Smiling Children Program (School Feeding)

By dint of the several endeavors by the governmental as well as non-governmental organizations in the past years, Nepal has achieved significant progress in the domain of students’ enrollment and gender equality in the schools. Despite the aforementioned fact, the rate of school dropouts and failure is high in the schools of Nepal. Anemia, underweight, dwarfness and zinc deficiency are some of the major health-related issues that the children face because of malnutrition. The condition is even worse for the children of rural areas belonging from marginalized background.

With the aim of increasing students' enrollment rate and improvising the quality of education by improving the health status of children, a school meal program was started in Nepal in 1967 AD. Since then, the school meal programs have been quite efficacious in Nepal that has been able to fulfill just the basic nutritional standard set by the government, i.e.; the availability of 30% of nutritional needs for school going children. That’s when the “Smiling Children Program (School Feeding)” introduced in Nepal, planning to step further by making the availability of additional nutritional needs (up to 48% nutrition fulfillment).

Along with educational impact, the project plans to reduce the Anemia, underweight, dwarfness and zinc deficiency major health related issues that the children face because of malnutrition. So, the intervention of the project is to improve the education of the children considering the deficiency of the malnutrition with the nutritional food support based on the standard of “WHO”. Apart from meal support to targeted school children of selected community schools, the program also provides employment opportunities to the mothers of beneficiary children for meal preparation and feeding activities. In addition to these, mothers’ groups have been benefitted with various trainings like Food Safety and Hygiene Training, Kitchen and Warehouse Management Training, Fire Safety Training, etc. Following the need, with the support of China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD), Global Cooperation for Development (GCD) has been implementing the Smiling Children Program (School Feeding) since 2022 AD. The main purpose of the program is to support improvised school-going children (ECD to 5), lacking sufficient nourishment, primarily targeting SDG 2 (Zero hunger), while contributing to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). As far as we come to August 2025, Smiling Children Program (School Feeding) has benefitted 17,329 students across 50 community schools of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Kirtipur Municipality, Godawari Municipality and Nagarjun Municipality.

Yearly Data of Smiling Children Program (School Feeding)

Year

Male

Female

Total

 

2022

1961

2365

4326

2023

2156

2609

4765

2024

2126

2626

4752

2025 (Ongoing Program)

1717

1769

3486

Education Support Program: School Bags, Stationery Items and Hygiene Kits & Warm Clothes Package

Education being a fundamental human right, in context of Nepal, children from socially excluded and marginalized groups continue to face significant barriers in accessing quality education. The school education system is challenged by low participation rates, high dropout levels, and limited progression, particularly among disadvantaged communities. These issues stem from a combination of factors, including inadequate access to educational resources, weak school management systems, and insufficient engagement between parents and teachers. One of the key indicators of this challenge is low internal efficiency, which is often reflected in low student achievement, high repetition rates, and early school dropout, especially at the primary level. For addressing these complex issues, the Education Support Program (School Bags, Stationery Items, Hygiene Kits & Warm Clothes Package) is a targeted initiative aimed at enhancing access to education and improving the well-being of children in marginalized and vulnerable communities of Nepal. The program provides essential learning materials such as school bags, notebooks, pens, pencils and many other items, along with hygiene kits that include soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and sanitary items to promote cleanliness and personal care among school-going children. Additionally, warm clothes—including track set, caps, mufflers, gloves and socks—are distributed, especially during the winter months, to ensure that children can attend school comfortably despite harsh weather conditions. By addressing both educational and basic physical needs, the program reduces barriers to school attendance, supports regular participation in classroom activities, and fosters a healthier, safer, and more inclusive learning environment.

v In 2022, a total of 10,000 school bags were distributed under the “Education Support Program”. The distribution covered 11 districts, including 1 metropolitan city, 10 municipalities, and 11 rural municipalities, reaching a total of 79 schools. The support benefited 4,956 male and 5,044 female students, promoting access to basic educational materials and encouraging school attendance across diverse geographical areas.

v Likewise, in 2023, the program again supported school-aged children through the distribution of 20,006 school bags across 10 districts, including 1 metropolitan city, 6 municipalities, and 17 rural municipalities, covering a total of 208 schools. This initiative benefited 10,139 male and 9,867 female students, aiming to promote equitable access to basic educational materials and encourage continued school attendance. In the same year, the program benefitted 5,933 students by Warm Clothes Packages in 5 districts, reaching 1 metropolitan city, 5 municipalities, and 4 rural municipalities, and covering 101 schools. Among the recipients were 2,918 male and 3,015 female students. This seasonal support was especially critical in helping children stay warm during the winter months, thereby improving their comfort, health, and overall school participation.

