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In February 2025, twenty students from the Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Wollongong (UOW) will travel to Kathmandu Valley in Nepal to improve early childhood learning spaces in partnership with the International Children’s Resources Institute (ICRI). Early childhood education is essential to the development and well-being of children during the first five years of life. Quality early education directly impacts outcomes across key developmental indicators such as educational attainment, social and emotional growth, and women's empowerment.
We are working together to raise approximately $6000. Our Academic Coordinator Dr. Gai Lindsay will administer the funds which will be divided between direct project delivery and a student-funded donation to our Partner Organisation ICRI. In addition to connecting us to a host-school for our preschool project, ICRI has linked UOW with a range of community service programs in Kathmandu who are willing to share with us how they deliver support to families and communities in the area.
Students will take these lessons back to their respective courses including Early Childhood and Primary teaching, Social Work, Psychology, International Studies, Arts in Western Civilisation, Bachelor of Laws, and Creative Arts. The student's travel is subsidised by the Federal Government's New Columbo Plan (NCP) mobility funding.
Where your donation will go:
- Approximately $4000 of our fundraising will go towards resourcing and refurbishing two preschool classrooms in line with a play-based learning approach. This includes educational toys, equipment, carpets, furniture and painting of the play spaces. According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child play is a fundamental human right (Article 31) as it is essential to children’s self-regulation, agency, and socialisation.
- A $2000 student-raised donation will be made to ICRI – Nepal, our hosting partner organisation. Since 2001, ICRI has maintained an active role in advancing the well-being of Nepali children through various programs. These include the Network for Children, Prisoners, and Dependents, as well as the National Centre for Learning Resources and School Health Program. You can find out more about ICRI Nepal here: https://www.icrichild.org/nepal
- Any additional funds will be donated to the other community service agencies we will visit and learn from.
With your support, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of Nepali children and their communities. Your donation, no matter the size, will contribute significantly to advancing the well-being and livelihood of Nepali children.
