The Foundation has supported work by Sense International since 2007, contributing to projects in various countries. Most recently, we have supported their work in Nepal, where the organisation began its partnership work in 2017. Here, it is transforming the lives of children and young people by ensuring they can access the healthcare, education and livelihood opportunities they desperately need.
Working closely with the National Federation of the Deaf Nepal, Sense International's independent living advisory work in Nepal equips young people with deafblindness with the skills, confidence and support to lead more autonomous lives. Specialists work with individuals and their families to develop practical capabilities—from communication and orientation skills to money management and independent decision-making. This foundation is intrinsically linked to vocational opportunity: young people explore their interests, access formal training or apprenticeships tailored to their needs, and receive coaching to establish small businesses, from tailoring and catering to bakery and handicrafts. The result is not just income but genuine independence and dignity.
Recognition of the barriers young people face has also driven innovation. A peer-education pilot programme now pairs students with deafblindness alongside deaf peers in special education schools to combat isolation and boost classroom engagement, with remarkable early success. Meanwhile, home-based educators work with families in Kathmandu to prepare preschool children with deafblindness for formal education, ensuring they meet crucial developmental milestones.
Underpinning this work is early identification and intervention: health professionals are trained to screen children for deafblindness and provide specialist therapies, preventing deterioration and opening pathways to inclusion.
"Before, I felt weaker than others and unable to perform as well as my deaf friends because of my vision limitations," one young person shared. "Now, I am very happy to have friends who support me."
Through its partnership with Nepal's deaf community organisations and networks, Sense International is dismantling stigma and helping young people lead lives of their own choosing.
Learn more about their work
here.