v Similarly, additional 1,000 sets of school bags were provided to 1,133 students, having 586 male and 547 female students; covering 6 schools across 3 municipalities and 3 rural municipalities of 4 districts.

v Coming to 2024, school bags’ sets again were distributed to 4,978 students across 44 schools located in one sub-metropolitan city, one municipality, and three rural municipalities spanning four districts. Additionally, warm clothes packages were provided to 1,250 students from 14 schools situated in one municipality and two rural municipalities across three districts. The initiative ultimately contributes to improving student retention, academic engagement, and overall quality of education in under-resourced areas.

Economic Upliftment of Smallholders through tea Value Chain Enhancement

Nepal's tea industry is not merely a source of livelihood; it represents a cultural and economic tradition deeply rooted in the country's history. By the virtue of its diverse geography and suitable agro-climatic conditions, Nepal possesses enormous potential to become a prominent player in the global tea market.

Despite this potential, the majority of tea farmers in Nepal remain smallholders struggling with multitude of challenge that hinder their economic prosperity. These challenges include political instability, lack of infrastructure, and competition from tea producing neighboring countries like India and China.

However, in recent years, there has been a comeback of interest in Nepali tea due to its unique flavor profiles and high quality.

Recognizing the necessity to address those aforementioned challenges and harness the full potential of the tea industry, with the financial support of China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD), we, Global Cooperation for Development (GCD) as an implementing partner, embarked on a transformative journey towards enhancement of tea value chain.

The Economic Upliftment of Smallholders through Tea Value Chain Enhancement Project is a development initiative aimed at improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and cooperatives by strengthening the tea value chain in Nepal; currently having its project location at Myagang Rural Municipality-4, Kimtang, Nuwakot and Mahankal Rural Municipality-3, Gotikhel, Lalitpur, employing hundreds of them.

This project focuses on equipping tea cooperative farmers with high-quality tea machinery, which is expected to revolutionize the productivity, quality, and market access of small-scale tea growers, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions. Through capacity building, improved farming practices, access to quality inputs, and the promotion of sustainable cultivation methods, the project empowers farmers to increase their income and competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. Additionally, it fosters the establishment of farmer cooperatives and supports linkages with processing units and buyers, ensuring fair prices and value addition at the local level. By addressing key gaps in the production, processing, and marketing stages, the project contributes to rural economic growth, job creation, and long-term sustainability in the tea sector. 

Disaster Relief Project in Nepal

Nepal, a country known for its varied topography, frequently experiences unavoidable natural calamities, with flood being one of the most recurrent and devastating one. In September 2024, several regions across Nepal experienced intense and prolonged rainfall, leading to widespread flooding that affected thousands of families, infrastructures, and the economy.

As of September 2024, an estimated 1.5 million people across multiple provinces have been directly affected by flooding, with over 150,000 displaced from their homes.

During that period, the Kathmandu Valley experienced severe flooding following an unprecedented heavy monsoon rain.

While the loss of life was limited to fewer than 20 people due to rapid evacuation efforts; the floods displaced thousands of families in Kathmandu, Lalitpur and other nearby regions. Many homes, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods, were destroyed or severely damaged, forcing people to seek temporary shelter in schools, community centers, and public spaces. Over 50,000 people were directly affected, with many losing personal property, household goods, and livelihoods due to the water damage.

To identify the most vulnerable households that requires food and family kits assistance, the Disaster Relief Project in Nepal” worked as a coordinated emergency response and recovery initiative aimed for supporting communities affected by flood and landslide. 600 families throughout various municipalities and rural municipalities of Lalitpur and Kavre were benefitted by this emergency response; where the relief packages included food and non-food items crucially essential for daily needs. This project focused on the timely delivery of life-saving assistance—to disaster-affected populations, especially in remote and high-risk areas. It also emphasized the protection of vulnerable groups including children, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Implemented in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Committee, local level and humanitarian partners, the project also incorporates disaster risk reduction, awareness, and preparedness training. In doing so, it not only addresses immediate needs but also helps build community resilience to future disasters, contributing to long-term recovery and sustainable development.

