Ten year old Pranil Moktan studies in Grade 3 at Ganesh Primary School in Sankhu on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. If Pranil had not received the opportunity to go to school, he would either be working in fields or selling firewood like his brothers. However, he is fortunate to be found by 'Freedom through Education', an initiative of a group of local businessmen who have decided to give deprived Nepali children a headstart.

Called Round Table Nepal, it is part of a global network of Round Tables in 52 countries, usually made up of a voluntary organisation of businessmen and professionals aged 18-45. Although the organisation was introduced in Nepal in 1989, Round Table Nepal was formally established in 1999 in Kathmandu under prominent businessman, CK Golchha. At present, there are 18 Tables in Nepal with more than 260 members.

Round Table Nepal's 'Freedom through Education' focuses on improving the quality of education in rural public schools. "Round Table Nepal has taken up this cause because education is the most important gift we should give our children for their future," says Diwakar Rathi, the incoming president of the Table. In addition to improving school facilities, the initiative provides training to teachers, sponsorship, meals and stationery to students and also helps in streamlining the administration and management of local schools. The organisation also tries to improve the enrollment of children of areas it works in.

Seven years since it started, the initiative has helped over 26 schools and built over 165 classrooms, touching the lives of more than 35,000 students. The Table has contributed more than Rs 140 million for this propose. The fund for the project is collected through Round Tables based abroad, and locally through fundraising programs. The organisation runs on the principle of zero per cent overhead cost, which means that the contribution made is not used for administrative purpose.

Says Rathi: "This is our way of giving back to the society. We call on other corporate business houses and professionals to join in this noble cause."

www.roundtablenepal.org,
Phone: 4442430,
Email: info@roundtablenepal.org