Background

Udaan V: Education and Livelihood Opportunities for Marginalized Girls in Nepal is a Land Vorarlberg-supported initiative to be implemented in the Siraha district of Madhesh province. The project will be implemented in Naraha, Dhangadhimai, Bhagwanpur, and Sakhuwanankarkatti R/Ms of Siraha district with the aim to increase opportunities for education and livelihood development for adolescent girls. The enrollment and retention rate of adolescent girls in school is low due to deep-rooted patriarchal social norms, overburdening with household chores, and lack of an enabling environment in formal schools. Many girls work to contribute to their family's income or are forced into marriage. The project will also work with schools and communities to create a conducive learning environment for girls and engage with parents through transformational discussions to create a favorable environment for girls, increase gender equality, and value girls' education. Besides, the project plans to support 50 adolescent entrepreneurs with skills and business expansion support.

In addition, this project will also engage local government to develop and increase education plans and policies in palikas, including support to teachers and follow-up support to UDAAN graduated girls from previous cohorts.

Funding Partner

Care Nepal

Project Period

1 Oct 2023 to 30 June 2025

Project Areas

Sakhuwanankarkatti, Bhagwanpur, Naraha RM, and Dhangadhimai Municipality of Siraha District, Madhesh Province

Objective

• To contribute to achieving gender equality and girls' empowerment in Nepal

Specific Objective

• Adolescent girls have increased opportunities for education and livelihood development in Siraha District, Madhesh Province, Nepal

Implementation Approaches

Non-formal education approach:

• Establish Community Learning Centers for out-of-school girls
• Use flexible learning methods by CLC facilitators and support life skills sessions

Community-based approach:

• Engage community parents, community leaders, and other influential persons
• Use participatory methods like meetings, sessions, and workshops

Public-Private Partnership approach:

• Collaborate with NGOs, consultants, local institutions, and government agencies
• Promote vocational training for skill development of entrepreneur groups

School-based approach:

• Support the School Improvement Plan
• Interact with formal school teachers to ensure quality education

Policy and advocacy approach:

• Work and coordinate with policymakers to improve and develop education policy
• Mobilize community support for education rights

Expected Output:

• Poor and marginalized girls are capacitated to continue education in formal schools.
• An enabling environment for girls' learning is promoted at the home, community, school, and municipal levels.
• Poor and marginalized adolescent girls (aged 15 to 19 years old) have increased livelihood opportunities in Siraha district.

Key Achievements:

• Community parents, leaders, and other influential persons have become aware of girls' education and harmful social traditional practices.
• 50 entrepreneur girls have received livelihood support to operate their businesses.
• An education plan was developed in Naraha Rural Municipality with our technical support.
• Coordination with local government agencies to develop their education system.

Beneficiaries Reached

• Out-of-school girls (aged 10-14): 127
• Community parents and men & boys: 254
• Community leaders, religious leaders, other influential persons, and representatives: 254
• Entrepreneur adolescent girls: 50

Challenges

• Lack of timely attendance at meetings by marginalized community parents and leaders

Learnings

• Early engagement of parents, teachers, girls, and local authorities ensures the sustainability of activities under the project.