Click below to navigate to a program of interest
- Touch, Sense & Learn’ for Students with Blindness in Nepal & Training for their Teachers
- Engaging & Empowering Adults with Disabilities with Organic Farming Knowledge
- Education = Knowledge = Opportunities
- Fostering Empowerment & Community for Deaf Women
- Supporting Children with Disabilities at Disabled Newlife Center
- KOSHISH Nepal - Providing Mental Health Support for Women in Need
- SATHI SANSAR - Helping Children with Cerebral Palsy and Learning Disabilities
- Fresh Fruits, Vegetables & Friendships for Blind/Low Vision School Children
- Touch, Sense, Learn & Play for Visually Impaired Students at Laboratory School and Classroom Support for their Teachers
- Shining the Light of Education for Blind/Visually-Impaired Students in Eastern Nepal
- REAL Nepal - Real Learning Impact for Blind/Visually-Impaired Students
- SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION CENTER (SERC) - Teaching Children with Developmental Disabilities With Love, Caring & Expertise
- Bringing Encouragement and Comfort to Senior Citizens with Disabilities Nepal Disabled Association (NDA)
- Educational Support, Empowerment and Enrichment for Deaf Students in Eastern Nepal
Signature Programs
Touch, Sense & Learn’ for Students with Blindness in Nepal & Training for their Teachers
Our two signature projects are scalable programs that can positively impact many individuals with disabilities throughout the country.
Tactile Learning Materials & Teacher Training for Blind/Visually-Impaired Students
Location:
2023 – 26 schools in Nepal Province’s
- Koshi Province #1
- Karnali Province #6
- Sudhurpaschim Province #7
Summary:
TRIFC is providing basic braille materials, braille books, tactile models, human anatomy models, tactile puzzles, low-vision devices, and game materials for blind/visually-impaired students. We also provide training for teachers, assistant teachers, and child club members that complement the educational materials provided.
At A Glance:
- providing basic braille materials, braille books, tactile models, human anatomy models, puzzles, low-vision devices, and game materials
- providing training for teachers, assistant teachers, and child club members that complemented the educational materials provided
- providing basic tactile training enabling students to improve fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and tactile literacy
The learning materials and the training provided to the teachers increase their knowledge of basic concepts, helping them to understand objects and surroundings. More importantly, it motivates teachers of the Blind and Visually Impaired (BVI) and children with multiple disabilities and visual impairment (MDVI) in Nepal to enhance and improve their level of teaching. The project brings awareness to the student’s family and increases their level of understanding of how their student learns, grows, and develops with their education and becomes a part of Nepali society.
Our program coordinator for this project, Ms. Keshari Thapa is a retired educator, having spent 24 years as principal of the Purbanchal Gyan Chakshu Vidyalaya School for the Blind in Nepal. She has also undergone an extensive 5-month training program in education for the blind in 2015 at the Perkins School for the Blind.
After successfully launching phase one in Koshi Province #1 in June, 2022 with 10 schools participating, the program launched in Western Provinces Karnali #6 and Sudhurpaschim #7 with 16 schools – May, 2023.
The idea for this program came about in early 2018 when TRIFC founder, Rob Rose approached Ms. Keshari Thapa about developing a project that would help raise the standard of education for students with blindness across Nepal. She had just retired from a 25-year career as principal of the only special school for the blind in Nepal and she was excited to explore possibilities related to this big idea! Initially, it was decided to do something Rob termed a “knowledge exchange”. We brought both Keshari and Sita, who is another educator for the blind from NEPAL to the USA and they spent two weeks at the Washington State School for the Blind, and one week in the Edmonds School Districts Program for Students with Blindness.
They observed and participated in the programs and learned how education for the blind is accomplished in this country. Altogether Sita and Keshari, spent five weeks in the Seattle area.
Part two of the knowledge exchange involved taking three educators from the Washington State School for the blind, including the school principal to NEPAL for two weeks where they learned about how education for the blind is accomplished there. Then, working together, we determined that two of the most basic educational elements for the blind were lacking: tactile educational materials and teacher training so TRIFC decided to focus our program in these areas.
