PIN’s Inclusive Education Project Reaches Nepal’s Most Marginalized Girls: A Safe Transition into the Future

Reaching Out-of-School Girls in Madhesh Province

Through its inclusive education initiative, the Aarambha-Leave No Girl Behind (LNGB) project, PIN supported more than 9,000 out-of-school adolescent girls in Madhesh province between 2018 and 2024, offering them pathways to formal education or vocational training. This project, funded by the UKAid's Girls’ Education Challenge (GEC) programme, addressed the educational challenges faced by marginalized girls, empowering them to overcome social and economic barriers. The Aarambha project, implemented across 22 rural and urban municipalities in Bara and Rautahat districts, focused on reaching the most marginalized out-of-school girls aged 10-19. Many of these girls had never had the chance to attend school or were forced to drop out due to forced child marriage. Through the establishment of 462 Community Learning Centers (CLCs), PIN provided an inclusive, safe and accessible way for these girls to pursue accelerated learning in literacy, numeracy, and life skills. Upon completion of the nine-month course, girls created personalized life plans with their families, helping them map out their futures based on their goals and interests.

Of the 9,497 girls enrolled in the CLCs, 8,122 girls graduated and have begun shaping their futures. Many opted to continue their formal education, with 4,986 girls re-enrolling in school, some even passing their Secondary Education Examination (SEE) and continuing their formal education to grade 11 and 12. Meanwhile, 2,347 girls chose technical and vocational education, learning market-needed skills that helped them establish small businesses, earning up to NPR 20,000 per month.

Building Advocacy for Girls’ Rights to Education through GIEN

A major success of the LNGB project has been the formation of the Girls and Inclusive Education Network (GIEN) in 50 schools. Led by the government, GIEN brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including girls, community representatives, and government officials, to collectively advocate for marginalized girls and children with disabilities’ access to quality and inclusive education. The network ensures these girls have access to equitable learning opportunities and plays a critical role in amplifying their voices in decision-making processes.

The GIEN initiative is closely aligned with Nepal’s 10-year School Education Sector Plan (2021–2030), emphasizing inclusive education especially for marginalized girls. PIN provided technical support to the Center for Education and Human Resource Development (CEHRD) to finalize and endorse the seven-year GIEN strategy and operational standards (2024), which were adopted by the federal government. PIN is also a technical member of both federal and provincial GIEN networks, working to establish the network in provinces such as Madhesh, Lumbini, Gandaki, Koshi, and Sudurpaschim.

Beyond direct support to girls, the Aarambha project focused on improving educational governance at local levels. PIN, alongside its partners, worked with local government representatives and school management committees to establish GIEN networks at 82 local levels. This collaborative effort aimed to improve accountability, transparency, and governance in schools, ensuring they are better equipped to support marginalized students, while also supporting local government to develop local education plan and allocate resources for improved education system in their community.

The project, via GIEN, also supported the development of Inclusive School Improvement Plans (SIPs), introduced codes of conduct for students, teachers, and schools, established book corners, and implemented complaint boxes. Gender Focal Teachers were appointed in schools to ensure a safe environment for girls. These initiatives played a vital role in making schools more inclusive and fostering environments where marginalized girls can succeed.

The members of GIEN were trained in issues related to girls' education and the Community Response Mechanism (CRM) at schools. This training empowered them to advocate for the reduction of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), bring OOS children back to school, and create safe for retention, welcoming environments for girls transitioning into secondary education. Through these efforts, GIEN strengthened school governance, accountability, and transparency in 50 schools, supporting marginalized girls’ access to education.

Expanding GIEN through the ACCESS Program

Building on the learnings from the Aarambha project, PIN has launched a new program—Accelerating Civil Society’s Role in Securing Education (ACCESS)—funded by the European Union. Starting in 2024, the ACCESS program aims to strengthen civil society’s role in advocating for equitable education across 60 local government units in Madhesh, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces. This program will establish and operationalize GIEN at various levels and enhance the capacity of 120 civil society organizations (CSOs) to support the implementation of Nepal’s School Education Sector Plan (2022–2032) and GIEN strategy.

By 2027, PIN aims to expand GIEN networks in 60 local government units and strengthen their technical and organizational capacities. The program’s goal is to ensure that marginalized girls continue to have safe transitions into education and that civil society remains engaged in promoting inclusive education.

Empowering Marginalized Girls for a Brighter Future

PIN’s inclusive education project has addressed both educational and socio-cultural barriers that have kept so many girls out of school. By providing accelerated learning opportunities at CLCs, technical training, and establishing GIEN, the project has created opportunities for girls to break the cycle of poverty and exclusion. The initiative has also strengthened local education systems, ensuring that marginalized girls, including those with disabilities, are no longer left behind.

As PIN continues to work with the government, civil society, and local communities, the vision remains clear: no girl should be left behind in their right to education. Through collaborative efforts and sustainable initiatives, marginalized girls across Nepal are being given the tools they need to succeed and thrive in the years to come.