In September, 2023, SOS Children's Villages Nepal was felicitated as the organisation received the prestigious Social Welfare Education Award from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Government of Nepal. The recognition was bestowed upon the organisation on the occasion of National Education Day in acknowledgement of its outstanding commitment to providing comprehensive care, including education, to children and young people who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care.
Additionally, the organisation was provided with a cash prize of Rs. 300,000.00 in support of its commendable efforts.
Honourable Purna Bahadur Khadka, acting Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Nepal, was the Chief Guest for the felicitation ceremony. Other dignitaries included Honourable Ashok Kumar Rai, Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, and Mr Suresh Kumar Adhikari, Secretary of the Government of Nepal. The ceremony also welcomed human rights activists, representatives from child rights organisations, and figures from the education sector and government bodies.
Dr. Ganga B. Gurung, National Director, who received the award on behalf of the organization later expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government of Nepal for acknowledging the good work of the organisation. "It is a great honour for us to be recognised for our efforts in providing a nurturing family-like environment filled with love, care, respect, security, education, and protection to children who have lost their parents or are without parental care. Over the past 51 years, we have remained committed to safeguarding children's rights and vow to continue offering our services. I would also like to extend our appreciation to the Government of Nepal, specifically Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for this distinguished recognition."
SOS Children's Villages Nepal was presented with the award based on selection criteria set forth by the Ministry that also included recommendations from the Province Governments of all six provinces where the organisation is actively running its programmes.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in the felicitation certificate, praised SOS Children's Villages Nepal for its comprehensive support in the overall development of children and young people. The certificate underscored the impact of SOS Children's Villages Nepal in providing humanitarian care, education, health services, and essential life skills to many children lacking parental care or facing economic hardships. These initiatives have empowered numerous children and vulnerable families to achieve self-reliance, making a significant difference in their lives.
SOS Children's Villages Nepal continues its vital work, ensuring the well-being and education of children in need, and the Social Welfare Education Award stands as a testament to the organisation's unwavering dedication to this noble cause.