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OUR HISTORY

Our journey starts on a dry riverbed in the foothills of the Himalayas, where one young woman decided to help one young girl, hoping to make one small difference. In the blink of an eye – and with a lot of hard work from a lot of people – that hope turned into a home, a school, and a community dedicated to building a world where children are safe, educated, and loved..

2005
A woman smiling in a living room, wearing a large backpack and shorts. She stands near stairs with various bags and baskets nearby, and a decorative mirror hangs on the wall behind her.
THE JOURNEY TO KOPILA VALLEY
After Maggie Doyne’s senior year of high school, as her friends headed to college, the 18-year-old boarded a plane in New Jersey and set off to see the world with just her backpack...
READ MORE
2006
A child stands on a rocky, barren ground, wearing an orange, worn-out dress. The child's expression is neutral. Sparse green plants are visible in the background amidst scattered stones and dirt.
The girl with the big eyes
While exploring Surkhet, Maggie's life changed as she met a seven-year-old girl named Hima. This little girl was breaking stones in a dry riverbed and selling them to earn a few...
READ MORE
2006
Two people stand smiling in front of a partially constructed brick building. The person on the left wears a green and white jacket, and the person on the right wears a black jacket and gives a thumbs up. Wooden frames are visible on the walls.
Stronger together
As Maggie felt compelled to find answers for the children of Nepal, she began building relationships within the community. Learning all she could and working to discover the solutions...
READ MORE
2007
A person wearing glasses and a traditional hat writes in a notebook at a desk. The room has shelves and a calendar is visible on the wall. The lighting is dim.
BlinkNow is official
Maggie forms a Kopila Valley Board of Directors and, with Tope Malla, establishes a Nepali NGO. Later in 2007, BlinkNow is incorporated as a US nonprofit with a US Board of Directors....
READ MORE
2007
A woman with brown hair, wearing a floral-patterned dress, stands in a dug-out trench in the ground, smiling at the camera.
Building a home
In June of 2007, we break ground on the Kopila Valley Children’s Home. Working hand-in-hand with local community, the dream of building a safe, clean, stable home became a reality....
READ MORE
2008
A group of children and adults stand on the first-floor balcony and ground floor of a two-story house with a yellow exterior. The yard has chairs, a few buckets, and a flag. Trees and a thatched structure are visible nearby.
If you build it, they will come
Kopila Valley Children’s home takes its first child into care. Kopila, which means “flower bud,” will continue to grow over the years, providing a home to beautiful, happy, thriving...
READ MORE
2009
People constructing a house frame with bamboo in an open area. Some individuals are on top of the structure, while others work on the ground. Nearby, there are buildings and clear skies in the background.
A Winning Year
Maggie wins Cosmo Girls of the Year and uses the funding to expand the home and the number of children expands to 30. Later in the same year, Maggie wins the Do Something Award,...
READ MORE
2010
A large group of people, including children and adults, are gathered in a spacious building with bamboo framework and a corrugated metal roof. They are smiling and waving, wearing colorful clothing. The background features bright blue and yellow walls.
School is in session
Kopila Valley School opens its doors. The primary school, built out of locally harvested bamboo, provided a high quality education to children from Surkhet and surrounding areas....
READ MORE
2011
A group of schoolchildren in uniforms line up to receive a medical check-up. A healthcare worker is measuring a boy's arm. Shelves with supplies are visible in the background.
Feeling good
The Kopila Valley Clinic is established to provide a basic level of health care to our students who would otherwise not have access to preventative care. This allows our students...
READ MORE
2013
A group of women, smiling and wearing colorful traditional clothing, pose in front of a building labeled "Kopila Valley Women's Center." They are holding woven items and standing together in a cheerful atmosphere.
Expanding our reach
Kopila Valley Women’s Empowerment Center is established as a center for the women of Surkhet to gather, learn, and gain skills for success, building their economic independenc...
READ MORE
2014
A woman in a colorful dress stands outdoors touching a large, earthy-toned wall made from natural materials. She is smiling and appears to be examining or feeling the texture of the wall. There is greenery in the background.
Sticks & stones & earth
Construction begins on the new green campus with a clear focus on sustainability. The campus was designed with sustainability in mind, with solar panels, rainwater harvesting,...
READ MORE
2014
