active· Education

Community Leadership on Education and Protection (CLEAP)

The Community Leadership on Education and Protection (CLEAP) project strengthens local child rights protection and education systems and school management, empowering parents and children to claim their right to education and protection in Sudurpaschim (Far West) province of Nepal. The project addresses problem like school dropouts and discrimination in communities, strengthening civil society engagement for promoting accountability and good governance in schools and local governments. Gender-, caste- and disability-based discrimination are still deeply rooted and widely accepted in Far West Nepal. Dalit communities and children with disabilities are discriminated against in private and public spheres. Vulnerable girls face multiple discriminatory practices including early marriages, high responsibility of household chores, son preference, domestic violence and being considered impure during menstruation. Considering learning from past projects and feedback from community, officials and government authorities, project aims at strengthening right to education and protection for vulnerable children with three major results: 1) Strengthened and functional child protection systems and education management 2) Children, parents, media, and civil society actors are actively engaged to promote right to education and protection for vulnerable children 3) Improved Right to Education through increased enrollment, reduced drop out, improved learning outcomes and inclusion The project reaches about 2 000 vulnerable children (girls, Dalits and children with disabilities) and parents, civil society actors and 125 public and elected officials at local and provincial levels. The direct beneficiaries are children, parents and teachers (72) of four wards in Nawadurga and Bhageshwor Rural Municipalities of Dadeldhura District. In addition, stakeholders include civil society activists as well as media (40+). The project is jointly implemented by child rights expert organizations Interpedia and Loo Niva Child Concern Group.