For so many, 2021 started as a hopeful time around the world, including the students and staff at Sunsar Maya. After being closed for most of 2020, we reopened our centers in the Spring and welcomed our students back.

Unfortunately, our reopening was short-lived. The country went into another record lockdown and lasted through the Fall.

As a result of nearly two years in lockdown, some of the progress Nepalis have achieved over many years was lost.

• Child marriages, which have steadily declined over time, began to rise.

• Families, who had relocated to urban areas in search of more work opportunities, lost their jobs and had to return to their home villages.

• And many children were forced to give up their dreams of an education, to begin working and help their families survive.

This was heartbreaking. Our Nepal team did all they could to keep our students from experiencing these same fates.

Teachers made weekly check-ins to students and parents, created stimulating and challenging at-home learning projects, and provided weekly food distributions for every child, and our bi-annual medical camps.

Our mental health therapist also provided regular individual and family therapy for any student in need.

Despite the challenges, and with the support of donors like you, SuMa staff, our students persevered… and many found ways to thrive.

Examples can be found in the stories of students like Rajiv, who shared that he was “energized” with the home projects and was able to build his STEM skills while at home.

There’s also Sarina, who realized how much she was capable of and started to do projects on her own.

And Kimma, a student in our Women’s Literacy program, who learned to read, write, and do simple calculations, is now running a store.

Their progress is a testament to their determination and resilience and is evidence that with support like yours, students — trapped in dire circumstances — are capable of building pathways that will lead them out of poverty. 

Your support propels this progress.

SuMa’s incredible global community of supporters demonstrated generosity and goodwill that surpassed my wildest expectations. Because of your generosity, you have enabled Sunsar Maya to make moves (literally and figuratively!) that will continue to lift up the women and children in Nepal who need it most.

With enormous gratitude, I am pleased to share with you our 2021 Annual Report. 

Jehán Seirafi

SuMa Women’s Literacy provides women with the tools they need—literacy, numeracy, life skills, and improved health—to better navigate their lives and to, long-term, break the cycle of poverty.

SuMa Women’s Literacy provides instruction in four core areas: conversational and written English, Nepali, and Mathematics. This year we began to explore extracurricular activities with students to support non-traditional learning while building community.

Sunsar Maya’s work would not be possible without the support of our generous community — supporters like you. We are deeply appreciative of all the ways people around the world support our programs. From annual gifts to monthly contributions, hosted fundraisers and legacy giving, to grants and corporate contributions—this investment in our students makes their progress possible. And for that, we are profoundly grateful. Namaste.

Financial Investment