A woman stands in front of a classroom, gesturing as she speaks to a group of seated students. A whiteboard displaying notes is visible in the background. The students appear attentive and engaged in the lesson.
Looking to the future
BlinkNow Future’s Program is established to successfully transition our children in the home and school into their next phase of life. Our Futures Center is home to research materials,...
READ MORE
2015
A group of students in colorful traditional attire celebrate with certificates on stage. The background features vibrant drapes and a sign that reads "ROPIL VALLEY SCHOOL." They appear happy and excited.
Congrats to the grads
BlinkNow graduates its first class of 10th graders and establishes a scholarship program for graduates to continue their education in their chosen fields.
READ MORE
2015
A woman stands on stage holding a plaque that reads "Hero of the Year" while speaking into a microphone. She's wearing a white and black patterned dress.
Our hero
Maggie receives the CNN Hero of the Year Award. CNN Heroes allows individuals who help people in need and make extraordinary contribution to the society to be honoured and acknowledged...
READ MORE
2017
A person smiles while standing on a brick path surrounded by green trees and colorful flowers. A red banner reading "Lafayette" hangs on a streetlamp in the background.
College bound
Our first Kopila graduates head to university, including one to the US on a full scholarship. The goal of our Futures Program is to prepare our graduates for the path that is right...
READ MORE
2017
A group of diverse people stand on a brick wall with their arms around each other, facing a scenic view of hills and a village. A small dog stands in front of them, looking at the camera. The sky is clear, suggesting a pleasant day.
Girls in need
The doors of a Big Sisters 'Home for at-risk girls open, providing a safe place for girls who are identified as being at risk of dropping out of school, early marriage, or other...
READ MORE
2019
Aerial view of a rural school campus with multiple red-roofed buildings, solar panels, and an open amphitheater. The area is surrounded by trees and fields, creating a blend of nature and architecture.
A grand affair
Kopila Valley School celebrates the grand opening of it's green campus. Kopila Valley’s new green school opened, making good on BlinkNow’s commitment to sustainability as a core...
READ MORE
2019
Children are sitting around a wooden table in a classroom, engaging in a group activity with worksheets and colored pencils. The room is filled with other children sitting at desks, and colorful charts are displayed on the walls.
The tiniest Kopila Buds
The Early Childhood Village is completed and Kopila Valley expands to provide high quality care for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
READ MORE
2020
A woman and a young girl stand in a modest room with corrugated metal roofing. The woman wears a red dress and black scarf, while the girl wears a pink floral dress. They are holding bags of provisions, with household items visible in the background.
A global pandemic
The BlinkNow team becomes first responders in a migrant crisis and provides humanitarian aid to those affected by the Covid pandemic. We served our community throughout the government-mandated...
READ MORE
2005
A woman smiling in a living room, wearing a large backpack and shorts. She stands near stairs with various bags and baskets nearby, and a decorative mirror hangs on the wall behind her.
THE JOURNEY TO KOPILA VALLEY
After Maggie Doyne’s senior year of high school, as her friends headed to college, the 18-year-old boarded a plane in New Jersey and set off to see the world with just her backpack...
READ MORE
2006
A child stands on a rocky, barren ground, wearing an orange, worn-out dress. The child's expression is neutral. Sparse green plants are visible in the background amidst scattered stones and dirt.
The girl with the big eyes
While exploring Surkhet, Maggie's life changed as she met a seven-year-old girl named Hima. This little girl was breaking stones in a dry riverbed and selling them to earn a few...
READ MORE
2006
Two people stand smiling in front of a partially constructed brick building. The person on the left wears a green and white jacket, and the person on the right wears a black jacket and gives a thumbs up. Wooden frames are visible on the walls.
Stronger together
As Maggie felt compelled to find answers for the children of Nepal, she began building relationships within the community. Learning all she could and working to discover the solutions...
READ MORE
2007
A person wearing glasses and a traditional hat writes in a notebook at a desk. The room has shelves and a calendar is visible on the wall. The lighting is dim.
BlinkNow is official
Maggie forms a Kopila Valley Board of Directors and, with Tope Malla, establishes a Nepali NGO. Later in 2007, BlinkNow is incorporated as a US nonprofit with a US Board of Directors....
READ MORE
2007
A woman with brown hair, wearing a floral-patterned dress, stands in a dug-out trench in the ground, smiling at the camera.
Building a home
