World Youth International

World Youth International (WYI) is an Australian registered charity that has been making a difference in the lives of thousands of people around the world. Through meaningful volunteer opportunities and access to basic services such as healthcare and education, WYI has been committed to community-led, sustainable development projects primarily within Nepal and Kenya. At the core of their vision is the aim to educate, empower, and inspire positive change within the global community, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

One of the significant programs offered by WYI is the World Youth International School in Gokarna, Nepal. The School provides pre-school, primary, and secondary education for children in the region. It aims to deliver a rich and dynamic education that helps train local teachers and uplifts communities through shared cultural teachings and experiences. The school started small in 1999, with just 24 enrolled students. However, thanks to the support of generous donors, it has grown exponentially, now catering to over 650 students up to year 12. Its success is evident in its incredible average grade pass rate of 96%, making it one of the top-rated schools in Nepal.

While the World Youth International School may have achieved tremendous success, there is still more to be done, particularly in supporting and empowering girls in STEM education. STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Through STEM, students develop key skills including: • problem solving • creativity • critical analysis • teamwork • independent thinking • initiative • communication • digital literacy.

The global economy is changing. Current jobs are disappearing due to automation and new jobs are emerging every day as a result of technological advances. The continual advances in technology are changing the way students learn, connect and interact every day. Skills developed by students through STEM provide them with the foundation to succeed at school and beyond.

Nepal, like many countries, faces several challenges when it comes to encouraging and supporting females in pursuing STEM subjects. Gender stereotypes continue to persist, with the belief that STEM subjects are not suitable for girls. These stereotypes discourage girls from pursuing STEM education and careers, limiting their opportunities for growth and success.

Additionally, the lack of female role models in STEM fields poses a significant hurdle for girls in Nepal. Without seeing successful women in these fields, it can be difficult for girls to imagine themselves as future scientists, engineers, or innovators, contributing to the gender gap in STEM. Moreover, the limited access to quality education, especially in rural areas, makes it even more challenging for girls to succeed in STEM subjects. Financial barriers further compound the issue, as the cost of education can be prohibitive for many families in Nepal, preventing girls from pursuing STEM education due to affordability concerns.

Recognising these challenges, the World Youth International School has taken proactive steps to address the gender disparity in STEM education. They provide girls with access to education, mentorship, and financial support, challenging gender stereotypes and creating more opportunities for girls in the STEM field. The school actively promotes gender equality, with 60% of its student body composed of female students. By offering scholarships and constructing an IT college, the school ensures that female students can seamlessly transition from preschool to senior school, college, and ultimately, careers in STEM.

The World Youth International School possesses unparalleled experience and knowledge in serving women in their educational programming. Aligned with the UN's sustainable development goals, the school is dedicated to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. It actively engages with local, state, and federal institutions to maintain the highest standards of education and support. Translating its commitment to transparency and accountability, the school undergoes independent audits, demonstrating its dedication to providing quality education for girls in Nepal.

However, the World Youth International School is currently facing an urgent funding need that is crucial for sustaining its impact in the education sector. The ongoing pandemic has led to an increase in the number of non-fee paying students seeking education, especially females who aspire to pursue STEM opportunities. While the school has provided free education for the past six months, rising costs make it challenging to continue supporting these students without additional funding. Without financial support, these students may have to be removed from the school, depriving them of the chance to excel in their academic pursuits and pursue meaningful careers.

Securing funding for the World Youth International School is vital to empower female students and break the barriers hindering them from pursuing STEM opportunities. By providing the necessary resources and support, we can bridge the gender gap in STEM fields, fostering a more inclusive and innovative society. Without this funding, the impact of losing access to education for these students would be devastating, not only for their individual futures but also for the community as a whole. To ensure the continuity of this essential program and the educational aspirations of these deserving students, World Youth International seeks your support in providing the necessary funds. By investing in these girls and their education, you are contributing to creating a more equitable and prosperous future, where all individuals have equal opportunities to thrive. Let us come together to empower and support girls in Nepal as they embark on their journey towards a brighter future in STEM education.

To donate through our Education Pathways Program, click here.

If you would like to explore a corporate partnership, please contact WYI Partnerships and Marketing Director Gabriella Ocenasek: [email protected].