The school founded in 2001 is situated in the middle of Jorpati, a centre of the carpet industry in Kathmandu. Almost all children who are schooled here come from carpet weaver families. Due to the support of Label STEP the school has enough place and infrastructure to offer a secure basic education to 7'000 children in an inspiring environment today.

In the heart of the carpet manufacture area of Jorpati the school of many working-class children from the region is situated. The buildings of the "Samata Shikshya Niketan" school are built in the traditionally Nepalese style which gives them the look of a small village. The principle of the institution is that it is supposed to be accessible for all children from the region. There are no religious, cultural or economic admission criteria. Only 75 percent of the pupils have to pay the already low tuition fee, the other children from less financially strong families attend the school free of charge. However, this social engagement confronts the school with financial problems: Money is scarce and savings were made, above all, regarding infrastructure. From 2004 to 2007 Label STEP therefore supported the educational institution with urgently necessary and extensive renovation works.

School renovation all along the line

The school was fully renovated with the help of Label STEP: new toilets were built, classrooms renovated, drinking water wells established and numerous other renovation and enlargement work was carried out. Since the beginning of the project more than 3'000 additional children could be admitted to the school. Besides, investments in regular teacher training and promotion of young people were made.