In June of 2007, we break ground on the Kopila Valley Children’s Home. Working hand-in-hand with local community, the dream of building a safe, clean, stable home became a reality....
READ MORE
2008
A group of children and adults stand on the first-floor balcony and ground floor of a two-story house with a yellow exterior. The yard has chairs, a few buckets, and a flag. Trees and a thatched structure are visible nearby.
If you build it, they will come
Kopila Valley Children’s home takes its first child into care. Kopila, which means “flower bud,” will continue to grow over the years, providing a home to beautiful, happy, thriving...
READ MORE
2009
People constructing a house frame with bamboo in an open area. Some individuals are on top of the structure, while others work on the ground. Nearby, there are buildings and clear skies in the background.
A Winning Year
Maggie wins Cosmo Girls of the Year and uses the funding to expand the home and the number of children expands to 30. Later in the same year, Maggie wins the Do Something Award,...
READ MORE
2010
A large group of people, including children and adults, are gathered in a spacious building with bamboo framework and a corrugated metal roof. They are smiling and waving, wearing colorful clothing. The background features bright blue and yellow walls.
School is in session
Kopila Valley School opens its doors. The primary school, built out of locally harvested bamboo, provided a high quality education to children from Surkhet and surrounding areas....
READ MORE
2010
A woman stands smiling in a field with five children around her. They are all looking at the camera. The New York Times Magazine logo is at the top, with the headline "D.I.Y Foreign Aid" near the bottom.
Making Headlines
Nick Kristof’s article “Do it Yourself Foreign Aid” features Maggie and BlinkNow on the cover of the NYT Sunday Magazine, marking our first national news story. This was a turning...
READ MORE
2011
A group of schoolchildren in uniforms line up to receive a medical check-up. A healthcare worker is measuring a boy's arm. Shelves with supplies are visible in the background.
Feeling good
The Kopila Valley Clinic is established to provide a basic level of health care to our students who would otherwise not have access to preventative care. This allows our students...
READ MORE
2012
A large group of smiling children wearing colorful clothing wave enthusiastically outdoors. Behind them, a yellow school bus with "Kopila Valley" written on the side is visible. The background includes buildings and a clear sky.
The wheels on the bus
Kopila Valley School gets their first school bus. This will make it easier and safer for our students to get to and from school, and will allow our students to live in more remote...
READ MORE
2013
A group of women, smiling and wearing colorful traditional clothing, pose in front of a building labeled "Kopila Valley Women's Center." They are holding woven items and standing together in a cheerful atmosphere.
Expanding our reach
Kopila Valley Women’s Empowerment Center is established as a center for the women of Surkhet to gather, learn, and gain skills for success, building their economic independenc...
READ MORE
2013
A blue sign in a grassy area reads "Future site of Kopila Valley High School, Baimata-2, Tribeni, Surkhet." Trees and bushes are visible in the background under a clear sky.
Getting ready to grow
A beautiful plot of land is purchased to create a permanent home for Kopila Valley School. A deep well is dug on the new land. Farming begins on the land.
READ MORE
2014
A woman in a colorful dress stands outdoors touching a large, earthy-toned wall made from natural materials. She is smiling and appears to be examining or feeling the texture of the wall. There is greenery in the background.
Sticks & stones & earth
Construction begins on the new green campus with a clear focus on sustainability. The campus was designed with sustainability in mind, with solar panels, rainwater harvesting,...
READ MORE
2014
A group of six smiling children in school uniforms pose together in a classroom. They are wearing green checkered shirts, ties, and navy sweaters. The classroom has green walls and a wire-mesh window.
Thinking clearly
Social worker helps to establish a mental health program at Kopila, providing services to our students and their families. Just one more step towards supporting the whole child...
READ MORE
2014
A scene of devastation shows damaged homes and debris strewn across a muddy area following a flood. Corrugated metal sheets and broken structures are visible, with trees and buildings in the background under a cloudy sky.
Washed Away
Surkhet is hit by a catastrophic flood. The BlinkNow team acts as first responders, using our campus as a safe haven for those impacted by the disaster. Many of our KVS families...
READ MORE
2014
A woman stands in front of a classroom, gesturing as she speaks to a group of seated students. A whiteboard displaying notes is visible in the background. The students appear attentive and engaged in the lesson.
Looking to the future