Technical Cooperation in Vegetable Production (Greenhouse) Project

Agriculture, being the backbone of Nepal’s economy, makes up about 27% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and gives work to over 60% of the people. Within agriculture, vegetable farming is a crucial part. Although there is no separate figure showing how much vegetables alone contribute to the GDP, they are a key part of both food supply and exports.

In Bagmati Province, vegetable farming is especially important because the soil is very fertile. Also, there is high demand for fresh vegetables in cities like Kathmandu Valley which makes vegetable farming a big part of the local economy and an important source of income for farmers.

Despite the importance of vegetables, productivity remains low.

Several reasons cause this low output, like, many farmers have limited access to reliable sources of water, making irrigation difficult. Second, modern technologies are not widely used, as many farmers still rely on traditional methods. Third, pest control practices are not always effective, leading to crop losses. Poor roads and weak connections to markets also make it hard for farmers to sell their production. In addition, unpredictable weather and natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and droughts often damage crops. All these factors have kept productivity lower than it could be.

The government of Nepal recognizing how important agriculture is for reducing poverty and improving food security has created several plans and policies to help. One of the main plans is the Agriculture Development Strategy (ADS) 2015–2035 aiming to increase agriculture’s contribution to the national economy and making sure all people have access to enough nutritious food and also focuses on promoting sustainable farming.

Along with the ADS, the government has launched the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project (PMAMP) which focuses on modernizing farming practices across the country and increasing output.

PMAMP supports developing and sharing high-yielding varieties of crops, including vegetables, to help farmers get better results. It also focuses on improving water management, so irrigation can be more efficient and reliable. In addition, it promotes new agricultural technologies that can help farmers cope with weather risks and produce crops more effectively.

Greenhouses are one of these important modern technologies. They provide a protected environment where vegetables can be grown throughout the year, no matter what the weather is like outside. In a greenhouse, temperature, humidity, and water can be controlled. Greenhouses also help protect crops from pests and diseases which ultimately reduce crop loss and improve quality.

The “Technical Cooperation in Vegetable Production (Greenhouse) Project” has been proposed to support these goals which plan to help develop and promote high-yielding hybrid vegetable varieties that suit the different climates and regions of Nepal.

The project, in the recent time, covering two locations; i.e., Hudu of Dakshinkali Municipality-9 and Khokana of Lalitpur Metropolitan City-21, also aims to train farmers to use greenhouse technology properly which will help them improve their yields, reduce losses, and have more reliable harvests. By using greenhouses, farmers can also use water more efficiently, which is very important in areas where water is scarce.

Overall, better vegetable production will bring many benefits to Nepal. It can help farmers earn more money, create more jobs in rural areas, and improve people’s nutrition by making fresh vegetables more available. When production increases, Nepal will not have to import as many vegetables, which helps the economy.

This project fits perfectly with Nepal’s national plans like the ADS and PMAMP. It supports the goals of modernizing agriculture, making farming more productive, and protecting natural resources for the future. With better seeds, greenhouse technology, and farmer training, Nepal can improve food security, reduce poverty, and build a stronger agricultural sector.  Along with these goals its objective also includes building the skills of farmers and local governments through training, research, and partnerships.

Nepal Hybrid Rice South Agricultural Science and Technology Park

Agriculture being the backbone of Nepal’s economy, contributes 27% to country’s GDP, and employs more than 60% of the total population. Rice, the staple food crop in Nepal with an annual production of around 5.6 million tons, accounts for 20% of the country's agricultural GDP. However, the average rice productivity remains low at around 3.5 tons/hectare, far below the global average, due to outdated farming practices, limited access to improved seeds, and inadequate technology. This threatens food security and rural livelihoods.

The Nepal government has recognized the importance of increasing agricultural productivity and improving food security through various national plans and policies. The Agriculture Development Strategy (ADS) 2015-2035 aims to increase the agricultural sector's contribution to the national economy, improve food and nutrition security, and promote sustainable agriculture practices. One of the key objectives of the ADS is to enhance productivity through the promotion of improved seeds, efficient irrigation systems, and the adoption of modern agricultural technologies.

Furthermore, the Government of Nepal has recently launched the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project (PMAMP) to modernize the agricultural sector and enhance productivity. The project emphasizes the development and dissemination of high-yielding rice varieties, as well as the promotion of efficient water management practices and the adoption of innovative agricultural technologies.

