About CHANCE

Nepal - Jewel of the Himalayas on the roof of the world

Nepal is a small kingdom trapped between the tropical plains of northern India and the icy desert land of Tibet. Such a precarious situation for a tiny kingdom between two great powers has influenced the history, religions and culture of Nepal. Its people have endeavoured to trade with, and at times feared the threats of invasion from both of these neighbours. India is its major current trading partner and the current Maoist problems are an infiltration from the north causing both economic disruption and life threats to civilians and the security forces.

This is a country of amazing physical contrasts with altitude decreasing from the heights of Khumbu - over 8000metres (Everest the highest mountain at 8848m) to the tropical area of the Terai in the south, barely 100metres above sea level. Boosting the greatest geographical ranges over such a small area and arguably the most dramatic mountain scenery anywhere in the world.  

Since Nepal opened its borders to the west it has become the Shangri La for many travellers…. from the hippies travelling overland in the 1960s to the trekkers of the current age. The huge variety of physical landscapes can offer an unlimited choice of activities for the modern adventurer. In the mountains the adrenaline seekers climb, trek and paraglide, the rivers provide a chance for white water rafting, canyoning and kayaking, mountain bikers go where they dare, and elephant back safaris are also on offer for the more discerning of travellers! The mountain scenery alone is second to none and can lure the traveller back to this enchanting ancient kingdom again and again.
 
In spite of all this natural beauty, Nepal is a country of supreme poverty with some 90% of its 20 million population engaged in subsistence agriculture, contributing in no way to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Farming in places is prosperous where the soil is good and the weather none extreme, but in the higher mountain regions life is difficult and opportunities severely limited. The national average annual income is below £130 with many existing on less than £2 per month. International development aid provides the highest foreign exchange earnings, proving just what a devastatingly poverty stricken country Nepal is. In 2000 tourism accounted for 22% of foreign exchange earnings with all its dependent services and souvenir trade it is therefore of paramount importance. With current tourist numbers hugely depleted by some 80% due to fears of air travel and Maoist activities there is a deficit in foreign income. In the capital, Kathmandu, there is a massive gulf between the rich and poor as many more people migrate to the capital in search of work. Many men are tempted to temporarily migrate for work opportunities in India, Asia and the Gulf States.

This picture provides us with a background to the educational standards and needs of Nepal. Some 60% of the populous are illiterate and there is a critical shortage of school teachers. Only half of the existing teachers actually have a formal training! Children in the mountains may walk two hours twice a day to get to and from school. Some may live too far to walk. Many parents do not choose to educate their children, as there are additional expenses to the tuition fees such as uniforms, stationary and books, which they cannot afford. Indeed the children are more useful at home helping with subsistence labour, washing the clothes or caring for their siblings. None the less there are a growing number of private schools, especially in Kathmandu which as well as offering traditional history &, language and culture also elect to educate the children in English.
 
CHANCE, is targeting deprived and needy children living in environments and conditions that dictate that education has either ceased to be available, or is simply not an option. We endeavour to change the life and future opportunities for as many children as possible.