- Ability Development Society of Nepal – ADSoN (Ms. Keshari Thapa – ADSoN Board Member & Visually-Impaired Program Coordinator)
- Rotary & Rotaract Clubs of Damak, Nepal and Dhangadhi, Nepal
- Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB)
2023/2024 – A Rotary-funded computer/technology program to train both teachers and students in computer skills. We intend to grow this program and eventually be active in all 7 states of Nepal.
Engaging & Empowering Adults with Disabilities with Organic Farming Knowledge
Organic Farming and Poultry-Raising Program for Adults with Disabilities
Location:
Current location Sunakothi, about 30 minutes from Kathmandu
Summary:
TRIFC is empowering people with disabilities in farming, poultry-raising and business development with our 3-month ‘Inclusive Organic Farming & Poultry-Raising Program’
At a Glance:
- Providing 3-months of targeted training in organic farming, poultry-raising and marketing techniques in TRIFC’s small demonstration farm.
- On-site accommodations for up to 15 participants with disabilities, including dormitory, kitchen, bathrooms and showers.
- TRIFC provides regular follow-up calls and visits with graduates to make sure they are successful in moving forward with their goals.
The Rose International Fund for Children, along with our project partners in Nepal have implemented a legacy program focused on helping adults with disability gain access to training opportunities and business development skills in the areas of organic farming and poultry raising.
The 3-month training program provides not just farming skills but business development and ‘go to market’ skills and strategies, allowing the program graduates to return to their villages with knowledge, raising their profile amongst their family and other villagers. Most importantly, their own self-esteem is boosted and they feel empowered to move forward in their own lives. It’s an opportunity that builds equity and inclusion for both men and women for personal and professional development! Critical to the success of this program are our project partners: ADSoN (Ability Development Society of Nepal), and Patan Rotary Club.
As this is a new program, we don’t have a lot of history to describe. However, we are making ‘history’ with each batch of new Organic Farmers who graduate from our 3-month training program!
- Ability Development Society of Nepal
- Patan Rotary Club
- KPAD Foundation (Mr. RR Pandey)
Once all methods and procedures are in place and running smoothly for this initial farm, TRIFC and ADSoN intend to launch farms in other parts of the country to reach other communities of people with disabilities to spread this concept, bringing knowledge, skills and empowerment to those in need.
Continuing Programs
Education = Knowledge = Opportunities
Education sponsorships for Students with Disabilities
Location:
Various locations in Nepal
Summary:
TRIFC provides educational sponsorships to approximately 45 children with disabilities. These sponsorships often include dormitory/hostel and food. Most sponsorships are for students in their higher secondary or college-level studies.
At a Glance:
- School sponsorships/scholarships
- Tuition/Dormitory Costs/Food
Detail:
TRIFC began sponsoring students with disabilities when it first launched in 2006. While the Nepali government has begun providing school free of cost to children with disabilities, it often doesn’t include the dormitory, food or school clothing or materials. Higher education is not provided by the Nepali government so often talented students with disabilities struggle to cover the cost of their education. We have quite a number of deaf/hard-of-hearing students whom TRIFC has sponsored for many years. We’ve seen them grow up and flourish as fine young people!
TRIFC began sponsoring students with disabilities when it first launched in 2006. This was an excellent way to connect donors in the USA with needy students in Nepal and begin our impact for these children.
- ADSoN
TRIFC will continue to support students on a case-by-case basis, as our budget allows.
Fostering Empowerment & Community for Deaf Women
Deaf Women’s Empowerment Group
Location:
Kavre Banepa- 45 minutes from Kathmandu
Summary:
TRIFC started this empowerment group as a way for adult deaf women to form friendships, community and develop skills that can help them earn money. It can be very isolating in Nepal to be a deaf woman, particularly after high school/college when deaf school friends go back to their home villages. TRIFC and our partner ADSoN provide 3-year reusable sanitary protection kits and hygiene training to girl students with disabilities throughout Nepal. The women’s group is currently receiving tailoring training and also produces spectacular embroidered greeting cards for sale.
