Our silent fight against poverty in Nepal

Today, October 17, we commemorate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. A day that invites us to reflect on the deep inequalities that persist in our world and, above all, to recognize the efforts of those who fight every day to transform these realities. We want to do so by presenting one of our peaceful actions to combat poverty in Nepal.

Nepal: when the numbers tell the life’s story

Nepal is a country of contrasts. Its majestic mountains coexist with a social and economic reality that leaves millions of people in extreme vulnerability. The data are revealing: in 2024, GDP per capita stood at €1,335, placing the country 164th out of 196 countries. This figure is not just a number; it represents the extremely low standard of living of its inhabitants.

The United Nations Human Development Index (HDI), which measures a country’s real progress in education, health, and quality of life, confirms that Nepalis face very difficult conditions. Added to this is a Corruption Perceptions Index of just 35 points, reflecting that citizens perceive high levels of corruption in the public sector, further eroding trust in institutions.

This combination of poverty, lack of opportunities, and corruption has generated growing frustration, especially among young people. Recent weeks have witnessed mobilizations where thousands of young Nepalese have taken to the streets to demand what should be a basic right: a healthy national structure that offers them stability and real opportunities for the future.

In this context of instability, women and girls are the most vulnerable. Many of them, driven by extreme need, become victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Their children grow up in environments marked by absence, trauma and a lack of the most basic resources.

This is precisely where the work of Mumbai Smiles in Nepal makes sense: supporting these women and their families in building new lives, far from exploitation, and preventing others from falling into these traps.

Saturdays which change the childhood

Every Saturday morning, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., our center in Kathmandu comes alive. Eight preschool children, accompanied by their mothers, come to participate in our Early Childhood Development sessions. These sessions are much more than recreational activities. They are spaces for caring, learning, and healing that many of these children have never experienced. And they are for them and their mothers. Each session includes:

Themed learning activities: We explore concepts such as animals, fruits and vehicles through play, engaging each child.

Songs and body language: For half an hour, we sing rhymes related to the weekly theme, using facial expressions and movements that help children express themselves and connect with their emotions.

Art and creativity: They receive materials to color and create. It’s beautiful to see how they fill the drawings with their own personality, mixing colors according to their mood and proudly displaying their creations.

Nutritious nutrition: We serve balanced meals that change weekly: eggs with cereal, halwa with vegetables and fruits, rice pudding, and vegetables. We aim to help them become accustomed to healthy eating and reduce their consumption of processed foods.

Stories with values: We tell stories related to the weekly theme, using performances and movements to capture their attention and convey lessons about coexistence and values.

Rest: We dedicate a half-hour break, something essential for their development and something that many of these children don’t practice at home.

Personal hygiene: Before saying goodbye, we help them wash their faces, comb their hair, and clean their hands, also before eating, encouraging self-care habits.

Rajesh’s story: from loneliness to shared play

Rajesh is three years old and spends Saturdays with Mumbai Smiles. He lives with his mother and older brother. Two years ago, his father left the family for another woman, and they have not had contact with him since. His mother works tirelessly to cover all the household expenses, which often forces her to leave Rajesh and his brother locked in their room when she has to go out. As a result, Rajesh spent most of his time at home on a cell phone.

When he joined our Early Childhood Development activities, Rajesh preferred to play alone in a corner. He would cry or scream when things didn’t go his way. Loud noises made him uncomfortable, he avoided toys, and he struggled with interacting with new people. His mother shared with us that he never took a nap, which posed a challenge during our break activities.

However, after two or three sessions, we have seen significant changes. Today, Rajesh dances in a group, shares toys with other children, and enjoys attending classes. He smiles when he sees his friends and even says a fond goodbye. The sessions have helped him express his feelings, gain confidence, and connect with others. He now actively participates in all activities and sleeps peacefully during breaks.

Why your support is important

Rajesh’s story is that of many children in Nepal. They are young children who, without early intervention, run the risk of carrying traumas and hardships that will mark their entire lives. Every Saturday we open our doors, every nutritious meal we serve, every hug and every song, we are building a different future.

But this work is not possible without the support of people like you. In a context where the State fails to reach, where extreme poverty pushes families to the limit, and where corruption diverts resources that should go to those most in need, organizations like Mumbai Smiles are a bridge to dignity and hope.

On this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we invite you to be part of this transformation. Because eradicating poverty is not just a matter of numbers; it’s about giving every person, every child, every mother, the opportunity to build a dignified life.

¡Collaborate with Mumbai Smiles!