Identifying paths to girls’ successful higher education in the Solukhumbu District, Nepal

Economic, social, cultural, and geographical barriers in rural Nepal prevent many girls from successfully reaching higher levels of education. The aim of this research was to identify the enabling environments and support systems that have allowed girls from the rural and mountainous Solukhumbu District of Nepal to successfully reach “college” level education in class levels 11 and 12, despite barriers to their educational success. Results indicate that four primary factors create the foundation of the educational success: the motivation and determination of the girl to succeed in education; the support of the girls’ families and the commitment of the families to education; the egalitarian treatment of all students in all levels of school by teachers; and the financial and lodging support provided by the Salleri Girls’ Hostel for Higher Education, run by a local NGO. Results show success is achieved through financial support programs; family support, both in terms of motivation and encouragement, as well as through reducing girls’ domestic and family care responsibilities; increasing awareness of the benefits of education in communities; and support offered by NGO programs.
Recommendations for effective future initiatives to support girls’ education include the establishment of more hostels for girls, offering financial support to families to offset educational costs when sponsorships at hostels are not available, and community awareness programs about the benefits of educating girls.