Empowering Nepal’s children through education

Two girls focusing on learning in class at a school in Nepal

Schools for Nepal was inspired by a pivotal journey in 2011...

…when Matt Rai visited Nepal. Drawn by the majestic mountains, he found himself returning often, captivated by the warmth of its people and the richness of its culture.

During his initial trip, Matt met a humble man named Raju just outside of Kathmandu. Raju identified two girls that were serving us tea, and noticed that one of the girls wasn't attending school. With compassion and quick action, he talked with the girl’s family. By the time Matt finished his tea, Raju had ensured the girl was equipped with a school uniform and bag, and was enrolled in a local school.

Upon witnessing this Matt asked Raju a simple question:

What do you do, and how can I help?

Two young Nepalese boys painting in a picture book in class

An initiative to extend Raju’s legacy

Raju, supported by affiliations in the UK, had already founded MySmallHelp (MSH) Nepal—a charity dedicated to helping Nepali children access education.

After having two kids of his own - River and India - Matt established MySmallHelp Australia in 2022, now renamed Schools for Nepal Australia. This initiative was to extend Raju's legacy.

Through numerous visits, forging strong partnerships with MSH and the Pahar Trust Nepal, Matt's efforts have grown beyond facilitating school enrolment. Today, Schools for Nepal also focuses on constructing new educational facilities in rural areas, ensuring every child has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.

Our Impact

  • A group of students from a new school in the Terai Region

    1 School Built

    In 2022, we constructed a new school in the Terai region, now educating over 75 children and serving as a community hub.

  • Two young Nepalese girls eating lunch and smiling

    5 Schools Supported

    Additionally, We support four other institutions, including the Marybert School and Home for Girls, enhancing the lives of hundreds of students.

  • A group of children and volunteers in Nepal smiling, and waving their arms

    400+ Children Helped

    Our partnerships have broadened our impact, helping us build or enhance three schools, enroll over 400 children, and distribute more than 100 educational kits.

Supporting Nepali Communities

4 young Nepalese children smiling

At Schools for Nepal, we deeply value the insights and needs of local communities...

ensuring they play a crucial role in our operations and decision-making processes. By maintaining open communication with local leaders, we identify and address their specific needs effectively. We also encourage communities to participate in fundraising efforts for their projects, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration.

Our commitment extends to keeping a continuous dialogue open, always seeking and valuing feedback from the communities we serve. This ongoing engagement helps us adapt and improve our support over time.

Our incredible team

  • Headshot of Matt Rai - founder/director of Schools for Nepal

    Matt Rai

    FOUNDER/DIRECTOR

  • Headshot of Felipe Ruiz - director of Schools for Nepal

    Felipe Ruiz

    DIRECTOR

  • Headshot of Cait W - Website/Digital Marketing specialist for Schools for Nepal

    Cait W

    WEBSITE/DIGITAL MARKETING

Three young Nepalese students smiling

Become a sponsor

At Schools for Nepal, we believe in the power of partnership to extend the reach and impact of our mission. We invite businesses to join us in a collaborative effort to transform the educational landscape in Nepal. By partnering with us, your organisation can play a pivotal role in building futures and changing lives.