In the villages of Dhanusha District, south Nepal, poverty, caste discrimination, and harmful traditions have long denied girls the chance to learn. Our bursary scheme is breaking that cycle. It gives ambitious girls from the poorest families the means to stay in education – and the confidence to help younger children in their communities do the same.

Until recently, most low-caste girls in Madhesh Province, south Nepal, were expected to marry soon after puberty. Education was seen as a waste – or even as a burden, since, bizarrely, an educated daughter would require a higher dowry. Instead of studying, girls were trained for household chores or sent to work as day labourers. Many dropped out simply because their families could not afford books, uniforms, or school fees. For them, education beyond primary school felt like an impossible dream.

The bursary scheme that we operate through our local NGO partner the Mithila Wildlife Trust has turned that dream into reality. By covering school costs and showing parents the value of education, we are giving talented girls the chance to stay in the classroom. Today, girls once destined for early marriage are continuing their studies with raised aspirations, daring to imagine new futures for themselves and their communities.

Moreover, these girls are already giving back. While receiving bursaries, they act as tutors for younger children from the same low-caste groups, sometimes through home tuition but usually through our Community Learning Centres (CLCs). In doing so, these female tutors provide vital help with homework and non-formal education and, just as importantly, stand as inspiring role models for the next generation.

The results are remarkable. Jyoti and Nima are studying Management and dream of becoming businesswomen. Binita, born with only one eye, once feared her disability would hold her back. Now, with the bursary’s support, she is thriving and determined to show that disability is no barrier to success. Anjali, studying Science, hopes to become a nurse so she can bring healthcare to her community.

The impact extends beyond the girls themselves. Families who once doubted the value of education now feel proud. Parents are sending daughters to school instead of into early marriage. Step by step, harmful traditions are being challenged, and whole communities are starting to believe in the power of education.

The bursary scheme is transforming lives. Instead of early marriage and poverty, these girls are preparing for futures as businesswomen, nurses, and leaders. Their journeys prove a simple truth: when you give a girl the chance to learn, she lifts not only herself but her family and her entire community.

Now you can support this crucial programme. For one week only from 8th October, every online donation made to our Big Give Women and Girls campaign that funds bursaries and training for girls and young women will be doubled thanks to matching pledges. For this to work, we have to put these pledges in place now – well in advance. The minimum pledge is £100 (as set by The Big Give) and isn’t payable until after the campaign ends on the 15th October.

Please let me know right away if you can kindly help with a pledge using this link. Together, we can spark a chain of positive change, building a stronger, fairer society for all in rural south Nepal.