Since the beginning, we’ve embarked on valuable research into community needs. Our findings and analysis have shaped our Thematic Interventions and Strategic Priorities. We’re investing in programs directly benefiting
people and communities in need.
“By 2024, our initiatives will benefit as least 2,700 women and children across 5 communities and 7 public schools.”
Our Current Projects
1. Community Learning Program
Through our community learning centers – increase access to learning (formal & non-formal settings) through community based education.
A. After School Support – To promote healthy child development in marginalized communities.
The After-School Project aims to provide learning support for children living in slum and rural areas. It is often the case for these children, that, due to daily work commitments, parents are unable to provide care for children after school. Even when parents can be there, they often do not have the literacy skills to support and share in their children’s learning.
UniCoN is contributing to family life and supporting holistic child development, the initiative includes arts, music, dance, sports, and extracurricular activities, along with homework and learning support by providing after school activities. This also includes English skills, basic health care skills and healthy leisure alternatives.
Through our Five Community Learning Centers, UniCoN is supporting 275 children (3-15 years) in four slum communities. We will continue to resource another seven communities. We are looking forward to working with new donors to make this vision a reality.
B. Digi ACT: Digital Access, Cybersecurity and Training
Educating communities about digital literacy, proper use of digital devices, and cybersecurity is crucial for ensuring safe and secure online practices.
Our learning center, now equipped with internet access, has empowered individuals – children, youth and mothers – to navigate the digital world, access online education and employment opportunities, and connect globally.
The project aims to address grassroots issues through digital hubs, providing enhanced digital literacy and access to vulnerable youth, particularly within Dalit communities. It also seeks to inform local leaders and establish a network of informed community leaders to reduce vulnerabilities. This initiative empowers individuals with improved digital skills, fostering more equitable and sustainable development. Incorporating monitoring and evaluation measures, as well as sustainability strategies, are integral parts of the project’s approach.
C. Pathways for Women: Recovery and Healing from Economic Trauma
At Pathways for Women, we are dedicated to empowering young mothers by equipping them with essential skills and vocational training. Our aim is to enhance their economic independence, thereby fostering sustainable livelihoods within their communities.
Central to our approach is a holistic and trauma-informed perspective. We believe that addressing economic empowerment is not only enhancing women’s agency but also about providing a pathway for healing and recovery for women, children, and families across generations.
To achieve this, we conducted a two-month skill-building training program in eco-friendly bag production. This initiative targeted 27 mothers who had previously dropped out of school or college. By imparting these sustainable skills, we not only enhance their economic prospects but also contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
2. Aviation Education: Pioneering Aerospace Education in Nepal
Since 2022, we’ve embarked on a groundbreaking project to introduce ‘Aviation Education’ for the first time in Nepal. This initiative aims to inspire and educate the younger generation about the exciting opportunities and career paths available in the field.
With generous financial and technical support from the Aerostar Avion Institute, USA, we’re implementing this program by replicating their successful model. Currently, our focus is on secondary-level students (grades 8 and 9) at Shree Siddha and Kalika Secondary School in Pokhara. We’re grateful for the collaboration with the Pokhara Metropolitan Office, Kaski Education Offices, Civil Aviation Authority of Pokhara, and Pokhara International Airport.
Program Objectives:
– Equip students with necessary skills and knowledge through hands-on learning experiences and industry exposure visits.
– Inspire and motivate students while raising awareness about aviation safety and security measures.
– Evaluate the impact of the program on students’ knowledge, skills, and career aspirations.
Program Activities:
– Aviation awareness for students (grades 8 and 9), involving school management committees, ward representatives, parent-teacher associations, and teachers.
– Development of a comprehensive curriculum for effective aviation education delivery.
3. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Education
Our organization, committed to advancing STEM education, focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. We employ a multifaceted approach to promote excellence and innovation in STEM education across four schools. This includes organizing specialized training workshops for Science and Mathematics teachers to enhance their teaching methodologies and provide access to advanced resources, alongside establishing fully-equipped mathematics labs in two new schools for hands-on learning. Additionally, we host annual STEM competitions to identify and nurture talented students, while a mentorship program pairs students with industry professionals for career guidance. We also offer immersive STEM camps and guide students in developing sustainability projects in aviation.
Furthermore, we facilitate collaboration among STEM teachers, implement comprehensive tracking systems to monitor progress, and provide online resources for continuous learning. Moreover, we engage parents and the community through workshops and events to foster a supportive environment. Notably, we arrange airport visits for students to witness firsthand the intersection of STEM and aviation, enriching their educational experience. Through these initiatives, we aim to cultivate a generation of skilled and motivated individuals prepared to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s world.
4. E-STEM and Eco-Conscious Activities
UniCoN is dedicated to promoting environmental consciousness and sustainability through our E-STEM initiatives. Our organization champions eco-conscious activities and environmental education by conducting engaging workshops in schools. These workshops are designed to raise awareness and foster understanding of crucial environmental topics such as conservation, sustainable practices, and environmental stewardship. In addition to these fundamental themes, our sessions also address the significant impacts of air travel on the environment, including its contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and habitat destruction. We explore the complexities of transportation systems, highlighting the environmental implications of various modes of transportation and promoting discussions on alternative, eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Furthermore, our workshops aim to empower students to become agents of change by encouraging them to adopt environmentally responsible behaviors and to advocate for sustainable practices within their communities. Through these initiatives, UniCoN endeavors to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to address pressing environmental challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future.
SHREE GANESH BASIC SCHOOL RENOVATION
Shree Ganesh Basic school is a public educational centre.
The current School’s structure is dangerously close to collapsing, with roof issues, deteriorating walls, slippery floors and doors that are coming off their hinges. There is no electricity in the classrooms and natural light is very poor because windows are obstructed. Classes are flooded and full of humidity during the rainy seasons and cold during the winter. Parents and school administrators are worried that such a structure could put children’s health and safety at risk and cause an unanticipated catastrophe. Additionally, such a setting is aesthetically demotivating for kids to learn without proper furniture, decoration and materials to create a child friendly spaces. There is not a clean, lively environment for children to pursue their education.
United Community Nepal is raising funds to process as soon as possible with the school structure renovation and provide a safe learning space preventing early school drop outs. Furthermore, our intention to build aditional educational facilities for the school will enrich teacher’s primary and secondary students avoiding longs walks to reach the nearest educational center.
