ESDO is based in Kapilvastu, in the southern lowlands of Nepal, with a project office at Trade Tower, Thapathali, Kathmandu.
About Kapilvastu
Kapilvastu, in Lumbini Province, has a rich cultural and historic heritage. 2,500 years ago, it was the home of Siddhartha Gautam, who became known as the Buddha. Its complex history as a largely forested habitat that was both coveted for its resources and avoided as a difficult, malarial region, as well as its location at the border of Nepal and India, has given it an intricate cultural and socioeconomic landscape.
Over half of Kapilvastu’s people come from culturally rich but marginalized communities, including Tharu, Awadhi speakers, and Muslims. Pahadia (hill Nepalis) who migrated to the area are also often disadvantaged, including many communities of Dalits. Fewer than half of all women are literate. Around 15 percent of children ages 10-14 are estimated to be working as child laborers. Only 32 percent of girls and 37 percent of boys are in school past Grade 9, while only 6 percent of women and 9 percent of men have graduated from high school. Communities, however, are strong and knowledgeable in ways that may not be easily measured, and are eager to create positive change.
Our story began in 2001 as a volunteer effort by a local university student to expand literacy to neighbors. All activities were run for many years entirely by volunteers. Early activities included Reading Circles, peer-to-peer adult literacy classes, and a village-based magazine featuring stories, poetry and art by community members.
As participants looked for ways to use their literacy to change their communities for the better, the organization expanded across Kapilvastu, grew and evolved. An office was built through donated land and materials. We now partner with local and provincial government and other organizations to implement projects in keeping with our mission and values. ESDO is registered with the Social Welfare Council and has worked in six of Nepal’s seven provinces.
Education in Every Home and Self-Reliant Development Organization (ESDO) works with communities and organizations to achieve sustainable, self-reliant, locally grounded change that supports human rights, embraces inclusion, and promotes peace and social harmony.
We believe in bringing education and self-reliance to every home.
Because we value education, we commit to being open to ideas, flexible, innovative, respectful of diversity and cultural heritage, and committed to learning from others and pursuing continuous improvement.
Because we value self-reliance, we commit to working in ways that are locally grounded, fiscally responsible, have integrity and authenticity, center community voices and insights, and are sustainable.
Because we value every home, we commit to weighing all of our work in light of its impact on our communities and our planet.