BlinkNow Future’s Program is established to successfully transition our children in the home and school into their next phase of life. Our Futures Center is home to research materials,...
READ MORE
2015
A group of students in colorful traditional attire celebrate with certificates on stage. The background features vibrant drapes and a sign that reads "ROPIL VALLEY SCHOOL." They appear happy and excited.
Congrats to the grads
BlinkNow graduates its first class of 10th graders and establishes a scholarship program for graduates to continue their education in their chosen fields.
READ MORE
2015
A woman stands on stage holding a plaque that reads "Hero of the Year" while speaking into a microphone. She's wearing a white and black patterned dress.
Our hero
Maggie receives the CNN Hero of the Year Award. CNN Heroes allows individuals who help people in need and make extraordinary contribution to the society to be honoured and acknowledged...
READ MORE
2016
Students in masks sit at desks in a classroom, writing on paper. They are spaced apart, and a sanitizing spray bottle is visible on a desk. A window in the background shows greenery outside.
A big plus
Kopila Valley School expands to offer a new “Plus Two” management program. This course is a wonderful track for students to follow who wish to pursue higher education at the university...
READ MORE
2017
A person smiles while standing on a brick path surrounded by green trees and colorful flowers. A red banner reading "Lafayette" hangs on a streetlamp in the background.
College bound
Our first Kopila graduates head to university, including one to the US on a full scholarship. The goal of our Futures Program is to prepare our graduates for the path that is right...
READ MORE
2017
A group of diverse people stand on a brick wall with their arms around each other, facing a scenic view of hills and a village. A small dog stands in front of them, looking at the camera. The sky is clear, suggesting a pleasant day.
Girls in need
The doors of a Big Sisters 'Home for at-risk girls open, providing a safe place for girls who are identified as being at risk of dropping out of school, early marriage, or other...
READ MORE
2017
Two women in face masks work at sewing machines in a fabric-filled room. Shelves behind them are stocked with colorful textile bundles. One woman is threading a needle, while the other sews green fabric pieces.
Building their own future
Women’s center graduates form their own cooperative. This provides another level of opportunity for the graduates of our Women's Center, and a platform for which they are able...
READ MORE
2019
Aerial view of a rural school campus with multiple red-roofed buildings, solar panels, and an open amphitheater. The area is surrounded by trees and fields, creating a blend of nature and architecture.
A grand affair
Kopila Valley School celebrates the grand opening of it's green campus. Kopila Valley’s new green school opened, making good on BlinkNow’s commitment to sustainability as a core...
READ MORE
2019
Children are sitting around a wooden table in a classroom, engaging in a group activity with worksheets and colored pencils. The room is filled with other children sitting at desks, and colorful charts are displayed on the walls.
The tiniest Kopila Buds
The Early Childhood Village is completed and Kopila Valley expands to provide high quality care for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
READ MORE
2020
A woman and a young girl stand in a modest room with corrugated metal roofing. The woman wears a red dress and black scarf, while the girl wears a pink floral dress. They are holding bags of provisions, with household items visible in the background.
A global pandemic
The BlinkNow team becomes first responders in a migrant crisis and provides humanitarian aid to those affected by the Covid pandemic. We served our community throughout the government-mandated...
READ MORE
2021
A group of four men and a child are sitting and standing outside a building. One man is sitting on a chair with crutches next to him, while the others are engaged in conversation, smiling. The scene appears relaxed and friendly.
We are family
Family Development Program is launched to provide specialized support to families in our Kopila Valley Community. Identified by members of our Health & Wellness team, we began...
READ MORE
2022
A person wearing a pink coat sits at a small round table with a stack of books titled "Between the Mountain and the Sky." They are smiling and holding one of the books, with more books displayed in the background.
A good book
Maggie’s memoir, Between the Mountain and the Sky is published, helping tell the story of BlinkNow's incredible history and reaching new audiences. Maggie then travels across the...
READ MORE
2022
A person speaks to a group of seated students in an outdoor area. The setting includes a building with plants around it, some students standing on staircases, and sunlight filtering through a pergola-style roof.
A foundation for the future
At BlinkNow, we believe that every child has a right to a safe home, medical care, a quality education and love. We know that when kids get the support they deserve, they will...
READ MORE