At a Glance:
- We have reached over 2,000 girls with disabilities with our 3-year reusable sanitary protection kits and hygiene training.
- Training in Tailoring
- Embroidered Greeting Cards
The reusable sanitary pad kits sewn by TRIFC’s Deaf Women’s Empowerment Group are distributed to female students with disabilities throughout Nepal. Along with the kits, our trained and certified Nepali staff also provide extensive hygiene information. TRIFC purchases the kits from the Deaf Women’s Group and distributes them to female students with disabilities. So there is a positive impact from both the producer side and distribution side of the program! Many kits have been distributed so far in the Kathmandu Valley. Our trainers are now moving into remote rural areas where the societal stigma surrounding menstruation is even more oppressive.
These kits last up to 3 years, providing students with safe, hygienic, and reliable products that allow them to attend school every day during their period.
We have undertaken this important initiative in partnership with the ‘Days for Girls’ organization utilizing their sewing training, kit design & approved educational hygiene curriculum to assure high-quality, consistent products and messaging.
Long-time TRIFC board member, Rose Stevens helped start and design this program. Initially, our deaf women’s empowerment group embroidered greeting cards that we brought back to the US and sold in various fundraising opportunities. We sent the funds back to our women’s group so that they would be able to experience entrepreneurship and earn money . Unfortunately, with no paid staff here in the US it was difficult to market them, and even using an online platform like Etsy, it wasn’t very effective. They transitioned into sewing reusable sanitary pad kits, which was a fantastic project with a great impact for girl students with disabilities. Unfortunately, that was basically shut down by the Nepali Government which is now providing disposable pads to girl students. We’ve heard that the government isn’t doing a very good job of this, but the way it works for nonprofits in Nepal is that the government won’t allow TRIFC/ADSoN to duplicate their efforts. The women really, really want to do entrepreneurial activities and TRIFC has provided three months of tailoring training and the group are getting ready to launch a small shop.
- Days for Girls Organization
- ADSoN as implementing partner
- Kavre Deaf Development Association
2022 Update: The Nepal Government has allocated funding to provide all girl students with disposable sanitary hygiene products. While this is a wonderful initiative by the government, it threatens our TRIFC/ADSoN program. As of February 2022, it is uncertain if the government is adequately supplying the sanitary hygiene needs for all schools. There may still be an interest in our reusable kits as they are very hygienic and long-lasting.
2023 update: TRIFC is still providing sanitary protection kits to several organizations.
TRIFC is now funding tailoring training to women in the group.
Supporting Children with Disabilities at Disabled Newlife Center
Disabled New Life Center (DNC)
Location:
Kathmandu (Gokarna/Thali)
Summary:
TRIFC supports kids with physical disabilities at this center. 35-40 children live in residence at the center and attend local public school. TRIFC Funds: medicines and check-ups, surgeries, physical therapy, tutoring, sponsoring college students who have aged out of the center. We partner on this program with Nepali Children’s Trust, based in the UK.
At a Glance:
- Medicines, Check-Ups, Surgeries, Physical Therapy
- Tutoring, Selected Sponsored College Students
Detail:
The Nepali government is mandating that all the ‘care homes’ for children must return their children to their families in their home villages. Disabled Newlife Center has pivoted to a model whereby they will provide rehabilitation services to children with more severe disabilities who require surgery support and physiotherapy support during their rehab. This will be a program where children will stay at the facility for a limited time, 3-12 months. However, some of the children with more severe disabilities may stay at the care homes and attend school, as they will not be able to go to school in their home village due to their disability.
TRIFC has been providing support for the Disabled Newlife Center for many years. What had started as a Rotary Club-supported program transitioned into something that was supported by TRIFC. TRIFC provided orthopedic surgeries at about $300 per surgery, food and nutritional support, tutoring and educational support, and other medical support.
Recently the Nepali government has decided to further regulate and force the shutdown of some of these children’s care homes. They want these children to live in their home villages with their families, which is a good plan in principle. However, for many of the children living at DNC, their disabilities were too severe to be able to live in a rural village and attend school. DNC is now transitioning to a medical rehab facility where children will come in for orthopedic surgeries and other medical treatments, and then stay at DNC for 3 to 6 months.
