When we westerners go trekking or climbing in the Himalayas, we need the help of people from the mountains. The guides, cooks and porters that support trekkings and expeditions in the mountains, belong to ethnic groups like Sherpa, Tamang, Magar, Gurung and Newari. Through them we are introduced to the living conditions of these mountain peoples, who are mostly poor and can offer their children few prospects of a better future. The education offered in the village schools is far from adequate and opportunities for individual and community development are limited.

Goals
Sathiko Sath was founded in 2009 in order to give these children a better chance in life. We do this by offering them a good education at one of the best schools in Kathmandu, the Little Angels’ School (LAS). The founder of this school was once a mountain child himself; he knows ‘our’ children’s background well.
We guarantee our children a minimum of ten years education at the LAS, followed by two years of upper secondary education or vocational training. This assures them of a future with better opportunities.
We strive for a balance between boys and girls and between ethnic groups. Children with disabilities are also eligible for placement.
At present (school year 2021-2022) we have 42 children in our care.

We offer our children:

• • a good education, which includes attention to sports, dance and the arts;
  • all required textbooks and other school supplies such as pens and notebooks;
  • school uniforms and sportswear, including footwear;
  • computers (e-learning and e-library);
  • school uniforms and sportswear, including footwear;
  • homework assistance and advice on career choices;
  • accommodation and comprehensive care.

Housing
The children that go to school in Kathmandu through Sathiko Sath, also need a place to live during the school year. To take care of this, the foundation rents two houses in the direct vicinity of the school where the children can live, play and study. Here, they are looked after by Nepalese foster parents. The girls live in the second house, the boys in the first house, where they eat and have all their other common activities plus a playground.
The children participate in daily chores: from cleaning, cooking and technical repairs to maintaining the vegetable garden. They learn to be respectful of each other’s customs and backgrounds and develop a high degree of independency.
All three houses meet the requirements of hostels as defined by the Nepalese government.

Monitoring and results
Moving from their villages homes to our houses in the city is a major transition for the children. For this reason, both the foster parents and the school closely monitor their wellbeing. Additional guidance is provided if necessary. Their school progress is discussed in detail at the end of every term. Also, regular meetings are held between the care parents and other supervisors, and the school and the children’s parents.
The children are doing well; their results are excellent and they are highly motivated.

Costs
The cost of education and housing is currently approximately € 650 resp. € 1,100 per child per year. This sum has been determined on the basis of our previous experience and existing contracts. We closely monitor expenses to keep control of costs. Each year all expenses are recalculated and laid down in annual accounts, which are checked by both Dutch and Nepalese accountants.