Update: Hope Through Education Trust Fund

September 2013

Laps for Learning 2011 established the Hope Through Education Trust Fund in partnership with Nepal Hope, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization.
Through the generous donation of many, Laps for Learning raised $6,730.  This amount was deposited into the trust account where the principal continues to grow while the interest on the balance is used for scholarship awards.
In the Spring of 2013, our first scholarship award was granted.  

Hope Through Education Trust Fund

Selects First Scholarship Recipient

Thirteen-year-old Niraj Pariyar was born in a village several miles outside of Kathmandu.  After his father’s death from liver cancer, the family, including his mother and two older siblings, moved to Kathmandu.  Niraj attended a government school where he excelled and was recognized as the top student in his class despite his work at a motorcycle maintenance shop one hour before and several hours after school each day.

Nepal Hope and the Hope Through Education Trust Fund selected Niraj because of his Head Master’s admirable recommendation of Niraj’s absolute determination and ability to study and be a good student. When Nepal Hope approached Niraj and his mother about the scholarship, Niraj insisted that he continue to work to help support his family; however, his mother counseled that if he were given the opportunity to attend a private school of good quality he should concentrate on his education.  

Niraj and his mother live in a rented one-room dwelling.  Niraj’s mother works as a house cleaner for neighboring apartments earning a subsistence wage.

Niraj has been admitted to Paramount Academy, an English medium private school.  The Academy has generously collaborated with Nepal Hope by waiving 50% of his admission fee and monthly tuition. The remainder of his school fees as well as uniforms, books and supplies, are provided through the Hope Through Education Trust Fund. 

Niraj’s new Head Master has notified Nepal Hope that Niraj is doing well.  He continues to progress in his English language skills and is proving to be a very capable student in the more competitive curriculum of Paramount Academy.

We wish all the best to Niraj!

                                                               Niraj and his mother.

                                                                     13 year old Niraj.

                                                         Niraj and his mother in their home.