TRIFC’s future with DNC is a little uncertain at this point. We are still providing funding and are monitoring how the new model of providing services to children with disabilities works out. We are still in contact with a number of ex-students who are starting their lives and families as adults.
KOSHISH Nepal - Providing Mental Health Support for Women in Need
KOSHISH Nepal – Mental Health Support Organization – koshishnepal.org
Location:
Kathmandu
Summary:
TRIFC provides targeted support for KOSHISH whose mission is to ensure the protection of the dignity and rights of persons with mental health and psychosocial disability in Nepal in terms of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities, 2006 (UNCRPD, 2006). To promote the voice of persons with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities through empowering self- advocates.
At a Glance:
- Purchase jewelry made by women recovering at the center to be sold at TRIFC’s yearly fundraiser
- Laptop computers donated
- Washing machine purchased
Detail:
TRIFC board member, Rose Stevens purchases jewelry from women recovering from mental illness to sell at TRIFC’s yearly fundraiser. TRIFC has purchased laptop computers for the organization and a washing machine. Rotary Club of Lakewood, led by Rose Stevens, has funded $20,000 in projects including capacity building, development of peer support groups, funding for skills training and general support, treatment, and reintegration programs.
TRIFC has provided important support for this organization over the past 10 years. Mental health issues have been a taboo subject in NEPAL until recently. This organization helps destigmatize mental health as well as helping those with mental health issues and advocating with the Nepali government and other community organizations to help those in need. TRIFC has continued to provide small grants to fund projects like buying a washing machine and other needs as they build a new center.
- Rotary Club of Lakewood
- ADSoN
- Rose Stevens
2023 Update: Provided multiple grants to support their new center building.
SATHI SANSAR - Helping Children with Cerebral Palsy and Learning Disabilities
Sathi Sansar Nepal – Empowering People with Learning and Developmental Disabilities (LDDs) with a special focus on Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Location:
Pokhara, Nepal
Summary:
TRIFC has provided funds for: iPads with picture-based communication app as well as extensive educational materials/supplies.
At a Glance:
- iPads with a picture-based communication app
- Educational Materials
- Adaptive Chairs and Tables for children with cerebral palsy
- Toilet/commode chairs
Detail:
TRIFC continues to support this fine organization that provides educational and daily-living skills support to children with developmental disabilities or cerebral palsy and their families.
The founders of Sathi Sansar were from Spain and originally reached out to TRIFC founder, Rob Rose to provide a conduit for funds donated from the USA to reach their organization in Pokhara Nepal. After visiting the center and seeing the excellent work they have been doing with children with cerebral palsy and learning disabilities, TRIFC decided to continue support with our own funding. 2023 provided a $5,000 grant for special tables/chairs to give children the ability to sit up in their chairs and interact/learn via an integrated table. Also provided were extensive educational materials and adaptive toilet chairs/commodes.
- ADSoN
- Self-Help Group for Cerebral Palsy (SGCP)
- Sathi Sansar
Continued involvement as needed by the school and allowed by TRIFC’s budget.
Fresh Fruits, Vegetables & Friendships for Blind/Low Vision School Children
Sanjiwani School Hostel for 25 Blind/Visually-Impaired Students
Location:
Dhulikhel, Nepal
Summary:
TRIFC provides funding on a monthly basis to provide nutritious foods through the Rotaract Club of Dhulikhel. Rotaractors visit the school weekly providing fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, chicken and other nutritious items. Other targeted support has been provided over the years.
Sanjiwani school is an integrated school meaning that there is a section for the visually-impaired where educational techniques unique to the visually-impaired are taught and integrated classrooms where sighted and visually-impaired attend and study together. There are approximately 800 sighted children who come and go every day, and 25 visually-impaired students who live on-site in the hostel/dormitory.
At a Glance:
- Food / Nutrition
- School Supplies
- Facilities upgrades
- Sports & games
- Sanitary Pads
TRIFC was initially introduced to this school in 2010. In that year, TRIFC volunteers organized a ‘treasure box’ craft project with the kids in partnership with the local Rotaract Club of Dhulikhel. Every year since then, our involvement and engagement has slowly developed with on-site advice and support from the Rotaractors.
