The Nirmala Foundation

“Let No One Sit on the Sideline.”

The Nirmala Foundation was formed in 2024 by former Hope Centre resident Nirmala Bhandari. Seeing a need for change in opportunities, resources, and attitudes towards those with disabilities in Nepal, Nirmala and her team are dedicated to improving inclusion and accessibility through sport, travel, and the arts.

Aims:

Concentrating on young Nepalis, the Nirmala Foundation’s aim is to enable disadvantaged and disabled individuals to live fulfilling lives in an inclusive environment dominated by the positive attitudes of their peers, families & carers, teachers, and communities.

Pilot Study:

In a bid to establish an effective model for changing the young lives of those with disabilities in Nepal, New Futures Nepal funded the Nirmala Foundation’s pilot study consisting of two short projects; a yoga and nature experience at the Godawari Botanical Gardens and a month-long inclusion in sport project at Vidhya Byayam English School (attended by a large number of the Hope Centre children).

Botanical Gardens Experience

Joined by New Futures Nepal trustees Alex Maher, Lynne McCutcheon, and Andrew Small, the Nirmala Foundation took several children from the Hope Centre on a nature experience at the Godawari Botanical Gardens in the Lalitpur District of Nepal. Through games, yoga and mindfulness activities, and a hike, this event demonstrated the impact of nature and well-being exercises on the mental and physical health of these often overlooked children.

Let No One Sit on the Sideline; Inclusion through Sport at Vidhya Byayam English School

This project’s aim was to assess the impact of inclusive sport in schools on the well-being of children with disabilities and the attitudes and awareness of their parents and teachers. It involved parent and teacher workshops and surveys before and after the event to assess any changes in attitudes towards inclusion, as well as inclusive sports sessions attended by wheelchair basketball players from the Bodhisattvas in Action (BIA), wheelchair table tennis players, and para-badminton players.

The Nirmala Foundation commented on the event;

“Instil in your children from a young age the values of respecting and embracing disabilities, fostering inclusive play without discrimination, as our present actions inevitably shape future consequences. We can play together in the right environment. No one has to be left behind to participate in sports.”

What’s Next?!

The Nirmala Foundation is rapidly increasing its impact and outreach in Nepal. Here are some of their projects that are being established or are in the works.

Wheelchair Basketball Team

Former national wheelchair basketball player Nirmala is keen to establish a young women’s wheelchair basketball team in order to provide opportunities for young disabled girls who aspire to participate in sport. The ultimate aim being to foster confidence in these individuals and raise community spirit.

Arts and Music Education/Therapy

The Nirmala Foundation strives to improve the well-being and success of children facing challenges through music and art. Their goal is to improve social and life skills as well as nurture academic pursuits in order to build a strong foundation for future success. At present, the foundation runs regular vocal classes and art sessions through their ‘Nirmala Art Center’.

Antique Accessory and Handicraft Stall

The Nirmala Foundation have a regular stall at the Utpala Cafe in Boudha where they sell handicrafts made by the disabled and disadvantaged community, supporting their partners by providing a platform for the sale of their crafts.