A Story of Friendship, Community, and Lasting Impact
Nestled in the hills of Dhumthali, Sindhupalchok, Nepal, Shree Mangaladevi Janajagriti Basic School stands today as a symbol of what can be achieved when a community’s determination is matched by the generosity of people who believe every child deserves a quality education.
For the children of this rural community, the school represents far more than a building. It is a place where dreams begin, confidence grows, and opportunities are created.
A Vision Born from Friendship
The story of the school began with a friendship.
Mohan Rai, a highly respected shaman and community leader from Dhumthali, believed passionately that education was the key to transforming the future of local children. Through his close friendship with Lee Forsyth, a trustee of MySmallHelp in the United Kingdom, he shared the challenges facing the community and the urgent need for a new school.
Inspired by Mohan Rai’s vision and the determination of the local community, Lee committed himself to helping make the dream a reality.
Returning to the United Kingdom, Lee organised fundraising events that inspired friends, families, and supporters to contribute towards the construction of a new school. Their generosity demonstrated how compassion can cross borders and change lives.
Building the School Together
The construction project was coordinated in Nepal by Binod Maharjan, who worked closely with local residents, builders, school representatives, and MySmallHelp to oversee the development of the new school.
The project became a true partnership between the local community and international supporters. Every donation, every hour of work, and every act of encouragement helped transform an ambitious vision into a lasting educational resource.
When the new school building was completed, it marked a significant milestone for the community and created a safe, welcoming environment where children could learn and thrive.
Lee and Charlotte’s Visit to Nepal
In February 2012, MySmallHelp trustee Lee Forsyth visited Nepal to meet the MySmallHelp team, visit projects, and celebrate the progress of the school.
He was accompanied by his 14-year-old daughter, Charlotte Forsyth, whose first-hand experience of MySmallHelp’s work left a lasting impression. Together they brought 110 kilograms of educational materials, clothing, toys, books, stationery, and sports equipment for children supported by MySmallHelp.
During their visit, Lee met with the MySmallHelp Nepal team to discuss future plans and the long-term sustainability of the organisation. He also explored opportunities to develop local income through partnerships with tourism and volunteering initiatives, helping strengthen MySmallHelp’s long-term vision.
Lee and Charlotte visited the children at the Marybert Children’s Home, where they distributed gifts and educational resources before joining the children for an afternoon of singing, dancing, and celebration. Reflecting on the visit, Lee described the children as:
“An absolute privilege to work with—polite, courteous, gregarious, and full of life.”
They also travelled to Dhumthali to celebrate the new school with students, teachers, parents, and members of the local Sherpa community. The occasion was marked by traditional dancing, music, drumming, and joyful celebrations that reflected the community’s gratitude for the new educational opportunities.
At the conclusion of his visit, Lee praised the dedication and professionalism of the MySmallHelp Nepal team, expressing his confidence in the organisation’s ability to deliver meaningful, lasting change.
Lasting Impact
Today, more than 100 children attend Shree Mangaladevi Janajagriti Basic School each year.
Every classroom, every lesson, and every smiling face reflects the commitment of everyone who contributed to the project—from community leaders and local residents to volunteers, donors, and supporters across the world.
The school continues to provide children with access to quality education in a safe and inspiring environment, creating opportunities that will benefit families and the wider community for generations.
Honouring Mohan Rai
Although Mohan Rai has sadly passed away, his legacy lives on through the school he helped inspire.
His belief in the importance of education brought together people from Nepal and the United Kingdom in a remarkable partnership built on trust, friendship, and shared purpose.
Every child who enters the school today is part of the legacy he helped create.
Thank You
This project would not have been possible without the generosity, dedication, and partnership of so many people.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to:
- Mohan Rai, whose vision inspired the project.
- Lee Forsyth, whose fundraising leadership made the school possible.
- Charlotte Forsyth, who shared in the journey and encouraged the children through her visit.
- Binod Maharjan, who coordinated the project in Nepal.
- The teachers, parents, community members, volunteers, donors, and supporters whose combined efforts transformed education in Dhumthali.
Together, they proved that when people work together with compassion and determination, they can build more than schools—they can build brighter futures.