Stories from our history

How did we go from a teenager with a backpack to a successful foundation and beacon of hope for the children and women of Kopila Valley? By planting a seed at the source of the problem and growing deep roots within the community. BlinkNow traces its roots back to a simple story of human connection. Now we’re an international community of people focused on building a world where every child is safe, educated, and loved. These are the stories you’ve helped make possible.
A woman in a pink shirt is writing at a blue table, focused on her work. The background is a textured green wall. She wears beaded bracelets and her dark hair is tied back.

Can You Write Your Name?

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A young girl stands outdoors, smiling broadly. She is wearing a patterned dress and has her hands clasped together. The background features green shrubs, a tall tree, hills in the distance, and a clear blue sky.

English Classes

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A room with three wicker chairs and various items scattered on the floor, including clothing and ropes. The windows have wooden shutters, allowing light to filter in. The floor is bare, and the walls are cream-colored.

“Start Where You Are...”

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A bustling scene at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, showcasing its intricate architecture. People are gathered around, with several shrines and a prominent golden-roofed temple visible. Trees and city buildings are in the background.

A Stranger

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A group of children sitting on steps and smiling. They are wearing a variety of colorful clothes and appear happy. There is a window and wall in the background.

Namaste Nepal

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A child wearing an orange sweater holds a spool of string, looking up at the sky, possibly flying a kite. The background shows a clear blue sky and some greenery.

India, I'm here!

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Three young boys smile and hold a colorful craft project featuring sports-themed items like soccer balls and shirts, along with numbers and arrows. The background has an indoor setting with various decorations.

First Kids' Craft Day

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A large group of people, mostly children, stand together in a room holding star-shaped crafts. The room has colorful posters on the walls, and wooden furniture is visible in the foreground. Everyone appears to be smiling and enjoying the activity.

Generation of Change Makers

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This story is only just beginning.

Kopila Valley was born and soon blossomed into BlinkNow, a nonprofit foundation serving an ever-growing, ever-inspiring community in Surkhet, Nepal. Our history is an unlikely tale. Our mission is to change the world by empowering Nepal’s youth. We’ve already done so much together. Now is the time to get involved and add your voice.

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Contact Info:

P.O. Box 453 Mendham, NJ 07945 info@blinknow.org
T: (973) 828-2955
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Add hope to your Inbox

Get Kopila updates to stay in the know.

Build a stronger Kopila Valley

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Contact Info:

P.O. Box 453
Mendham, NJ 07945
info@blinknow.org
T: (973) 828-2955

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A woman smiling in a living room, wearing a large backpack and shorts. She stands near stairs with various bags and baskets nearby, and a decorative mirror hangs on the wall behind her.

THE JOURNEY TO KOPILA VALLEY

After Maggie Doyne’s senior year of high school, as her friends headed to college, the 18-year-old boarded a plane in New Jersey and set off to see the world with just her backpack and eyes wide open. Four countries and 20,000 miles later, she found herself making the decision to spend a year working at Ramana’s Garden, a children’s home in India. It was here that she first met and worked alongside Tope Malla, who would later become co-founder of BlinkNow. Maggie later agreed to visit Nepal with friend Sunita, who had been forced to leave the country as a child and wanted to chance to return to her home village. After days of trekking, they finally arrived in Surkhet. Here, as Sunita rediscovered the home of her childhood, Maggie discovered a new home and mission.
A child stands on a rocky, barren ground, wearing an orange, worn-out dress. The child's expression is neutral. Sparse green plants are visible in the background amidst scattered stones and dirt.