Our partnership with the local Rotaract Club has grown stronger and deeper as the years have passed. The Rotaract Club loves to participate and do programs with the visually-impaired kids at the school, taking them on outings and special events, and continuing to provide nutritious food on a weekly basis.
TRIFC board member Rose Stevens, through her Rotary Club of Lakewood, provided funding for structural repairs after the 2015 earthquake, new showers and toilets, solar hot water tank, plumbing for showers, security bars, and window screening.
- ADSoN
- Rotary Club Lakewood
- Rotary Club of Dhulikhel
- Rotaract Club of Dhulikhel
The Rotaract Club of Dhulikhel has developed a comprehensive program to improve the hostel, and educational facilities for the students with a $5,000 grant from TRIFC. This program will upgrade and improve the facilities/infrastructure, health and well-being, education, safety, extra-curricular activities and recreational activities for the children.
Touch, Sense, Learn & Play for Visually Impaired Students at Laboratory School and Classroom Support for their Teachers
Laboratory School Blind/Visually-Impaired Student Section
Location:
Kirtipur – Kathmandu, Nepal
Summary:
TRIFC provides targeted support for the 50 students with blindness who study at Laboratory School in the areas of technology, school tools for the blind, games, and recently a Braille printer and embosser.
At a Glance:
- School Supplies
- Sanitary Pads
- Special Educational Materials
- Braille Printer & Embosser
Detail:
TRIFC has been associated with Laboratory (Lab) School for over 10 years, providing critical support as requested by the school principal and resource teachers for the visually-impaired. Braille books, Braille slate & stylus, strategy games, and so many other items. 2023 brought a $5,000 grant from TRIFC to purchase a Braille printer and embosser for the school. Lab school is an integrated school meaning that there is a section for the visually-impaired where educational techniques unique to the visually-impaired are taught and integrated classrooms where sighted and visually-impaired attend and study together.
TRIFC has a ten-year history of providing support to the visually-impaired section at Laboratory school. Everything from Braille slates and stylus to braille embossers to chess for the blind to braille books, and everything in between. We originally became involved through sisters- Sita and Nirmala Gyawali. Nirmala (born blind) who became executive director at ADSoN in 2014, was a graduate of that school. Her sister Sita (born blind) is a teacher of the visually-impaired at the school. With Sita providing details on the needs at the school and also follow-up on TRIFC donations, we have a great team and an effective way to provide help for these students.
- ADSoN
- Sita Gyawali – Teacher
- Lakpa Sherpa – School Principal
Continued involvement as needed by the school and allowed by TRIFC’s budget.
Shining the Light of Education for Blind/Visually-Impaired Students in Eastern Nepal
Saraswati Higher Secondary School – Blind/Visually-impaired Section
Location:
Damak, Eastern Nepal
Summary:
TRIFC has funded: computers, uniforms, shoes, basic clothing needs, sports equipment and games, tables & chairs, braille books & has one current sponsored student. There are approximately 15 students in the visually-impaired section at the school.
At a Glance:
- Computers and computer lab (2023)
- Braille books
- Sports equipment and games
- Tables and chairs
- Shoes and clothing
Detail:
TRIFC has helped individual students at Saraswati School, as well as the entire group of students with blindness. In 2022/2023 TRIFC provided a computer lab for the students with a $5000 grant. As in other projects we partner with a local Rotaract Club – the Rotaract Club of Damak, to help implement this project located in Eastern Nepal. Not only does this provide logistical support and hands-on involvement with the local community, it creates emotional bonds between the students and the Rotaractors, who become more sensitized to the needs of these students.
When TRIFC first visited this school, about 9 years ago, the conditions in the blind section were very sad. Both the physical infrastructure of the hostel/dorm and bathrooms, as well as the educational situation. Like with the students at Sanjivani school, before TRIFC came in and visited, partnering with the local Rotaract Club, these students were basically invisible. Nobody at the school or in the community really cared about them at all. An important takeaway for TRIFC founder, Rob Rose over his 26 years of volunteer work and NEPAL is that just by showing up and taking an interest in a group of students suddenly shines a light on them and their circumstances. When we show up, the school principal takes notice, the other staff takes notice, and the local community and government officials also take notice.
