Milan Club Japan is a non-profit organization that helps girls from economically disadvantaged families in Nepal go to school. "Milan" means "meeting" in Nepali. It was launched in 1988 by a group centered on the current chair, then an international student, and began its schooling support in 1990. It reports having supported 1,033 children so far, mainly girls who have lost their parents or whose fathers have died.
Its work rests on three pillars: scholarships for schooling, development of educational facilities and training, and exchange between Japan and Nepal. In Dharmasthali village near Kathmandu, the local partner Milan Club Nepal runs a school with students from kindergarten to grade 10, along with a library, a dormitory and a vocational training center for women.
The Japanese and Nepali organizations work together, and the Japanese side's activities are carried out entirely by unpaid volunteers. There are several ways to take part, including becoming a member, donating, sending unused postcards and stamps, and volunteering in Japan or Nepal.
Key points
- Support for girls' schooling in Nepal, continuing since 1990
- Goes beyond scholarships to build places for learning, including a school, library, dormitory and vocational training center
- Many ways to get involved, from membership and donations to postcard and stamp gifts and volunteering in Nepal
Why this organization's work stands out
It not only provides access to education but also supports women's economic independence through vocational training. The group also notes that graduates have gone on to work as doctors, teachers and in other roles.
More than 30 years of work alongside its local partner is documented carefully in its timeline and newsletters, which is a useful reference for anyone considering support.
Editor's comment
It made me feel that one girl being able to go to school connects to her own future and to the future of her community.
Details on the activities and how to take part are on the official website. Please take a look.