Information about Nepal
Nepal is blessed with some of the most extraordinary natural beauty as well as ancient cities that reflect both the age and sophistication of the culture.
Behind the beauty there is immense poverty.
The country's widespread poverty and social inequity forces children as young as 8 years old to work as laborers, in restaurants, or as servants in other people's homes to add a small amount to their family's income. Most of these children have never had an opportunity to go to school.
Two Tier Education System
Poverty in Nepal has starved the government of the resources it needs to support a high quality education system. This lack of government resources has created a two-tier education system. One tier of ill-equipped government schools that charge fees which put them beyond the reach of the poorest families, and another tier with expensive private schools.
Castes
Traditionally, people are part of a certain caste from birth. These castes, which are an important part of Hindu cultures, cannot be changed. Someone from a low caste has limited opportunities for education, work and even marriage. The caste system, although not as influential today, still provides roadblocks to children getting an education.
Why are girls illiterate?
Only 42% of girls are literate in Nepal while 69% of boys are. Many families do not have the resources to educate all of their children; they must choose whom to educate. Because men are the breadwinners and generally live with their parents their entire life, families often choose to educate their sons and not their daughters. This lack of education continues the cycle of poverty.
Nepali Facts
Population 27 million
Literacy Rate 42% Females 69% Males
Living in Poverty 31%
% living on$2/day 82% (12th poorest in the world)
Unemployment rate 42%
Life Expectancy 60 years old