- ADSoN and Ms. Keshari Thapa Program Coordinator for Visually-Impaired programs
- Saraswati School
- Damak Rotaract Club
Saraswati school is one of the 26 participating schools in TRIFC’s tactile educational tools and teacher training program. Providing additional computer training and technology support is part of TRIFC’s immediate plans.
REAL Nepal - Real Learning Impact for Blind/Visually-Impaired Students
REAL Nepal
Location:
Panauti, Nepal (about 45 minutes from Kathmandu)
Summary:
TRIFC provides many critical basic needs for the 15 children with blindness who reside at this small center in Panauti, Nepal. Children attend local schools but receive educational and mobility support at REAL Nepal Hostel.
At a Glance:
- School supplies & Braille books
- Daily-Living skills training
- Computer screen-reader training
- Special educational tools for the visually-impaired
- Shoes, Clothing
- Musical instruments
- Mobility Support
Detail:
REAL Nepal is a social service organization providing educational training/preparatory schooling for children with blindness. 15 children, aged 5 to 15 are currently in the program. Through their training program, most of the accommodated children are able to walk with their white canes and they are able to read and write in braille. TRIFC’s work at REAL Nepal is in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Kavre-Banepa with whom TRIFC Founder, Rob has a long history of humanitarian project work. In 2021 TRIFC raised and donated $4,000 to help with many basic needs for children and 2022/2023 has brought an additional grant of $5,000 to enhance our support at the center.
Like so many of TRIFC’s projects, this is another one where ‘showing up’ has paid great dividends by involving the local Rotary club and community in the organization. Once the local people get involved and become ‘emotionally invested’ in a group of students with disabilities, they will do their part in supporting the organization. One of the reasons TRIFC founder Rob Rose became involved with this organization was that REAL Nepal Founder, Mr. Rajendra Prasad Dhital had received social entrepreneurship training from another nonprofit named ‘Kanthari’ in South India. Rob knew the founder of that organization, Sabriya Tenberken, who is a German woman and very inspirational person with blindness. She was the subject of the movie ‘Blindsight’ and was the founder of ‘Braille Without Borders’.
- ADSoN
- REAL Nepal
- Rotary Club of Kavre-Banepa
- Kanthari
- Braille Without Borders
Continued involvement as needed by the school and allowed by TRIFC’s budget.
SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION CENTER (SERC) - Teaching Children with Developmental Disabilities With Love, Caring & Expertise
Special Education and Rehabilitation Center (SERC)
Location:
Kathmandu
Summary:
In 2022, TRIFC funded a new library and recreation hall building and bathroom for the center. Previous involvement included providing iPads with a special picture-based app to help give non-verbal students an opportunity to express their wants and feelings. Also provided have been many special educational tools and games for children with developmental disabilities and cerebral palsy.
At a Glance:
- Library building
- Specialized educational tools
- iPads with picture-based app
- Support for Adult care home
- Treadmill and physiotherapy equipment
- Clothes
- Meeting table and chairs
Detail:
For the past 7 years, TRIFC has been providing targeted support based upon the needs of the organization. It is difficult to find an organization in Nepal providing this level of quality care for children with developmental disabilities. The main objective of SERC is to provide quality education and rehabilitation services to children with a variety of physical and intellectual disabilities. Currently, there are approximately 65 students enrolled in a multitude of programs designed for children living with disabilities. SERC also runs a residential facility for children who are either from outside Kathmandu valley or for some reason cannot live with their family. There are currently 33 children living in the residential facility.
Lots of history here with SERC- Special Education and Rehabilitation Center. TRIFC has provided funding for critical needs support over the years. Kalpana Basnet, founder of SERC came to Seattle as part of a knowledge exchange program that TRIFC funded, so that she could experience the education system here and take back practical applications that could be implemented in Nepal at SERC. One exciting idea that Kalpana has implemented in Nepal is a bakery training program that her students love participating in!
