August 16, 2000

KATHMANDU: WWF the leading conservation organisation demonstrated that the people and conservation concept really works and that it makes a difference to the education of girls. A USD$25,000 agreement has been signed between Women’s Environment Sub Committee Thakurdwara, Bardia and WWF Nepal Programme. The agreement establishes an endowment fund for needy girls to attend schools of the Royal Bardia National Park (RBNP) buffer zone.

WWF Nepal Programme has been providing stipends in Bardia to increase the enrolment of girls in schools since 1995. This stipend is part of WWF’s Bardia Integrated Conservation Project (BICP) initiated through a donation by WWF US Board member singleton Rankin. The endowment is an exciting long term fund now available for advancing girl’s education as the BICP will end this November.

One year stipends from the endowment fund will be provided to girls whose family members have been killed or injured by wild animals; girls whose homes have been damaged by wild animals; disabled girls; and girls who score highest marks in the school.