Empowering beneficiaries of all ages and abilities to have access to literacy, professional skill development, and awareness essential for their upliftment.

Education and Capacity Building is one of the core pillars of SDA’s work under the Shangri-La Sustainable Local Initiative (SSLI). In Kailash Rural Municipality, many children walk several hours to reach school, while poverty, limited educational resources, and social barriers contribute to high dropout rates. Girls are particularly affected due to distance, early marriage, and traditional social norms.

SDA addresses these challenges through a comprehensive approach that combines educational support, school strengthening, teacher development, awareness programmes, and residential support for vulnerable children. Activities include school mid-day meals, uniforms, stationery, child clubs, teacher training, teaching aids, scholarships, literacy homes, libraries, vocational education, and Early Childhood Care and Development support.

The SDA Literacy Home was established to provide a safe and supportive environment for girls from remote communities who would otherwise struggle to continue their education. In addition to formal schooling, beneficiaries receive life-skills education, mentoring, and opportunities for personal growth.

SDA also promotes vocational and technical development through practical training opportunities. Achim’s Agriculture Field serves as a learning centre where young people can gain hands-on experience in modern agriculture and livestock management. Other vocational opportunities include sewing, sanitary pad production, and small enterprise development.

Awareness activities are conducted through schools, households, parents’ groups, and community networks to encourage school attendance and strengthen the value of education within the community.