'Before joining this project, I didn’t even know how to send an email. Now, I’ve helped build a plant database, launched an indigenous knowledge portal, and used advanced programs like Adobe Premiere, GIS, Autocad, and Kobo Toolbox.

One day, I hope to be able to train other young girls interested in science and technology to pursue their careers.'

Ganga Limbu, 22
GIS, Conservation Research and Media Fellow

‘The Tinjure-Milkhe Jhaljhale Rhododendron conservation area is one of the most unique habitats in all of South Asia, with the highest density of rhododendron species in Nepal.

In Chauki, we decided to contribute our ancestral land- a total of 200 ropanis of land- to create a Learning Grounds here, to revitalize a new kind of eco-tourism and also scientific research on the incredible trees found here, some of which are thousands of years old and have cancer-fighting properties.’

Uday Kumar Lo
Founding Director, Chauki Learning Grounds

‘Koshi Tappu is a true gem of Nepal. People travel here from all over the world just to catch a glimpse of a rare bird. But Nepali children and youth, even those who live nearby, don’t know about the biodiversity found here. Koshi Tappu Learning Grounds will teach thousands of youth about this incredible wetland and the global movements of hundreds of bird species that come here to nest.’

Raj Kumar Singh
Koshi Tappu Bird Guide

“I had only heard of outdoor education concepts in America where they took children to a pumpkin farm. Here, we’re starting to imagine ways in which we will integrate nature into our curriculum and take our students into nature. Although I don’t know much about this philosophy and also this way of teaching, I am really excited to start learning.”

Basudev Paudel, Nepali Teacher
Sabitri Secondary High School, Yangshla
BELT Schools Partner

‘After years of teaching, I finally feel like I’ve found my path. I never realized that as a teacher, I can teach math, science, physics in nature.

I look forward to learning about ways in which I can bring nature into Yangshila’s classrooms and also kids into our Learning Grounds.’

Durga Kattel, 26
BELT Outdoor Education Fellow

‘Ever since I was a child, I’ve been interested in building things. Unlike my sisters, I was always attracted to building tools. It was odd for a girl to be interested in construction in my village but I just couldn’t help myself. All I wanted to do, was build.’

Pabitra Magar, 26
Thumki village, Yangshila
BELT Construction Fellow

“This project has been a dream for the past 22 years. Everyday, I feel that we’re getting closer to a reality.”

Kumar Bishwakarma
Director, Yangshila Permaculture Learning Grounds