Samaanta Foundation is a Nepal-based not-for-profit organization that promotes equality and empowerment by providing quality higher education and skills development opportunities to meritorious public school graduates from poor socio-economic backgrounds who are at risk of dropping out. The Foundation provides comprehensive Fellowships which cover all direct and indirect costs such as tuition fees; room and board; transportation; uniform, lab, and exam fees; language and computer training; civic engagement and leadership workshops; mentorship, and other extracurricular activities. Samaanta delivers a fully residential programme, with the initial agreement of 2 years for each Fellow for higher school education, and extended support for another 4-5 years for their Bachelor’s degrees, provided Fellows meet the expectations around academic excellence, commitment to service, and potential for leadership. 

Since our inception in 2012, Samaanta Foundation has provided Fellowships to a total of 121 Fellows. The Foundation currently has 69 active Fellows: 23 Fellows are pursuing Bachelor’s degrees and 31 are pursuing Higher Secondary schooling (+2) in Nepal while 15 Fellows are pursuing high school or Bachelor’s education on full scholarships abroad.

Our holistic approach ensures that students not only participate in the system but also succeed within it. While gaining academic excellence they also develop into responsible, engaged citizens contributing to the socio-economic development of the society.

Vision: To level the playing field by building a society where talented young people get the opportunities they deserve, irrespective of their socio-economic background. 

Mission: To provide transformative higher education and skills development opportunities that help create a critical mass of diverse change-makers empowered to serve and lead their communities.

Equality

We believe in equality of opportunities and that educational opportunity is the route to a more equal society. We treat all our fellows equally, regardless of caste, class, gender, religion, or geography.

Empowerment

We believe in empowering individuals to become change makers in their communities. Our fellowship is tailored to ensure that our fellows do not only get academic degrees but also equip themselves with skills to act decisively.

Service and Leadership

We believe strongly in the need for our fellows to serve their communities, and to lead by example. We require our fellows to engage in service projects each year to inculcate their sense of giving and hone their leadership skills.

Paying it forward

Samaanta Foundation was founded on the principles of “paying it forward”. The founders have benefited from the numerous scholarships they have received throughout the world and are giving back through this Foundation. We work with our fellows to inspire them to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others, when they are able to do so.