About Us
Introduction
'STARTS' means to begin, and we believe that everyone only needs a small start to move forward with strength. That is what we seek to provide. We work at the grassroots level, where people need the most support.
Starts Foundation was founded in 2015 as a small initiative to help people who had been left behind. Today, we are a growing group of young people and volunteers operating throughout Nepal, especially in rural and neglected areas.
Starts Foundation is a youth-led, non-profit, non-religious, non-political, and non-governmental organization based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Starts Foundation is dedicated to the empowerment and long-term development of Nepali communities, rather than one-time interventions. We work directly with communities to improve education, health, safety, and overall quality of life. Starts was founded in 2015 and is officially registered under the Society Act with the District Administration Office in Kathmandu (Registration No: 162102/073/074).
Our mission is to ensure that every person has access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and opportunities for growth, regardless of their socio-economic background. Many individuals in marginalized and underprivileged communities face numerous challenges, and meeting basic needs often feels like a luxury. We focus our efforts there because we understand that people cannot dream big without first addressing their immediate needs. Our work addresses social challenges and takes necessary actions to bring meaningful development in these areas. Ultimately, our goal is sustainable development. We aim to empower individuals and communities to live dignified and self-reliant lives, especially those in vulnerable situations.
We also mobilize volunteers, both local and international, to support and empower marginalized communities in Nepal. So far, we have made this progress with the dedication of volunteers and like-minded organizations. In the near future, we aim to become an even stronger network of passionate individuals and groups working across Nepal than we are today. So, we would be happy to welcome more of you.
Our Approach
Starts today, tomorrow it continues. Continue starts.
We believe that real change is built to last. We are creating a movement that brings about real, lasting change in society. Unlike traditional programs that focus on single issues, our projects reflect the commitment to continuity. We believe that meaningful change requires ongoing support, not just a one-time act of service. We aim to address the interconnected needs of communities to create solutions that last.
Our approach is built on understanding the core challenges, staying committed, and fostering sustainable impact.
The Sustain and Support phase is central to our approach. We believe that true change comes from continuous engagement, not just one-time interventions. In programs like Awaiting Smile, which focuses on improving access to education, we implement multiple phases of development to achieve lasting impact. Each phase builds on the last, gradually enhancing both the quality and accessibility of education. We remain actively involved, providing ongoing support and renewing the program as needed to meet the evolving needs of the community.
What We Do
We focus on three core areas: Education, Health, and Crisis Management to ensure holistic development.
Health
Health should not be a privilege.
We often hear "health is wealth," but for those living in villages distant from hospitals, with no doctors nearby and no money for medicine, such wealth appears out of reach.
At the STARTS Foundation, we have witnessed this reality firsthand. This is why we launched our Health Program: to promote accessibility, awareness, and care.
We provide health check-ups, first aid training, and awareness sessions on hygiene, sanitation, and disease prevention to underserved communities.
We openly discuss illnesses such as tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and other preventable diseases that continue to kill people due to a lack of information.
We also focus on women’s health. We promote safe motherhood and give out sanitary pads. We create safe spaces to talk openly about menstruation, nutrition, and postpartum care.
In places without basic facilities, we help build toilets to improve sanitation and prevent disease.
We believe that knowledge can save lives. A single session on how to clean water, wash hands, or manage waste properly can mean fewer sick days. We’ve seen it happen.
This work needs many hands. If you’re a medical student, health worker, or someone who cares about community wellbeing, you’re welcome to join us in the field and work alongside local health teams. You can also help us by donating basic important supplies like thermometer, sanitary pads, gloves, soap, paracetamol.
But beyond awareness, we know that people need real access to care. Our bigger vision is to help establish permanent centers with trained staff and essential facilities in these communities. Until then, we continue what we can.
Because in the end, health shouldn't be a privilege. It should be a right.
Mission
To standby deprived and underserved communities in improving their living conditions through access to critical services and lasting support.
Vision
A future where all individuals, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives - a world of equal opportunity and lasting change for all.
Goal
To empower vulnerable communities by increasing their access to essential services, such as education, healthcare, and crisis support, enabling them to lead a healthier and a better quality of life.
Objectives
- To provide access to quality education for underserved communities by improving resources and training for teachers and students.
- To enhance healthcare services in remote areas through awareness programs, medical supplies, and regular health check-ups.
- To raise awareness on key social issues, particularly reproductive health, hygiene, and safety for vulnerable groups.
- To respond swiftly to natural disasters and emergencies, offering immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation support.
- To advocate for gender equality, addressing barriers to education, health, and safety for girls and women.
- To empower individuals and communities to lead independent, dignified lives by providing essential resources and support.
- To engage and inspire youth to take leadership roles in social change through volunteering and community-based initiatives.
- To extend our reach and impact through collaboration with local, national, and international partners.
- To support the creation of policies that ensure the well-being of marginalized communities are protected.
Core Values
- Empowerment: The foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals and supporting their ability to live responsibly and independently. Building confidence and helping people overcome feelings of powerlessness is at the heart of Starts Foundation's mission.
- Transparency and Accountability: Starts Foundation has always maintained an open and honest relationship with its development partners, community groups, the government, and everyone involved. By being accountable to all parties, the foundation has built strong connections and established itself as a respected social organization working to create a dignified future.
- Ensuring Productivity Through Resource Utilization: Despite facing numerous challenges, Starts Foundation has remained committed to sustainability. The foundation has provided resources, physical infrastructure, and skill-building programs to help individuals enhance their productivity and creativity.