Nepal is reaching new heights in sustainable development, thanks to the combined efforts of The Pavilions Himalayas and its nonprofit partner, Right4Children (R4C). This collaboration has been making a real difference in the Pokhara region for over a decade, improving education, protecting vulnerable groups, and offering life-changing vocational training. Their latest impact report shows how much progress they have made, marking another year of success in community development.
Transforming Education in Nepal
One of their biggest achievements this year is completing the five-year Child-Friendly School (CFS) project, which has helped over 14,000 students. This initiative upgraded 26 schools in the Kaski District and Pokhara region, benefiting 4,666 children and 2,165 parents. More than 469 teachers received special training, while 1,821 students attended dental health camps. Additionally, 1,188 students joined art workshops, improving their learning experience.
Schools also received advanced digital learning resources such as computers, projectors, and televisions. Classroom upgrades, including new furniture, flooring, and better lighting, benefited another 6,700 individuals. To promote physical activity, CFS launched Right2Run, a program led by British athlete Emily Shaw. A two-year follow-up plan is in place to ensure schools continue to improve.
Right4Children has also launched a new project, School Improvement for Quality Assurance and Enhancement in Education (SIQAEE), supported by Luxembourg-based nonprofit ONGD-FNEL. This initiative aims to improve schools in Hupsekot and Baudikali Rural Municipalities in Nawalpur. The focus areas include better infrastructure, early childhood development, teacher training, and technology integration. So far, six schools have benefited, with 20 more planned. This program has already helped over 3,000 people, including 738 parents and 150 teachers.
Fighting Human Trafficking and Empowering Women
A major concern in Nepal is human trafficking. Right4Children’s PRAYASS initiative, supported by the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation, Enjoolata Foundation, Child Welfare Scheme Hong Kong, and Children4Children Nepal, is working to protect vulnerable groups. Over the last two years, this program has operated in six low-income communities in Pokhara, offering prevention, rehabilitation, and empowerment.
PRAYASS has already made a huge impact:
- 188 young women received vocational training in tailoring, customer care, and light vehicle driving.
- 228 children got remedial education support.
- 5,431 students attended career guidance workshops.
- 89 young children joined Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs.
- 2,376 people attended health awareness sessions.
- 3,202 adults and children received medical services at a health camp, covering family planning, personal care, and safe abortion.
Outreach teams made 349 visits to high-risk areas such as dance bars, cabin restaurants, and massage centers to investigate human trafficking cases. Over 1,571 calls for help were received, leading to 38 rescue operations. Temporary care was provided at SHE Shelter, with 21 individuals successfully reunited with their families or placed in safer communities. In addition, 280 survivors received psychosocial counseling, helping them recover and reintegrate into society.
Vocational Training for a Better Future
Right4Children also operates the FAB Hospitality School, equipping young people with skills for the hospitality industry. The school offers training in food and beverage, housekeeping, bakery, and production. In the past year, 55 students completed their programs, and 30 secured jobs in the hospitality sector. This effort is helping local youth build careers and escape poverty.
Providing Clean Water and Health Services
In another step toward sustainable community development, Right4Children partnered with British ethical knitwear brand Pachamama to launch a drinking water project that now serves 400 households. This project ensures access to clean water, reducing health risks for families. The partnership also employed a health worker to provide well-being services, focusing on young men at risk.
A Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
The Pavilions Himalayas is more than just an eco-luxury retreat—it is a social business designed to uplift local communities. Douglas and Insuba Maclagan, founders of Right4Children and The Pavilions Himalayas, have dedicated their efforts to sustainable tourism. Their approach follows the three Ws philosophy:
- Work – Provide stable jobs to the local community.
- Wealth – Reinvest 50% of the resort’s net profits into social projects.
- Wisdom – Educate guests, staff, and the tourism industry about eco-friendly practices.
“We founded The Pavilions Himalayas to create a social business that supports sustainable development,” Douglas Maclagan stated. “Our goal is to employ 50% of the local village and assist the rest in developing businesses and farming skills.”
Nestled in a peaceful valley with the Annapurna Himalayan range as its backdrop, The Pavilions Himalayas offers a one-of-a-kind experience that blends eco-friendly living with community development. This includes The Pavilions Himalayas, The Farm, and The Pavilions Himalayas Lakeview, a luxury tented camp offering breathtaking views and a deeper connection with nature.
The impact of The Pavilions Himalayas and Right4Children is clear. From improving education and protecting vulnerable groups to providing jobs and clean water, their efforts are transforming lives in Nepal. With strong partnerships and ongoing support, their mission to create lasting, meaningful change continues to grow.
To learn more about their initiatives and the future of sustainable tourism, visit Nepal Monitor.