The “Nepal Hybrid Rice South Agricultural Science and Technology Park” project addresses this challenge by developing high-yielding hybrid rice varieties suited to Nepal’s diverse climates. Aligning with national strategies like the ADS and the PMAMP, the initiative aims to boost yields, promote sustainable farming, and strengthen farmer capacity through research and training. The project is crucial for enhancing food security, reducing poverty, and modernizing agriculture. By fostering public-private partnerships and technology transfer, it ensures long-term benefits for smallholder farmers. This initiative reflects a commitment to sustainable development, aligning with global goals of improving rural economies and resilient food systems.

The proposed 'Nepal Hybrid Rice Science and Technology Park' project aligns with the government's national plans and policies by focusing on the development and promotion of high-yielding hybrid rice varieties suitable for the diverse agro-ecological zones of Nepal. Working in close collaboration with Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Bharatpur, Chitwan, the project's main anticipated outcomes will contribute to achieve following objectives:

Ø  Enhance rice productivity and promote sustainable agricultural practices by disseminating various varieties of superior hybrid rice, suitable for Nepal’s diverse climatic conditions, with a particular focus on Chitwan district.

Ø  Promote high-yielding hybrid rice varieties adapted to Chitwan through trials and varietal selection.

Ø  Enhance seed adoption and accessibility by ensuring availability of high-quality seeds for local farmers.

Ø  Strengthen capacity building through the trainings, demonstration plots and research support for the cultivation.

Ø  Foster collaboration and policy support, engaging stakeholders to mainstream modern technologies in Nepal’s agricultural policies. 

Support to School and Communities in Rural Areas for Pandemic Prevention and Green Recovery Project (UNDP)

The “Support to School and Communities in Rural Areas for Pandemic Prevention and Green Recovery Project” in Nepal, funded by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD), was implemented by Global Cooperation for Development (GCD), aiming to strengthen educational continuity and health resilience in remote areas affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeting vulnerable and marginalized communities in Rautahat and Sarlahi districts of Madhesh Province, the project focused on 30 community schools and benefitted 18,000 students at 2 separate rounds. A key component of the initiative was the distribution of essential school supplies and hygiene materials to ensure safe and uninterrupted learning. Students received school bags filled with stationery items such as notebooks, pens, pencils, geometry box, drawing materials, tiffin box, water bottle to support their education. In parallel, hygiene kit containing soap, face masks, face towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, bandage, thermometer and sanitizer; altogether 20 items, were provided to promote personal hygiene and reduce the risk of disease transmission. The distribution was part of a broader strategy that included upgrading school WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) infrastructure and promoting inclusive, gender-sensitive support. These efforts aimed not only to help students return to school safely but also to build long-term resilience in schools and communities through integrated pandemic prevention and green recovery measures.

Installation of Flow Monitoring Stations and Early Warning Systems

Following the successful execution of all core activities under the Disaster relief Project, including final evaluation and report overseen by the Social Welfare Council, a surplus budget was recorded. After careful assessment, it was concluded that this remaining fund could be optimally utilized by investing in flood preparedness infrastructure high-risk areas. Dakshinkali Municipality and Gotikhel of Mahankal Rural Municipality have been identified as high-risk zones for water-induced disasters, especially during the monsoon season. Reinforcing early warning capacity was seen as a critical intervention to safeguard lives, reduce losses, and prepare communities for future calamities.

This intervention was made possible through the reallocation of unutilized funds from the completed Disaster Relief Project demonstrating a transparent use of the remaining fund to reinforce disaster preparedness in flood-prone areas and addressing the growing need for real-time flood risk monitoring and community-based early warning mechanisms, particularly in light of increasing climatic hazards with the objectives:

·       To enhance flood risk monitoring capacity in Dakshinkali and Gotikhel.

·       To establish reliable early warning systems to alert communities ahead of rising flood threats.

·       To ensure proper use of remaining project funds in a transparent and impactful manner.

·       To build local capacity in disaster preparedness through community training.

Jajarkot Earthquake Family Pack Relief Packages Project

The Jajarkot Earthquake Family Pack Relief Packages Project was initiated to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to families severely affected by the earthquake in Jajarkot district. The primary objectives of the project were to deliver immediate relief and support to families enduring harsh living conditions and to ensure the timely distribution of essential Family Pack supplies to those in need. Under this initiative, a total of 2,000 Family Pack sets were distributed across three municipalities and two rural municipalities of Jajarkot and one municipality and one rural municipality of West Rukum, addressing the immediate non-food needs of the impacted population. The project played a crucial role in supporting vulnerable communities during a critical recovery period.

