How It All Started

In February 2002, Swiss national Andrea Werder took the initiative to teach children from very impoverished backgrounds. In the beginning, lessons were held outdoors, with children sitting on the ground in Boudha, Kathmandu. Soon after, two small rooms were rented, allowing about 30 children to attend school for half days. This was the humble beginning of Hamro Sunshine School.

The children came from the poorest circumstances—often living with six or seven others in a single room without running water. Many fathers were absent or only occasionally present, and heavy alcohol consumption was a widespread problem. Most older pupils had previously attended state schools for one or two years but were forced to leave because their parents could not afford the fees. Before admitting any child, teachers carefully assessed the family’s situation to ensure genuine need.

In March 2003, an old carpet factory was rented, renovated, and converted into a school with the help of teachers and children. In later years, the building was sold, but fortunately, a nearby piece of land was acquired at a good price. A large-scale funding campaign in Switzerland secured the resources needed to construct a brand-new school building. Today, this building provides spacious, bright classrooms and a welcoming environment for learning.

The Present Situation

Currently, about 205 children aged 5 to 17 are taught by 25 local teachers, some of whom are former pupils. Dibesh Khatree serves as the Principal of the school.

Hamro Sunshine School is officially recognized as an institutional school. The main subjects taught are Mathematics, English, Nepali, and General Sciences, alongside strong emphasis on the arts—including Taekwondo, drawing, painting, singing, dancing, and meditation. Except for the youngest learners, the language of instruction is English.

At midday, all pupils receive a warm meal of Daal-Bhat, Nepal’s national dish. In 2012, the school successfully introduced the tenth-grade class, enabling students to complete the full range of schooling required for the Secondary Education Examination (SEE).

Children attend school with joy and pride, often staying longer to play or complete homework. Older students recognize that education here offers them a unique chance to break free from the cycle of poverty, and they are highly motivated and hardworking.

The School System in Nepal

Nepal has both private and state-owned schools. While state schools are cheaper, they often have classes of 50 or more pupils, with teachers lacking proper training. Many state schools also raise money from students under various titles, despite government rules. Private schools, on the other hand, are accessible only to children from affluent families.

For children from poor backgrounds, education is often out of reach. As a result, the illiteracy rate in Nepal was 69% in 2023.