OUR MISSION
The Small World empowers underserved communities in Nepal through education, healthcare, and sustainable development. We focus on supporting vulnerable girls and children to create lasting, positive change.
THE CHALLENGES
Every year, 20,000 Nepalese girls are trafficked into international sex slavery
Nepal is renowned for its natural beauty, spectacular scenery and cultural landmarks. With Mount Everest on the northern border, and the birthplace of Buddha to the south, Nepal is undoubtedly a charming and exotic destination. However, many people are unaware that Nepal is also the poorest country in Asia with a high percentage of the population living an abject poverty.
Almost half of Nepal’s young female population is married before they are 18 years old, and it is estimated that every year, from 15,000-20,000 Nepalese girls (42% of which are minors) are trafficked into the international sex slavery industry.
Nepal has the lowest literacy rate in Asia and one of the highest child mortality rates in the world. Infrastructure is not only highly inadequate, but also nonexistent in remote mountain villages where people live an ancient lifestyle without benefit of roads, electricity, telephones, sanitation, running water, hospitals, or schools
OUR SOLUTION & STRATEGY
A community-driven approach
At The Small World, our strategy is rooted in listening to local communities, identifying real needs, and working together to develop practical, sustainable solutions. We share local ideas and resources, and collaborate closely with community members and volunteers to create long-term impact.
We believe education is key to addressing many of the challenges these communities face. Rather than imposing solutions, we support and strengthen community-led efforts over time to drive meaningful change.
Our work spans from operating a safe home for at-risk girls in Kathmandu to supporting remote Himalayan villages in Solukhumbu. As a locally-run nonprofit, we are able to respond quickly, remain present long after emergencies, and build lasting relationships that foster trust and resilience. Through your support, we continue to grow local capacity and create real, lasting impact.
PROJECT IMPACT
Community Initiative & Volunteer-Based Projects
Seeds of Hope: Agricultural Aid
The Small World is a proud member of The Obama Foundation’s Girl’s Opportunity Alliance program. Former First Lady, Michelle Obama,
Seeds of Hope: Agricultural Aid
The Small World is a proud member of The Obama Foundation’s Girl’s Opportunity Alliance program. Former First Lady, Michelle Obama, recently shared how moved she was by Dechen’s story about her dad’s (Karma Sherpa) work to educate and uplift girls in Nepal.
Seeds of Hope: Agricultural Aid
The Small World is a proud member of The Obama Foundation’s Girl’s Opportunity Alliance program. Former First Lady, Michelle Obama,
Seeds of Hope: Agricultural Aid
Seeds of Hope: Agricultural Aid
The Small World is a proud member of The Obama Foundation’s Girl’s Opportunity Alliance program. Former First Lady, Michelle Obama,
Seeds of Hope: Agricultural Aid
OUR VALUES
Work with us to make a difference
TSW Travel Adventures >
Customized trips for enthusiastic travelers! Combining spectacular views, meaningful cultural exchanges, and physically challenging experiences.
Volunteer >
Work side by side with other volunteers and locals! Share your skills and knowledge, or just your enthusiasm and dedication to help the Nepali community.
Donate & Fundraise >
Raising money, no matter how small or large, is a splash in the pond that ripples positive energy throughout the communities we serve.
THE FUTURE
The Small World is a non-profit dedicated to supporting locally driven, sustainable community development projects in Nepal 🇳🇵
These initiatives provide education for children - especially young girls at risk of exploitation - while also breaking down traditional barriers to girls' education, fostering empowerment within local Nepali communities, and working to end deep-rooted cycles of poverty.
The Small World’s mission is to educate, empower, and enable current and future generations to drive positive change in the world
ABOUT US
The Small World is dedicated to transforming lives by empowering underserved communities in Nepal. Through sustainable education, healthcare, and agricultural initiatives, we work to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change. By supporting orphaned children and vulnerable groups, we are building brighter futures, one community at a time. Join us in making a meaningful impact—your support through donations, volunteering, and fundraising can help us continue this vital work and create opportunities for those who need it most.
Our Mission
Small World’s mission is to educate, empower, and enable individuals to create positive change in the world.
Karma Sherpa
Executive Director and Co-Founder
OUR VISION
At The Small World, we envision a future where every vulnerable girl and child thrives in an environment of equality, opportunity, and support. We are committed to breaking down the barriers of discrimination and empowering girls and children to become leaders and advocates for change. By working locally, we aim to create a ripple effect that impacts the world, transforming lives through the leadership and advocacy of the young individuals we support.
WHY LOCAL IS BEST
The Small World is a locally-run non-profit organization that can respond swiftly and effectively to community needs, especially right after a disaster. Unlike larger organizations, we remain on the ground long after the news cameras have left. Through your donations, we directly implement initiatives, build local capacity, and promote sustainable development, ensuring long-term positive impact and continuous support for the communities we serve.
OUR APPROA
At The Small World, we believe in cultivating deep, personal relationships with the communities we serve. We take the time to truly understand their unique challenges, needs, and ideas, and work alongside them to develop sustainable solutions. Unlike larger aid organizations, we prioritize building enduring connections between community members, donors, volunteers, and ourselves. By fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose, we create a close-knit network that empowers us to drive meaningful and lasting change—one that resonates both locally and globally.
THE CHALLENGES FACING NEPAL
Almost half of Nepal’s young female population is married before they are 18 years old, and it is estimated that every year, from 15,000-20,000 Nepalese girls (42% of which are minors) are trafficked into the international sex slavery industry.
Nepal is renowned for its natural beauty, spectacular scenery and cultural landmarks. With Mount Everest on the northern border, and the birthplace of Buddha to the south, Nepal is undoubtedly a charming and exotic destination. However, many people are unaware that Nepal is also the poorest country in Asia with a high percentage of the population living an abject poverty.
Nepal has the lowest literacy rate in Asia and one of the highest child mortality rates in the world. Infrastructure is not only highly inadequate, but also nonexistent in remote mountain villages where people live an ancient lifestyle without benefit of roads, electricity, telephones, sanitation, running water, hospitals, or schools.
Namaste from Hope Girls, TSW girls education project
OUR STRATEGY
At The Small World, our strategy involves:
listening to local about their needs
Identifying real community needs
Sharing local ideas and resources
Working together with community members and volunteers
We believe that education is key to solving the majority of these challenges. To accomplish this, we feel that we have a unique vision and direction. Rather than impose solutions, we work with communities over many years to strengthen their own efforts to improve and eradicate these social problems.
We are constantly seeking new solutions and ask ourselves how we can make the greatest impact with our resources. In addition to our home for at risk girls in Kathmandu, we make the most of our skills and abilities while working at remote Himalayan villages in the District of Solukhumbu.