Introduction

Nepal Educational Support Trust (NEST) is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization founded by Purna Kumar Shrestha in 2000. The goal of NEST is to effect a sustainable and substantial improvement in the quality of life of disadvantaged communities in Nepal primarily through educational support to poor and needy children.

NEST was registered in July 2000 as a non-governmental organization with the District Administration Office, Makawanpur, Nepal. It is affiliated with the Social Welfare Council (SWC) and a member of NGOS' Federation of Nepal.

NEST runs a primary school in association with Everest of Apples with the aim of providing access to quality education for needy children. NEST also runs teacher training, child clubs, childrens libraries, and school libraries. It supports skill and vocational training for youth and school dropouts, informal classes for women and children, and sponsorships for deprived children. Additionally, NEST is helping to set up computer labs and construct school buildings in collaboration with Room to Read.

NEST has international representatives and honorary members in the UK, USA, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, and Australia. NEST cooperates with development partners such as governmental and non-governmental agencies, private sectors and individuals who devote their resources towards the development of education, health, and environment.

Thanks is due to Alex Street, a GAP volunteer who first encouraged the formation of this trust.