The Centre for Social Research and Development (CSRD) has established a Baitadi Scholarship Fund to support school level women students in the district of Baitadi in west Nepal. Each student is provided with Rs. 500 per school year to help cover her school related expenses. 30 students from 22 different schools are being supported from this Fund during the academic year 1996-97. Funds necessary to run this program were raised by the Centre's members from private sources. Rs. 164,450.00 have been deposited in a fixed account in the Himalayan Bank in Kathmandu and this program is financed by the interest that is earned from this money.

Call for Support:
The amount currently being granted to each student is small. As the principal of the Scholarship Fund increases, award amounts can also increase, and more individuals can be supported in keeping with the aim of enabling female students to remain in school. Anyone wishing to contribute to the Baitadi Scholarship Fund should contact CSRD (see below).

A CSRD bank account has also been established in the United States for those who wish to contribute from abroad to either the Baitadi Scholarship Fund or the Student Research Training Program. For information about making contributions via the United States, contact Lazima Onta-Bhatta.

All contributors will receive a receipt for their contribution from the Centre for Social Research and Development. Periodic reports on the progress of the program will be made public on the Internet and in media within Nepal.

For further information, contact:

Pratyoush Onta
General Secretary
CSRD
15/1 Thamel
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 977-1-228850