SURKHET, Nepal — The BlinkNow Foundation has announced the official launch of Strengthening Public Schools Through Partnerships (STEPS), a new initiative serving two public schools in the nearby Lekbesi Municipality. The launch marks a major milestone in BlinkNow’s commitment to elevating education quality across Nepal through strategic partnerships and innovative community models.

Drawing on lessons learned from its flagship Kopila Valley School in Surkhet, BlinkNow is actively expanding avenues to share its proven educational and development practices. Implemented in collaboration with local partner SAC Nepal, the STEPS project leverages public-private partnerships to enhance student learning outcomes, boost enrollment, and promote healthier lifestyles. Key activities include teacher training, direct student support, school nutrition programs, and essential infrastructure upgrades.

Addressing a vital need for public education reform in the region, the project officially kicked off with a community meeting in Surkhet on July 6, 2026. The gathering brought together local government officials, school management committees, principals, parent-teacher association leaders, and representatives from both BlinkNow and SAC Nepal. Together, stakeholders discussed program accountability, goals, and planned activities, uniting around a shared commitment to the project’s success.

Dr. SP Kalaunee, Country Representative for BlinkNow, reaffirmed the foundation’s dedication to providing both technical expertise and financial support—aligning with its vision of a world where every child is safe, educated, and loved.

“The mutual commitment between the Foundation and municipal leadership sets the stage for meaningful, lasting improvements in public education within the community,” said Dr. Kalaunee.

Using insights gained from these initial pilot schools, BlinkNow plans to scale the STEPS initiative to additional institutions across the region, further amplifying its positive impact on public education in Nepal.

The BlinkNow Foundation provides an education and a loving home for at-risk children in Surkhet, Nepal, and has built an award-winning model for community development. The foundation provides financial support and management oversight to the Kopila Valley programs, which serve children, empower women, improve health, encourage sustainability, and advance social justice to build a brighter future for all. The new eco-friendly Kopila Valley Children’s Village project was completed in 2025. Between the Mountain and the Sky, a documentary about BlinkNow’s work and the love of the Children’s Home family, is playing in select theaters and streaming online.