Surkhet, Nepal — From December 5–7, BlinkNow Foundation hosted the annual BlinkNow Summit in Surkhet, welcoming leaders from schools and nonprofit organizations across Nepal and beyond. Held on the green campus of Kopila Valley School, the Summit focused on strengthening leadership, shared learning, and a common vision for Nepal’s children and communities.

“Our goal is collaboration,” said Maggie Doyne, co-founder of BlinkNow. “By supporting leaders and organizations already doing important work, we strengthen communities across Nepal.”

The Summit highlighted how education, sustainability, and community development can work together in practice. Kopila Valley School served as a living example of a full-service community school, climate-friendly design, and locally led solutions. As part of BlinkNow’s open-source approach, participants explored how these ideas can be adapted to different communities.

A key focus was localization — supporting regional organizations through real-world leadership challenges, including planning, fundraising, and organizational health. Sessions emphasized learning side by side, helping build strong networks and lasting partnerships.

Participants shared that the Summit helped them learn from peers, gain practical tools, and grow as leaders. Many said past participation has strengthened fundraising, planning, and overall organizational resilience. 

The Summit is an opportunity for mutual learning. “The participants not only learn from the facilitators, they also learn from each other,” said SP Kalaunee, Country Representative for BlinkNow. “Sharing ideas makes all of our work stronger.”

The Summit, held annually in partnership with Chelsea Nepal Network, marks the launch of BlinkNow’s year-long Leadership Development Program, where participants stay connected as they continue learning together. This batch of participants includes international participants also for the first time. For more information about future Summits, contact ashrina@blinknow.org.

###

The BlinkNow Foundation provides an education and a loving, caring home for at-risk children. The foundation also provides community outreach to reduce poverty, empower women, improve health, and encourage sustainability and social justice – it fulfills its mission by providing financial support and management oversight to the Kopila Valley Children’s Home and Kopila Valley School in Surkhet, Nepal. In addition to the home and school, Kopila Valley runs a Health & Wellness program, Women’s Center, Home for At-Risk Students, Futures Career Readiness Program, and integrated Sustainability Program across all initiatives.