The SAARC Development Fund (SDF), in collaboration with Save the Children’s Nepal and Bhutan Country Offices, has officially launched the regional initiative “Partnership for Quality Inclusive Early Childhood Development & Basic Education” at the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu.

Project Duration & Funding:

Duration: 3 years

Total Investment: USD 4.79 million

Funding Partners: SAARC Development Fund (SDF) & Save the Children

This regional project works alongside governments, communities, educators, and children in Nepal and Bhutan to:

• Promote quality, inclusive early childhood development (ECD) and basic education for children aged 3 to 12.
• Strengthen systems to ensure equitable access to education.
• Create safe, enabling, and inclusive learning environments—at home, in schools, and in communities.

Strategic Relevance:

• Aligns with SAARC’s Plan of Action on Poverty Alleviation.
• Supports national education priorities of Nepal and Bhutan.
• Contributes to regional integration by addressing shared challenges in access to inclusive education.

Implementation in Nepal:

• Location: Madhesh Province (Mahottari & Sarlahi districts).
• Challenges: Low early childhood indicators, gaps in infrastructure, caregiver awareness, and disability inclusion.

Key Interventions:

• Strengthening ECD facilities.
• Promoting disability-inclusive classrooms.
• Raising awareness among caregivers and communities.

Implementation in Bhutan: Builds on the Royal Government’s inclusive education efforts.

• Focus districts: Mongar and Samtse.

Planned actions:

• Establish two inclusive early childhood centers.
• Upgrade two Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools.
• Provide therapy rooms, inclusive learning materials, and assistive devices.

Key Interventions Across Both Countries:

• Construction and renovation of classrooms.
• Upgrading of WASH facilities for safe, accessible learning environments.
• Distribution of age-appropriate learning materials (including household mini-libraries).
• Training for teachers and caregivers on inclusive education.
• Disability screenings and provision of assistive devices.

Voices from the Launch:

Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of SAARC: “This project contributes to equitable access to education and human development in line with SAARC’s vision.”

Irosha Cooray, Officer-in-Charge, SDF: “We are proud to support this initiative for inclusive education and a better future for children.”

Tara Chettry, Country Director, Save the Children Nepal & Bhutan: “No child should be excluded from education due to disability or barriers.”

Karma Doma Tshering, National Director, Save the Children Bhutan: “We are committed to building inclusive spaces and opportunities for children with disabilities.”