Heaven Hill
BUILDING A SUPPORT NET, NEPAL
Heaven Hill Academy stands as a pioneering institution in Nepal, distinguishing itself as the first entirely free private school in the nation. Nestled in Gaunshahar, among the poorest regions of Nepal, this noble establishment commits to fully subsidising tuition fees, uniforms, and school materials for children hailing from the most marginalised castes and economic strata. This comprehensive support significantly alleviates the financial strain on families, enabling children to immerse themselves in education within a nurturing, non-violent setting that encourages self-development and fosters creativity.
The transformative impact of Heaven Hill Academy on the local community is profound. To date, the academy has empowered thousands children with access to quality education, equipping them with fluency in English—a skill that opens doors to new opportunities. Moreover, the presence and philosophy of Heaven Hill Academy have catalysed a paradigm shift in community attitudes towards violence and the value of education, laying the groundwork for a brighter, more enlightened future for all its members.
For those interested in learning more about the inspirational work of Heaven Hill Academy and its contributions to transforming lives through education, further information is available at https://264.education/projects/new-marigold-school
The challenge
Nepal stands as one of the world's most impoverished and unequal nations, where approximately 30% of its population grapples with poverty, hindering access to quality education. The educational landscape is marred by a stark contrast: while private institutions demand steep fees, public schools, though ostensibly free, foster a hostile atmosphere through the use of violent disciplinary measures, perpetuating a cycle of aggression that impedes learning.
Presently, Heaven Hill Academy caters to students from nursery through 5th grade, serving approximately 120 children at a monthly cost of USD $15 per student. Remarkably, this endeavor is sustained solely through charitable donations, without any assistance from the Nepali government.
However, formidable challenges loom on the horizon. With each passing year, Heaven Hill Academy must expand to ensure that every child in Gaunshahar receives a comprehensive education. The imminent transition of students into 6th grade reveals a critical shortfall: there are no available classrooms, underscoring the urgent need for funding to safeguard these children's educational journey.
Moreover, amidst their ongoing efforts, Heaven Hill Academy is embarking on the construction of a second school in another remote village. Their visionary roadmap extends beyond the confines of a single village; they aspire to revolutionise education across Nepal. Central to this mission is the provision of at least one nutritious meal daily to students, addressing the pervasive issue of malnutrition that plagues the nation.
How might we help a remote charity to create a sustainable source of income to continue to deliver high quality education in rural Nepal?
The outcome
To address the challenge of constant funding needs that Heaven Hill faces, we have devised a new fundraising strategy supported by three main pillars:
1. Focus on developing long-term relationships.
Heaven Hill Academy hosts approximately 350 international volunteers annually. However, for many, their interaction with Heaven Hill is a one-off experience, with no ongoing connection with the NGO once they depart. Establishing a volunteer alumni network is crucial, as this group of individuals is invested in the cause and more likely to donate and share campaigns when provided with the appropriate means.
2. Build transparency and accountability.
One of the primary shortcomings of numerous charities and NGOs is a lack of transparency regarding the allocation of funds. Proactively keeping donors and volunteers informed about project developments is essential for fostering a sense of ownership and involvement.
3. Diversify donation models.
Instead of relying solely on sporadic fundraising campaigns in times of need, Heaven Hill could implement structured fundraising programmes. This could involve options such as sponsoring the monthly education costs for one or more children, supporting specific projects such as providing food or school materials, and launching seasonal campaigns like the Christmas appeal, where individuals can donate either for themselves or on behalf of others as a gift.
This strategy has been realised through the creation of a digital platform and a comprehensive set of guidelines to effectively implement these pillars and bring them to fruition.
This project consisted of
Design Research
Strategy
Service and Product Design
Delivery
