The Ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal, Her Excellency Danielle Meuwly, paid a special visit to the Kumar Balram Memorial Hostel on June 25, where she praised the institution’s innovative and sustainable approach to empowering marginalized youth through education and vocational training.
The hostel, located in Chaurideurali of Kavre, is jointly supported by Laxmi Pratisthan and Swiss-sponsored NGO Sachham Nepal. The initiative primarily focuses on providing educational opportunities and skill development training to young members of the Chepang community, one of Nepal’s marginalized indigenous groups.
Warm Welcome by Children and Cultural Celebration
During her arrival at the hostel, Ambassador Meuwly received a grand welcome from children residing at the institution, who greeted her in traditional style by presenting bouquets and performing welcome songs. The reception ceremony was attended by Krishna Gautam, Director of Laxmi Pratisthan, along with representatives from the organization.
A cultural program was later organized at the hostel’s cultural hall, where students showcased traditional dances and musical performances, reflecting the vibrant cultural heritage of the local community.
Ambassador Observes ‘Education with Skills’ Model
As part of the visit, Ambassador Meuwly toured the hostel’s wide range of practical learning facilities developed under its flagship “Education with Skills” campaign. She inspected the dairy farm, poultry farm, bee-keeping unit, goat farming, organic agriculture plots, vegetable farms, and fruit orchards that provide hands-on vocational training to students.
She also visited the institution’s Information Technology classes, sports hall, and extracurricular activity spaces designed to provide students with modern education alongside practical life skills.
Institution Recognized for Sustainability and Social Transformation
During the event, Krishna Gautam delivered a presentation outlining the journey of Laxmi Pratisthan, highlighting its past achievements, current programs, and future strategies for rural education and social transformation.
Chairman Bishnu Prasad Gautam also presented a token of appreciation to Ambassador Meuwly on behalf of the organization. Reflecting on the visit, Ambassador Meuwly highly appreciated the institution’s dedication to providing free residential education, modern technological access, and practical vocational training for children from remote and underserved communities.
The Embassy of Switzerland stated that it was particularly impressed by the self-reliance and sustainability of the project and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended during the visit. Officials believe the ambassador’s visit will further strengthen support for the organization’s ongoing efforts in rural educational transformation and community empowerment.
Education, Community Tourism and Rural Development Potential
Beyond education, such community-driven institutions also contribute to Nepal’s growing rural and experiential tourism sector by showcasing sustainable farming, cultural preservation, local community engagement, and grassroots development models. Projects like Kumar Balram Memorial Hostel demonstrate how education, sustainability, and community empowerment can become part of Nepal’s broader tourism narrative, particularly in promoting responsible and village-based tourism experiences.
