Samaanta Foundation is a Nepal-based not-for-profit that promotes equality and empowerment by providing quality higher education and skills-development opportunities to meritorious public-school graduates from low-income backgrounds.
Our vision
To level the playing field by building a society where talented young people get the opportunities they deserve, irrespective of their socio-economic background.
Our mission
To provide transformative higher education and skills-development opportunities that help create a critical mass of diverse change-makers empowered to serve and lead their communities.
Our values
- 01
Equality
We believe in equality of opportunity, and that education is the route to a more equal society. Every fellow is treated equally, regardless of background.
- 02
Empowerment
We empower individuals to become change-makers in their communities, combining academics with practical skills.
- 03
Service & Leadership
Fellows engage in service projects each year to build their sense of giving and hone their leadership.
- 04
Paying It Forward
Founded on the principle of paying it forward — today’s fellows become tomorrow’s investing donors.
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158
Fellows supported
As of 2026
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15
Cohorts
As of 2026
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32
Districts represented
As of 2026
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74
Graduates
As of 2026
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+120
Community projects
As of 2026
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18000+
People reached
As of 2026
Our team
Advisors
Professor Deepak Rana
Academic Advisor
Advises on academic placement and partnerships.
Board
Dr Rukmini Adhikari
Chair of the Board
An educationist with three decades of experience in higher-education access.
Prakash Thapa
Board Member
A social entrepreneur and long-standing advocate for equity in education.
Programme Team
Anjali Sharma
Mentorship Coordinator
Runs the mentorship programme connecting fellows with professionals.
Bimal Karki
Programme Manager
Oversees fellow selection, support and monitoring.
Sunita Lama
Executive Director
Leads the Foundation's programmes and day-to-day operations.
Explore more
One more fellow
Every fellowship is funded by people who believe talent deserves a fair chance.