The Zakat Voice

Education is a fundamental right and a key driver of social and economic development. However, many children and youth in Nepal face multiple barriers to access and complete quality education, especially in rural and marginalized areas. According to the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Nepal has an adult literacy rate of 60%, a primary school completion rate of 82%, and a secondary school completion rate of 44%.

Kapilvastu district is one of the districts of Lumbini Province in southern Nepal. The district covers an area of 1,738 square kilometres (671 sq mi) and has a population of 686,739 according to the 2021 census2. The district is situated at a height of 93 to 1,491 metres (305 to 4,892 ft) above sea level and has a diverse ethnic and linguistic composition. The district is also rich in historical and cultural heritage, as it is believed to be the ancient city of Kapilavastu, where Gautama Buddha spent his early life.

To address the educational challenges in the district, the Government of Nepal has prepared an education sector plan covering the period 2016-2023, called the School Sector Development Plan (SSDP). The plan has three key components: basic education, secondary education, and literacy and lifelong learning. The plan aims to improve the quality, equity, efficiency, and governance of the education system, as well as to enhance the relevance and employability of graduates.

However, the implementation of the SSDP requires substantial financial and technical support from various stakeholders, including development partners, civil society organizations, private sector, and communities. One of the organizations that has been providing financial support for education in Kapilvastu district is the Nepal Zakat Foundation (NZF), a non-governmental organization that collects and distributes zakat (obligatory charity) among the needy and deserving people in accordance with Islamic principles.

The NZF was established in 2022 with the vision to empower the poor and marginalized communities through education and skill development. The NZF operates in various districts of Nepal, including Kapilvastu district, where it has a large Muslim population.

Some of the objectives of the NZF are: • To provide financial assistance to poor students for their education • To establish schools, colleges, libraries, computer labs, and vocational training centers • To promote girls’ education • To support orphanages and old age homes • To provide relief and rehabilitation during natural disasters • To raise awareness on health, hygiene, environment, and human rights

The NZF has been supporting education projects in various parts of Kapilvastu district, such as Taulihawa municipality (the district headquarters).

Some of the education projects that the NZF has supported or implemented in Kapilvastu district are: • Construction of classrooms for schools • Provision of scholarships and stipends for students • Distribution of school uniforms, bags, books, and stationery • Establishment of libraries and computer labs • Organization of teacher training and student counselling • Promotion of girls’ education and gender equality

The NZF plans to continue its financial support for education in Kapilvastu district in 2023, as part of its mission to uplift the educational status and opportunities for the children and youth in the district. The NZF hopes that its contribution will help improve the educational outcomes and opportunities for the children and youth in Kapilvastu district, as well as foster social harmony and peace in the district.

The NZF invites all Muslims and people of goodwill to join its efforts by donating zakat or other forms of charity through its website or bank account. The NZF also welcomes any suggestions or feedback on its projects and activities.

For more information about the NZF and its education projects in Kapilvastu district, please visit www.nzf.org.np or contact info@nzf.org.np.