Educational Scholarships for Kamalari Girls

Our first international project—to support Kamalari girls in Nepal with educational scholarships—has been fully funded ahead of schedule through our partner, Plan International. The implementation of the measures will continue until the end of 2019. We’ll be happy to keep you informed about the progress.
A heartfelt thank you to all Diyi for Kids donors who helped make this project possible.
For those who are curious, here are some additional project details, the 3rd progress report  (PDF) and implementation examples (PDF1 ) and (PDF2).

 

Project Information

In western Nepal lives the Tharu ethnic group. One of their deeply rooted traditions is the Kamaiya system, a form of bonded labor. Girls between the ages of 6 and 16 are especially at risk. They work up to 18 hours a day as housemaids for wealthy families, earning only $40–50 per year. These girls are called Kamalari, meaning “hardworking woman.”
In most cases, they can no longer attend school. Sexual exploitation or being sold to brothels in India is not uncommon. Although child labor has been banned in Nepal since the year 2000, many families—due to poverty—still feel forced to sell their daughters as Kamalari.

How did the Diyi for Kids Foundation provide support?

Although the Kamalari girls return to school after being reintegrated into their families, most of them are unable to continue their education beyond the 10th grade. They must contribute to their families’ livelihoods. Their families are very poor and cannot afford to support their daughters financially. The Diyi for Kids Foundation has helped former Kamalari girls obtain higher education, attend university, pursue vocational training, or enter the workforce by providing scholarships.

Country of the Project

Nepal – Regions of Dang, Kailali, Kanchanpur

 

Period for Donations

2018 – 2019

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