The girl with the big brown eyes

While exploring Surkhet, Maggie’s life changed as she met a seven-year-old girl named Hima. This little girl was breaking stones in a dry riverbed and selling them to earn a few dollars to help feed her family. She was doing grueling work and faced profound challenges, yet a glimmer of light shined deep within. Despite her surroundings, she looked up at Maggie with sparkling eyes and called, “Namaste, Didi” which means “Hello, Sister”. Maggie was shocked by what she saw and decided to take action. Maggie got to work. She resolved to help this one little girl go to school—paying for her tuition, uniform, and books. Then she helped a few more children, then a few more. But some of the children Maggie was working with needed more than just financial support: they needed a place to call home. Maggie knew there was more work to be done.
Two people stand smiling in front of a partially constructed brick building. The person on the left wears a green and white jacket, and the person on the right wears a black jacket and gives a thumbs up. Wooden frames are visible on the walls.

Stronger together.

As Maggie felt compelled to find answers for the children of Nepal, she began building relationships within the community. Learning all she could and working to discover the solutions that would make an impact in Surkhet, rather than bringing in solutions from the outside world. During this time she turned to Tope, himself born in Nepal, for deeper answers. It was then that they realized that together, they could help build something powerful for the children of this community.

A person wearing glasses and a traditional hat writes in a notebook at a desk. The room has shelves and a calendar is visible on the wall. The lighting is dim.

BlinkNow is official

Maggie forms a Kopila Valley Board of Directors and, with Tope Malla, establishes a Nepali NGO. Later in 2007, BlinkNow is incorporated as a US nonprofit with a US Board of Directors. Receiving this paperwork was a necessary step in building our organization, making the weeks of work worth it. This allows us to begin accepting donations to support Kopila Valley.

A woman with brown hair, wearing a floral-patterned dress, stands in a dug-out trench in the ground, smiling at the camera.

Building a home.

In June of 2007, we break ground on the Kopila Valley Children’s Home. Working hand-in-hand with local community, the dream of building a safe, clean, stable home became a reality. Maggie and her co-founder Top Malla purchased land in Surkhet, Nepal, with her life savings of $5,000. The home’s foundation was soon poured thanks to the deep commitment of the local Nepalese community, along with an emerging group of supporters from Maggie’s hometown of Mendham, New Jersey and around the world. Brick by brick, walls began to rise. The roof went up. And in 2008, the front door of Kopila Valley Children’s Home opened.

A group of children and adults stand on the first-floor balcony and ground floor of a two-story house with a yellow exterior. The yard has chairs, a few buckets, and a flag. Trees and a thatched structure are visible nearby.

If you build it, they will come

Kopila Valley Children’s home takes its first child into care. Kopila, which means “flower bud,” will continue to grow over the years, providing a home to beautiful, happy, thriving children. Tope heads up our dedicated team of caregivers, cooks, “aunties,” and “uncles” who make sure all the kids are getting the kind of care and individualized support they deserve.

People constructing a house frame with bamboo in an open area. Some individuals are on top of the structure, while others work on the ground. Nearby, there are buildings and clear skies in the background.

A Winning Year

Maggie wins Cosmo Girls of the Year and uses the funding to expand the home and the number of children expands to 30. Later in the same year, Maggie wins the Do Something Award, establishing $100,000 for building a new school. This prize money was vital the expansion of our programs, and the publicity surrounding both awards allows our global audience to slowly grow. People are getting excited about what we’re doing in Nepal.

A large group of people, including children and adults, are gathered in a spacious building with bamboo framework and a corrugated metal roof. They are smiling and waving, wearing colorful clothing. The background features bright blue and yellow walls.

School is in session

Kopila Valley School opens its doors. The primary school, built out of locally harvested bamboo, provided a high quality education to children from Surkhet and surrounding areas. Many children at Kopila Valley are the first in their families to ever attend school, creating a new generation of literate, educated students who will become empowered adults. Our all-Nepali faculty and staff make sure each and every child is set up for success.

A group of schoolchildren in uniforms line up to receive a medical check-up. A healthcare worker is measuring a boy's arm. Shelves with supplies are visible in the background.

Feeling good

The Kopila Valley Clinic is established to provide a basic level of health care to our students who would otherwise not have access to preventative care. This allows our students to have access to health screenings, vitamins, vaccinations, and more.

A group of women, smiling and wearing colorful traditional clothing, pose in front of a building labeled "Kopila Valley Women's Center." They are holding woven items and standing together in a cheerful atmosphere.

