Since 2019, SEBS North America has partnered with Open Learning Exchange (OLE), a registered non-profit in Nepal to establish eLibraries in different public and community schools in Nepal. The eLibrary project is an initiative to establish libraries in rural schools where there is limited or no internet connection. Accessibility to the library content, which includes resources from course books to various educational videos, is provided by helping the schools set up devices and servers that host those contents. As such, the project aims to bridge the digital divide in Nepal by establishing digital libraries in community schools that lack reliable internet access. With the E-Library project, we are empowering both teachers and students to integrate modern technology into the classroom, providing them with the tools they need to enhance the learning experience.
Implementation History
So far, we have implemented eLibrary Projects in ten schools in Nepal. They are as follows:
- 2019: Shree Jankalyan Secondary School, Palung, Makwanpur (in partnership with SEBS member Digvijay Bista)
- 2022: Raluka Secondary School, Taadi Gaupalika, Nuwakot
- 2022: Sharada Secondary School, Arun, Bhojpur
- 2022: Rastriya Secondary School, Bardaghat, Nawalparasi
- 2022: Laxmi Secondary School, Bharatpur, Chitwan
- 2022: Dupcheswor Secondary School, Ramati, Nuwakot
- 2020: Chilaune Secondary School, Sindhupalchowk
- 2023: Pyang Secondary School, Illam
- 2024: Shree Tribhuwan Secondary School, Khalanga, Jajarkot
- 2024: Shree Janata Secondary School, Paiink, Jajarkot
What’s the cost of establishing an eLibrary?
For US$600, SEBS-NA can set up a fully functional eLibrary in a school. This includes installing servers and Wi-Fi devices and providing an offline digital library that features gamified learning modules, audio-visual content, and indexed course books. Once the system is in place, students and teachers can access these resources through local Wi-Fi without the need for an internet connection or data plan.
How You Can Help
SEBS-NA cannot achieve these goals without the support of generous donors. By contributing to the eLibrary project, you are directly helping to transform education in Nepal’s most underserved regions. If you choose to fully sponsor an eLibrary, you will have the unique opportunity to select the school where the project will be implemented and assist in coordinating the effort with local contacts.
In addition to the eLibrary project, SEBS-NA is involved in other educational initiatives, such as supporting Budhanilkantha students and alumni in need and donating Raspberry Pi kits to community schools. However, our primary focus remains on expanding the E-Library project to reach more schools and impact more lives.
Your donation to SEBS-NA’s E-Library project will have a lasting impact on the education of students in Nepal. Donate NOW! Together, we can empower the next generation of learners and help build a brighter future for Nepal. Thank you for your generosity and support.
Project Coordinators and Volunteers
The project is being led by Bharat Kandel (800B), the Immediate Past President, in close collaboration with executive committee members and volunteers including Babita Adhikari (8000D), Deeptika Karki (1000E), Uttam Sharma (800B) and Laxman Pandey (300B).
Project Partners (Thank you!)
SEBS North America would like to thank all our partners in this project, including Open Learning Exchange (OLE) Nepal, and public/community schools who trusted us, and countless individuals who joined hands in the project. Thank you!
Contact Information
Please contact Bharat Kandel ([email protected]), if you have any questions related to the project, want to donate and/or establish the eLibrary in the school of your liking and in the memory of someone.
Project Spotlight: Post-Earthquake Library Project in Jajarkot
In 2024, SEBS NA established two physical libraries and eLibraries in the earthquake-affected district of Jajarkot were established. A total of 800 books were donated and fully equipped eLibraries with offline systems to access resources like educational videos, PDF books, notes, and other e-learning resources were set up in Shree Janata Secondary School of Khalanga and Shree Tribhuwan Secondary School of Paiink. Students and faculty members were trained to use the resources. SEBS NA would like to thank Uttam Sharma, Ram Rijal, Mangesh Thapa (SEBSers), Deeptika Karki, Bharat Kandel, and Laxman Udas Pandey (ex-com members) for leading the project’s implementation on the ground. We would also like to thank Sudarshan Basyal (SEBSer) and Competition Dynamics Inc. (MA) for their generous donation of $2,500 that made the project possible.
Earthquake in Western Nepal: On November 3, 2023, an earthquake hit Nepal mostly affecting areas in the hills of the mid-western region, which also happens to be one of the more rural areas in the country. Government officials report that more than 12,000 children are grappling with the aftermath of the earthquake. It is also estimated that around 1,900 pregnant women and more than 1,000 new mothers find themselves living under temporary tarpaulin shelters. The earthquake also caused significant damage to educational infrastructures. 898 schools were impacted among which 294 were completely destroyed and the remaining were partially destroyed. About 125,000 school-aged children will experience a disruption in their learning with some facing a serious risk to their access to education.