West Rukum Relief and Recovery Project

The West Rukum Relief and Recovery Project was carried out to support families affected by the earthquake in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) of Nepal. With the generous and emergency support of CFRD, GCD implemented the project to deliver timely and essential aid to those most in need. As part of the relief efforts, 3,906 Food Pack sets were delivered to families in three municipalities and three rural municipalities of Jajarkot and two municipalities and one rural municipality of West Rukum, helping to alleviate food insecurity in the aftermath of the disaster. In addition to the distribution of food and non-food relief items—including Family Kit Packages, Warm Clothes Packages, and Food Packages—the project also conducted rapid needs assessments to identify and prioritize the most vulnerable groups. This initiative has played a vital role in easing the hardships faced by affected communities and reinforcing resilience during a critical recovery period. 

Emergency Family Kits Distribution Program (Doti)

The Emergency Family Kits Distribution Program was carried out in Purbichauki Rural Municipality of Doti District to support communities affected by the devastating earthquake. This initiative was made possible through the Emergency Family Kit Distribution Program 2022, a humanitarian effort led by the Global Cooperation for Development (GCD) with generous financial support from the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD). Recognizing the urgent needs of displaced and vulnerable families, the project aimed to provide essential non-food relief items that would help them regain a sense of stability and dignity during the recovery phase.

A total of 400 family kits were distributed directly to earthquake-affected households. Each kit was carefully prepared to address basic household and hygiene needs, which included: a tent for temporary shelter, a blanket for warmth, a towel, sanitary pads, soap, toothpaste, and a toothbrush; an essential basic need. These items were chosen to meet immediate needs for cleanliness, health, and protection from the elements, especially in the face of harsh post-disaster living conditions.

It was also highlighted in national media, including in a Nepal Live Today article titled “China Foundation for Rural Development donates relief materials to Doti earthquake victims,” which brought attention to the vital impact of the program on the ground.

Overall, the Emergency Family Kits Distribution Program in Doti made a meaningful difference in the lives of hundreds of families, helping them navigate the immediate aftermath of the disaster with greater comfort and dignity.

Rasuwa Monsoon Relief Distribution Program 2023

The Rasuwa Monsoon Relief Distribution Program 2023 was implemented to support communities of Uttargaya Rural Municipality, Rasuwa District, who were affected by the challenges brought on by the monsoon season. Heavy rains during the monsoon often increase the vulnerability of already remote and underserved communities, particularly in terms of shelter, warmth, and access to education and health essentials. In response to these needs, the program focused on both household-level and educational support.

A total of 60 households in the rural municipality received blankets, providing critical warmth and protection against the cold and damp conditions that frequently follow the monsoon. This direct support helped families maintain basic comfort and well-being in the aftermath of seasonal disruptions.

In addition to household support, the program extended its assistance to the education sector by providing a comprehensive set of educational materials to Shree Dandagaun Secondary School, located in the same municipality. The education support package included not only learning materials for students but also essential sanitary items and a first aid box, contributing to a safer, healthier, and more inclusive learning environment.

This targeted relief effort reflects a holistic approach—addressing both immediate households needs and the longer-term importance of education and health for children. Through the Rasuwa Monsoon Relief Distribution Program 2023, the initiative aimed to improve the resilience of the local community while fostering a supportive environment for students and their families during a challenging season.

Warm Kit Distribution (Manang)

The Warm Kit Distribution Program was conducted across three of the most vulnerable rural municipalities in Manang District, namely Chama, Deshang, and Narsho, targeting households living in high‑altitude and cold-prone areas. Supported by the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) and facilitated by Global Cooperation for Development (GCD), the initiative reached a total of 300 families, with 100 families in each municipality receiving assistance.

Each beneficiary household were provided with a warm set of blankets, aimed to protect individuals—especially the elderly and economically disadvantaged; against severe weather conditions during the winters. These targeted distributions were carried out through carefully, ensuring that assistance reached those most in need.

This intervention demonstrates the power of international collaboration in addressing basic survival needs in Nepal’s remote regions. The coordinated efforts by CFRD and GCD served to alleviate hardship and improve resilience among harsh weather‑affected communities in Manang.

Scroll to Top