Expanding our reach

Kopila Valley Women’s Empowerment Center is established as a center for the women of Surkhet to gather, learn, and gain skills for success, building their economic independence.

A woman in a colorful dress stands outdoors touching a large, earthy-toned wall made from natural materials. She is smiling and appears to be examining or feeling the texture of the wall. There is greenery in the background.

Sticks and stones, and rammed earth

Construction begins on the new green campus with a clear focus on sustainability. The campus was designed with sustainability in mind, with solar panels, rainwater harvesting, water recycling, sustainable cooking solutions, and surrounding farmland to support the school and home. Materials used were also sustainable, including walls built from rammed earth technology, which allows our classrooms to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

A woman stands in front of a classroom, gesturing as she speaks to a group of seated students. A whiteboard displaying notes is visible in the background. The students appear attentive and engaged in the lesson.

Looking to the future

BlinkNow Future’s Program is established to successfully transition our children in the home and school into their next phase of life. Our Futures Center is home to research materials, a speaker series, and more.

A group of students in colorful traditional attire celebrate with certificates on stage. The background features vibrant drapes and a sign that reads "ROPIL VALLEY SCHOOL." They appear happy and excited.

Congrats to the grads

BlinkNow graduates its first class of 10th graders and establishes a scholarship program for graduates to continue their education in their chosen fields.

A woman stands on stage holding a plaque that reads "Hero of the Year" while speaking into a microphone. She's wearing a white and black patterned dress.

Our hero

Maggie receives the CNN Hero of the Year Award. CNN Heroes allows individuals who help people in need and make extraordinary contribution to the society to be honoured and acknowledged for their excellence.

A person smiles while standing on a brick path surrounded by green trees and colorful flowers. A red banner reading "Lafayette" hangs on a streetlamp in the background.

College bound

Our first Kopila graduates head to university, including one to the US on a full scholarship. The goal of our Futures Program is to prepare our graduates for the path that is right for them. For some, that is pursuing traditional higher education, for others it is a vocational track, while others still look for internships in their chosen field. No matter what, our school counselors are there to help make sure they are prepared for what lies ahead.

A group of diverse people stand on a brick wall with their arms around each other, facing a scenic view of hills and a village. A small dog stands in front of them, looking at the camera. The sky is clear, suggesting a pleasant day.

Girls in need

The doors of a Big Sisters ‘Home for at-risk girls open, providing a safe place for girls who are identified as being at risk of dropping out of school, early marriage, or other health or wellness concerns. Here they are able to continue their studies at Kopila Valley School while also learning independent living skills, attending women’s empowerment courses, and building lasting friendships based on support and mutual goals.

Aerial view of a rural school campus with multiple red-roofed buildings, solar panels, and an open amphitheater. The area is surrounded by trees and fields, creating a blend of nature and architecture.

A grand affair

Kopila Valley School celebrates the grand opening of it’s green campus. Kopila Valley’s new green school opened, making good on BlinkNow’s commitment to sustainability as a core organizational value. Beyond schooling, the students are provided health care and a daily nutritious meal, as well as a sense of community and confidence that grows with each passing year.

Children are sitting around a wooden table in a classroom, engaging in a group activity with worksheets and colored pencils. The room is filled with other children sitting at desks, and colorful charts are displayed on the walls.

The tiniest Kopila Buds

The Early Childhood Village is completed and Kopila Valley expands to provide high quality care for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.

A woman and a young girl stand in a modest room with corrugated metal roofing. The woman wears a red dress and black scarf, while the girl wears a pink floral dress. They are holding bags of provisions, with household items visible in the background.

A global pandemic

The BlinkNow team becomes first responders in a migrant crisis and provides humanitarian aid to those affected by the Covid pandemic. We served our community throughout the government-mandated lockdowns that left many of our families out of work and unable to feed their families. As the pandemic progressed, our teachers quickly pivoted to home-learning materials to ensure that our students wouldn’t face an education gap.

WHO WE ARE

Thanks for your interest in the BlinkNow team! You can explore the WHO WE ARE drop down menu for more information about our mission, our history, and our team.

WHAT WE DO

Thanks for your interest in BlinkNow’s work! Explore the WHAT WE DO drop down menu for more information about our programs.

GET INVOLVED

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