Early Childhood Development Center (ECE)
Supporting Early Learning in Pumdi
The Early Childhood Education Center was the first project launched by Sapana Nepal Projects in the village of Pumdi, Nepal. Established in 2008, the center was created to meet a critical need for a safe and nurturing learning environment for the village’s youngest children.
Serving children ages 18 months to five years old, the center provided early education, play-based learning, and social development opportunities. It also created a welcoming space where mothers could gather, connect, and learn more about supporting their children’s growth and development.
The building used for the center was generously provided by the local Nepali government. With significant renovation and dedication from the community, the space was transformed into a vibrant classroom where children could learn, explore, and build a strong foundation for their future education.
Over time, the needs of the community began to change. A nearby government school introduced a preschool program that now serves children from Pumdi and surrounding villages. Following damage to the building during a severe monsoon season and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sapana Nepal Projects made the decision to close the center.
Although the ECE center is no longer operating, Sapana Nepal Projects continues to support education through initiatives such as the School Sponsorship Program, helping ensure that children in the community have access to learning opportunities as they grow.
Why Early Childhood Education Matters
Early childhood education plays an important role in preparing children for success in primary school and beyond. Research shows that children who participate in early learning programs are more likely to succeed academically and socially. These programs also create opportunities for parents—especially mothers—to connect, share experiences, and strengthen their communities.
Learn, how we progressed
Before
Our ECE building and space was gifted to SNP by the local Nepalese government back in 2008. The land and small building was not being used and so SNP was offered the space to launch our first project, our Early Childhood Education center!
After
After months of Rajesh’s hard work, the old building was transformed into our ECE center. Children come to learn and grow in a safe, nurturing and educational environment. Our wonderful teacher Laxmi provides our students the guidance they need to reach their fullest potential.
“By providing a safe environment where children can learn and be nurtured in their development, we believe that we may have a long term positive impact on the lives of many children and villagers in Nepal” Founder – Nicole Zito
UNESCO on ECD centers
Currently today, less than 15% of children in Nepal are exposed to Early Childhood Development Centers, especially for girls and those children that come from lower caste and disadvantaged communities. The goal of ECD centers is to increase children’s participation, retention and achievement in basics and primary education. Recent studies have found that children with ECD backgrounds perform better in school, especially those children from disadvantaged communities. The impact of ECD has shown that the success of those children with ECD experience in Grade one was 83% compared with only 42% for those without ECD experience. ECD provides a group setting for parents, particularly mothers, for sharing experiences and open ways for social transformation. (UNESCO International Bureau of Education 2006)
UNESCO on EDC centers
Did you know …
… currently today, less than 15% of children in Nepal are exposed to Early Childhood Development Centers, especially for girls and those children that come from lower caste and disadvantaged communities. The goal of ECD centers is to increase children’s participation, retention and achievement in basics and primary education. Recent studies have found that children with ECD background perform better in school, especially those children from disadvantaged communities. The impact of ECD has shown that the success of those children with ECD experience in Grade one was 83% compared with only 42% for those without ECD experience. ECD provides a group setting for parents, particularly mothers, for sharing experiences and open ways for social transformation. UNESCO International bureau of education 2006.
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