Darchula: Nawadurga Rural Municipality has launched an innovative programme to reduce school dropout rates by providing goats to low-income families, helping them earn a sustainable income while encouraging children to continue their education.
Under the initiative, one goat has been distributed to the parents of selected students from each of the municipality’s 28 schools. Local officials say the programme targets economically disadvantaged families whose children are at greater risk of leaving school for work.
Rural Municipality Chair Laxmi Prasad Awasthi said previous support, such as cash scholarships and educational materials, often failed to achieve lasting results. “By providing goats, families can generate income through livestock farming and continue sending their children to school,” he said.
The programme is being implemented jointly by the municipality and education-focused NGO Lunibha Balsarokar, with 28 families receiving goats purchased from local farmers at Rs 10,000 each. The animals have been insured, and veterinary care will be provided by the municipality if needed.
Officials hope the initiative will not only improve household incomes but also reduce school dropout rates and promote professional goat farming in the community.
