Panda Pack Project launched by the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) has provided warm clothes for students  in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality.

Project was implemented in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality, covering all schools across Wards 1 to 5. Altogether, 29 schools of the rural municipality have been included in the program. Warm Clothes Packages (each package containing 1 set tracksuit, 1 pair glove, 1 pair sock, 1 muffler & 1 cap) were distributed to the students from ECD to Grade 5. As distribution already completed in several schools, few of them are in process.

Education being a fundamental human right, in context of Nepal, children from socially excluded and marginalized groups continue to face significant barriers in accessing quality education. Challenges such as low school participation, and limited learning support particularly in remote and disadvantaged communities continue to affect students’ educational progress and well-being.

To address these gaps, the “Panda Pack Project” was launched by the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) which aims at improving learning conditions and safeguarding the health and well-being of school children in cold and vulnerable regions. Through the distribution of warm clothes and essential school support materials, the program seeks to ensure that children can attend school comfortably and continue their education even with limited resources & during harsh winter.

As part of this initiative, the Panda Pack Project was implemented in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality, covering all schools across Wards 1 to 5. Altogether, 29 schools of the rural municipality have been included in the program. Warm Clothes Packages (each package containing 1 set tracksuit, 1 pair glove, 1 pair sock, 1 muffler & 1 cap) were distributed to the students from ECD to Grade 5. As distribution already completed in several schools, few of them are in process.

While similar distribution programs were held at various schools, the formal program at Shree Marming Secondary School; Ward 5, was distinguished by the presence of the Country Director of China Foundation for Rural Development.

The distribution ceremony was attended by the Country Director and representative of CFRD, the Chairperson and representatives of the implementing organization; Global Cooperation for Development (GCD), School Principal, Teachers, School Management Committee & Ward Chairperson (Ward 5), representative from the Municipality; Education Department, Parents, and Beneficiary Students. Their presence contributed to the successful and transparent implementation of the activity.

Beneficiary students were observed to be highly delighted while receiving the warm clothes packages. School principals especially expressed their sincere gratitude for bringing such a meaningful and needful initiative to their community.

Speaking on the event, CFRD’s Country Director Ms. Zou Zhiqiang highlighted that CFRD has been consistently supporting children’s education in Nepal through various initiatives. Referring to CFRD’s ongoing Education Support Programs, she emphasized that the Panda Pack Project reflects the organization’s continued commitment to promoting educational equity and improving the living and learning conditions of children in remote and cold regions.

Mr. Mukti Marasini, Chairperson of Global Cooperation for Development, also shared his valuable remarks. He noted that the journey of the program; from initial planning and preparation to finally placing warm clothes in the hands of students has been a meaningful and rewarding journey.
He highlighted the collective efforts involved in the process, including location selection, coordination with the municipality, close collaboration with schools, and the dedicated work of the organization’s staff, which made it possible to successfully reach the distribution phase. He expressed his sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to making the program effective and impactful.

Mr. Marasini further thanked the donor (CFRD), local government and schools for their support in addressing any gaps or challenges along the way, and for helping to make the program accessible for the beneficiaries.
Likewise, the Chairperson Pasang Norpu Sherpa also appreciated the initiative, highlighting how such programs benefit students and strengthen collaboration between local government the organizations. Considering a geographically remote area, and most children coming from families that struggles to meet even the basic needs, as the Chairperson, I am deeply grateful for this support reaching these students. He expressed his extreme thankfulness for looking out to the students’ in need.

The Panda Pack Project has been positively received & appreciated by the community and stakeholders, strengthening cooperation among schools, local governments, and implementing organizations, directly benefiting students in need.