- ADSoN
- SERC
- University of Washington – GROW program
- Bridget Sachse – Teacher Northshore District, Washington State
- Trillium Employment Services
- Rotary and Rotaract Clubs
Continued involvement as needed by the school and allowed by TRIFC’s budget.
Bringing Encouragement and Comfort to Senior Citizens with Disabilities Nepal Disabled Association (NDA)
Nepal Disabled Association (NDA)
Location:
Jorpati, Kathmandu, Nepal
Summary:
TRIFC provides support for 10 elderly adults with disabilities with monthly pocket money and special outings
At a Glance:
- Monthly ‘pocket’ money for the 10 residents
- Special outings.
Detail:
TRIFC provides pocket money on a monthly basis to each of the 10 elderly residents so that they can purchase snacks and personal items. Some of the residents have family members that visit very rarely and others have no family. TRIFC and ADSoN volunteers took them on an outing to see two of the most important religious and heritage sites in Kathmandu very near to their residence – Pashupatinath and Boudhanath Stupa. The residents hadn’t been out on a field trip for many years and this was a life-highlight for them AND the volunteers.
This school for the deaf in Eastern Nepal was our first introduction to helping students with disabilities in this part of the country. Most of TRIFC’s programs and projects are the result of a personal referral from someone that we know and trust. Once we began providing support for the school, the principal Renuka Budhathoki started introducing us to other schools for the deaf that had some basic needs that we could fund. We developed a network of a number of schools for the deaf in that area and TRIFC began providing targeted support. In 2022 TRIFC provided $5,000 in grants to a number of the schools in this area. Each school provided a project proposal for how they would like to spend the funding and we reviewed and approve the requests. We also work closely with the local Rotary and Rotaract Clubs to help support the school. The local Rotaract Club of Dharan Ghopa is associated with the medical school in the area so they have been providing medical screening, etc.
- ADSoN
- RC Lakewood
- Rotaract Club of Dharan Ghopa
- John Chouinard
- Rose Stevens
Continued support and future outings.
PURWANCHAL SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
Purwanchal School for the Deaf
At a Glance:
- Infrastructure support for school and hostel
- Educational materials
- Library
- Sports/Games
Detail:
TRIFC has had a long history of successful support for the students at this school. Principal Renuka Budhathoki has been a trusted and reliable partner for TRIFC and has connected us to other schools for the deaf in the area. Our current grant of $5,000 is supporting a covered walkway to the bathrooms in the student hostel. We work closely with the local Rotaract Club of Dharan Ghopa who are all medical students at the local university.
Key Participants:
- ADSoN
- RC Lakewood
- Rotaract Club of Dharan Ghopa
- John Chouinard
- Rose Stevens
History:
This school for the deaf in Eastern Nepal was our first introduction to helping students with disabilities in this part of the country. Most of TRIFC’s programs and projects are the result of a personal referral from someone that we know and trust. Once we began providing support for the school, the principal Renuka Budhathoki started introducing us to other schools for the deaf that had some basic needs that we could fund. We developed a network of a number of schools for the deaf in that area and TRIFC began providing targeted support. In 2022 TRIFC provided $5,000 in grants to a number of the schools in this area. Each school provided a project proposal for how they would like to spend the funding and we reviewed and approve the requests. We also work closely with the local Rotary and Rotaract Clubs to help support the school. The local Rotaract Club of Dharan Ghopa is associated with the medical school in the area so they have been providing medical screening, etc.
Key Participants:
- ADSoN
- RC Lakewood
- Rotaract Club of Dharan Ghopa
- John Chouinard
- Rose Stevens
History:
This school for the deaf in Eastern Nepal was our first introduction to helping students with disabilities in this part of the country. Most of TRIFC’s programs and projects are the result of a personal referral from someone that we know and trust. Once we began providing support for the school, the principal Renuka Budhathoki started introducing us to other schools for the deaf that had some basic needs that we could fund. We developed a network of a number of schools for the deaf in that area and TRIFC began providing targeted support. In 2022 TRIFC provided $5,000 in grants to a number of the schools in this area. Each school provided a project proposal for how they would like to spend the funding and we reviewed and approve the requests. We also work closely with the local Rotary and Rotaract Clubs to help support the school. The local Rotaract Club of Dharan Ghopa is associated with the medical school in the area so they have been providing medical screening, etc.
