded Together in Education (UK and Nepal); a charity working with schools across Lancashire to deliver educational workshops and assemblies that introduce pupils to the culture, traditions and communities of Nepal, whilst fundraising to support the education of children at the New Nepal Centre. Children in the UK have the opportunity to communicate either online or via letters with those supported in Nepal.

The charity also imports and sells handmade felt products handcrafted by women in Nepal. These products are sold at craft fairs, community events and markets throughout Lancashire and Greater Manchester, helping to generate income for the women while raising funds for children's education.

Schools across Lancashire, from Burnley to Blackpool, have expressed interest in partnering with the charity. Ahead of the next academic year, Together in Education is looking for more schools, churches and community organisations across Lancashire to partner with and expand its educational outreach and fundraising opportunities.

Elaine added: "As an ex-teacher, I know firsthand how important education is. These children have been dealt a harsh blow early in life, but their resilience and eagerness to learn is something we can all aspire to. Giving UK schools the opportunity to see first-hand where money they raise goes and the difference it makes is an amazing opportunity and we look forward to working with children both in the UK and in Nepal.”

With the recent floods that have devasted parts of Nepal, the children’s home has been put on standby to provide a home at short notice for children who have lost parents in the flood. Kamal expects they will be asked to house between five to10 more children.. Providing support for them is vital now more than ever.

Kamal Bhattarai, President of the New Nepal Society Centre, said: “A child’s bad past may shape their story, but it shouldn’t define their future. With the support of Together in Education, we have been able to help the children re-gain courage and confidence to nurture their dreams”

If you are interested contact Together in Education (UK and Nepal) at [email protected] or check out their Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn pages. Their website will be up soon at www.togetherineducation.org.