On any given weekday, children in all parts of the world make their way to school to equip themselves with the skills they need to become independent, capable individuals.  But for many slum and street children, survival is their biggest issue.  Education is either beyond their reach or takes a back seat and when a child becomes an uneducated adult, survival remains their biggest struggle.  On the other hand, when a child receives an education they are given an opportunity to overcome the struggle to survive.

Back in 1997, Renu Bagaria enrolled five children in school with the help of four friends and after ten years of regular education, they were ready to enter the world as equals in society.  Education changed their lives.  Bagaria then founded Koseli School in 2007 as a free evening school for seven children and today, it is a full day school with over 100 children.  Koseli means “gift”.  Other than giving the children an education, it takes care of their hygiene, nutrition, clothing, medical, and recreational needs.

Koseli School is one of many other projects by social entrepreneurs displayed at the “3-Day Social Entrepreneurship Bazaar” held this past October 4-6 in Nepal.  An initiative organized by ChangeFusion Nepal, supported by National Business Initiative, and sponsored by Surya Nepal Private Limited, the Bazaar aims to showcase Nepali social entrepreneurs and bring together major stakeholders to exchange, interact, and learn.  The Bazaar is an event under the Surya Nepal Asha Social Entrepreneurship Award 2012.

Roughly 20 exhibitors were featured each day.  They ranged from those providing employment to women through traditional artwork to developing clean energy and health products.

In a statement released on their website, ChangeFusion Nepal explains that the Bazaar “is different than the other fairs and exhibitions, as the major focus of this event will be our social entrepreneurs and the creation of a pool of network for them to expand their ventures.”

For Bagaria it was a great opportunity, as she ultimately dreams of opening 100 schools for the slum and street children of Nepal to give them the education they need to lift themselves out of poverty.

Photo from ChangeFusion Nepal.