- ADSoN
- Sita Gyawali
Continued involvement as needed by the school and allowed by TRIFC’s budget.
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT, EMPOWERMENT AND ENRICHMENT FOR DEAF STUDENTS IN EASTERN NEPAL
Schools for the Deaf in Hile, Dhankuta & Sunsari
Location:
Hile, Dhankuta & Sunsari – Eastern Nepal
Summary:
TRIFC has funded: school libraries, books, kitchen equipment, school supplies, sporting equipment and games, hostel supplies including beds and bedding, and mosquito nets.
At a Glance:
- Educational Support and Equipment
- Infrastructure Support
- Hostel Supplies like Kitchen Equipment & Bedding
- Games & sports equipment
Detail:
TRIFC has provided extensive support for all 3 of these schools. TRIFC Founder, Rob Rose remembers purchasing metal plates, cups, and silverware for the students and finding out that before this help was provided, students had to eat in ‘shifts’ so that the few plates and cups they had could be washed and readied for the next kids! Many visits by TRIFC board members have been made to all of these schools. They have such limited resources and even small amounts of funding can provide a measurable impact. Clean drinking water and hygiene, mosquito nets, playground equipment, and so many other items have been donated over the years.
This school for the deaf in Eastern Nepal was our first introduction to helping students with disabilities in this part of the country. Most of TRIFC’s programs and projects are the result of a personal referral from someone that we know and trust. Once we began providing support for the school, the principal Renuka Budhathoki started introducing us to other schools for the deaf that had some basic needs that we could fund. We developed a network of a number of schools for the deaf in that area and TRIFC began providing targeted support. In 2022 TRIFC provided $5,000 in grants to a number of the schools in this area. Each school provided a project proposal for how they would like to spend the funding and we reviewed and approve the requests. We also work closely with the local Rotary and Rotaract Clubs to help support the school. The local Rotaract Club of Dharan Ghopa is associated with the medical school in the area so they have been providing medical screening, etc.
- Purwanchal Deaf School
- ADSoN
Continued involvement as needed by the school and allowed by TRIFC’s budget.
PAST PROGRAMS
Disabled Help Center (DHC)
Location:
Kathmandu
Summary:
TRIFC supported children with physical disabilities. 15 children lived in residence at the center and attended local public schooling. The Nepali government mandated that all the ‘care homes’ for children must return children to their families in their home villages. DNC and DHC have pivoted to a model whereby they will provide rehabilitation services to children with more severe disabilities who require. DHC is no longer operating as an organization, but TRIFC is continuing to support a number of students to complete their higher education.
Self-Help Group for Cerebral Palsy (SGCP)
Location:
Kathmandu
Summary:
TRIFC previously sponsored many students. We also provided hostel costs for 14 students. Past Funding: TRIFC supported building a 3rd floor onto the school building and a library recreation hall in 2001.
Nepal Association for the Welfare of the Blind (NAWB)
Location:
Kathmandu
Summary:
TRIFC established the first braille library in Kathmandu at NAWB! We also have provided backpacks with school supplies for blind/visually-impaired students. We have previously partnered with Rotary to purchase an Embossing Braille Printer (creates tactile pictures in braille) to be used in printing of textbooks.
Kavre School for the Deaf
Location:
Kavre Banepa
Summary:
TRIFC has funded: school supplies, sponsored students, ping-pong tables, sporting equipment, kitchen equipment, and other educational materials.
Purwanchal Gyan Chakshu Vidyalaya- School for the Blind
Location:
Dharan, Eastern Nepal
Summary:
Past Funding: computers, tactile education books and games: sponsored a Chess Club with braille chess sets
Nepal Disabled Association: Khagendra New Life Centre
Location:
Jorpati, Kathmandu
Summary:
Past Funding: games, food, clothing, electric wheelchairs and equipment for residents, special fun events.
