Latest report details positive impact of education, healthcare, training and rehabilitation initiatives for local Nepalese communities  

Continuing its dedication to the sustainable development of the local community, Nepalese eco-resort, The Pavilions Himalayas, together with its NGO partner, Right4Children (R4C), has revealed the latest results of their charitable and community initiatives across the Pokhara region.

The latest Annual Report*, details how their vital work has once again directly and indirectly benefitted 18,568 Nepalis through diverse education, vocational training and outreach programmes. Showcasing the significant positive impact these initiatives have made, key outcomes include: 

• Over 3,000 individuals engaged in extra-curricular activities, leadership training, health screenings and parental education.  

• 1,600 students were supported with health services and remedial classes  

• 2,042 individuals benefitted from health camps, Early Childhood Development (ECD), and clean water access.  

• 2,959 students received career guidance through PRAYASS, supporting children and young people in school and away from high-risk labour. 
• 134 students received hospitality training at the FAB School 

Douglas and Insuba Maclagan, Co-Founders of Right4Children and The Pavilions Himalayas, said “It is with great pleasure that we saw growth in terms of our team, project outputs, number of beneficiaries reached, diversity in fundraising partners and activities implemented. One of the biggest achievements for R4C is our strength in networking and collaboration with our stakeholders at all levels, and as a result of these strong partnerships, we were able to punch above our weight, deliver quality and impactful services.” 

Child Friendly School (CFS) Follow-Up Support Project 

Building on the prior success of the Child Friendly School (CFS) – an initiative to improve teaching and enhance learning environments, which impacted 76 schools and reached over 20,000 students between 2015 and 2023 – the Follow-Up Support Project launched in March 2024. This initiative made significant strides in strengthening 12 community schools in Nepal's Gandaki Province by empowering educators, school management teams, and parents, while nurturing students' health and extracurricular engagement. 

In the Machhapuchchhre Rural Municipality, efforts to improve teaching and learning saw 862 students actively participate in extra-curricular activities such as arts, dance, and sports; leadership training engaged 129 participants from 38 community schools, including head teachers, School Management Committee members, and Parent-Teacher Association representatives; while 988 parents and teachers took part in parental education sessions. In a major achievement for 2024, the School Health programme saw 1,061 students undergo eye screenings, identifying 170 students with vision issues; and providing necessary treatment, such as glasses, for 32 students. 

In October 2024, 31 students and five teachers from Bryanston School UK, visited the Meghraj Basic School and Machhapuchchhre Secondary School. The exchange focused on the importance of extracurricular activities, offering local teachers' insights into Western teaching methods and fostering cultural collaboration, and building a playground.

School Improvement for Quality Assurance and Enhancement in Education (SIQAEE) Project 

Launched in January 2024, the SIQAEE Project reshaped schools in Hupsekot and Baudikali Rural Municipalities of Nawalpur District into centres of excellence. Guided by the principles of the Child-Friendly Schools (CFS) initiative, the project has strengthened school infrastructure by building three classrooms; refurbishing windows and doors in six schools; providing furniture support, including a merry-go-round table for six schools; supporting four schools with the WASH initiative for clean water; and supplying six schools with sanitary materials.

169 teachers were trained in Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes, empowering teachers, and integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for modern and effective learning experiences. Fostering the relationship between families and schools, 694 parents attended parental education sessions.

Remedial classes supported students with weak learning outcomes benefitting 145 pupils; while 244 female students received self-defense training. Health initiatives were also conducted and reached 1,455 students through dental camps and reproductive health trainings. 

Protection from Risk and Assisting Young Girls and Women in Accessing Social Services (PRAYASS) Project 

Designed to protect and empower vulnerable, high-risk city communities – particularly young girls and women – PRAYASS offers care and protection to those at risk of abuse, exploitation and trafficking. The project has been redefined into two strands, Community Development, which offers remedial classes, vocational training, and career guidance; while intervention in the Adult Entertainment Sector (AES) initiatives focus on rescuing under-aged girls from dance bars, massage parlours and other such exploitive establishments across Pokhara. 

In low-income city community villages, PRAYASS helped to keep children and young people in school and away from high-risk labour. 2,959 students received career guidance; 207 individuals benefitted from education support; 228 at risk children aged six to 17 years old took part in remedial classes; vocational training reached 188 individuals, with 55 girls subsequently securing employment. Health awareness initiatives and quarterly checkups reached 3,250 individuals through 42 general health camps and six cervical health camps. 

AES intervention focuses on rescuing under-aged girls trapped in exploitative work, of which 122 have been identified across Pokhara Valley. To address this, 158 outreach visits supported 420 new beneficiaries; and seven health check-ups and provided essential care to 105 girls and young women at SHE Centre, a dedicated shelter for provisional care.  

FAB Hospitality Vocational Training School 

Throughout 2024, the FAB School continued its mission to empower young people from disadvantaged backgrounds through comprehensive hospitality training. A total of 134 students gained specialised skills across food & beverage service and production, housekeeping, front office, bakery and laundry. Among them, 50 young women particularly excelled in barista services, bakery, and housekeeping courses. 

Sustainable Unified Communities, Children, Education and Social Services (SUCCESS) Project 

Between July and December 2024, the SUCCESS project made significant strides across nine vulnerable communities in Pokhara – enhancing education, health, and vocational opportunities. 453 individuals were screened through three health camps, which identified and provided support for suspected cervical cancer cases; and a critically injured child received life-saving treatments. 

Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiatives reached 89 children, fostering learning and nutrition while enabling parents to pursue livelihoods; while WASH initiative improved access to clean water for 1,500 people through bore-well and filtration projects. The Friends for Safety group empowered women in the adult entertainment sector with legal, healthcare, and social services – fostering safety and stronger community connections. 

Kristi Shresta, Acting CEO of R4C shared, “We look back with pride on the efforts dedicated to improving the lives of many, especially children. 2024 highlighted our determination, devotion, and the fulfilment that drives our work. Creating opportunities and fostering hope for a better life requires dedication and unwavering commitment.” 

Nestled in a lush forest valley against the backdrop of the majestic Annapurna Himalayan Mountain range, The Pavilions Himalayas offer an unparalleled eco-experience designed to enrich the lives of the local community, and comprises The Pavilions Himalayas, The Farm; and its satellite sister resort, The Pavilions Himalayas Lakeview.  

 - ENDS -