Our
Stories

Our Stories

Explore the latest updates and insights on our projects, partners, service regions and benefited communities.

All Stories
Nepal
The Philippines
Malaysia

All Stories

Nepal

The Philippines

Malaysia

All Stories
COR Perspective

Measuring More Than Weight

To combat malnutrition head-on, the Nutrition Program was officially launched in July 2021 in collaboration with Gorkha Municipality and 20 public community schools. But how do we know whether our interventions are working? We use Body Mass Index (BMI).

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COR Chronicles

Bridging Islands, Building Futures

Calls Over Ridges Philippines, in partnership with Sports City International, Project Juan, Kids for Kids, and One Million Lights, officially turned over several education projects to local leaders on June 28th, 2025.

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COR Perspective

Understanding Alternative Learning Centres

Alternative Learning Centres exist to address the gaps that government-run schools either cannot or refuse to fill. Here, we will explore what alternative learning centres are and why they are a crucial platform for our interventions in Sabah, Malaysia.

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COR Chronicles

The Happiness that Cannot Be Bought

Novianto Adhi Sucipta, affectionately known as Pak Vian, is a dedicated teacher leading one of Calls Over Ridges Malaysia’s aquaponics projects in Sabah. Pak Vian’s story is one of commitment and passion, and a powerful reminder of the fulfillment that sustains educators in challenging times.

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BY TOPIC

▶ COR Chronicles
Narratives and experiences from the field.
▶ Voice of CORers
Meet our team members and understand their journey.
▶ COR Perspective
Take a look at how local contexts guide our approach.

BY COUNTRY

▶ Nepal
▶ The Philippines
▶ Malaysia

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Island of Aspiration

Pangandoy is a Bisayan word describing the dreams and aspirations of one’s life. Through quality education, community collaboration and thriving institutions, Calls Over Ridges Philippines turns island dreams into reality, and aspirations into achievements.

Island of Aspiration

Pangandoy’ is a bisayan word describing the dreams and aspirations of one’s life. Through quality education, community collaboration and thriving institutions – Calls Over Ridges Philippines turns island dreams into reality, and aspirations into achievements.

Every contribution is co-invested with local government — so each rupee you give is matched one by one.

  • 2500 per month support 2 students to continue their +2 education.
  • Rs. 5000 per month provides training to 2 teachers with interactive, child-centred methods.
  • Rs. 7000 per month keep the door of school Library open.
  • Rs. 10,000 keep 2 students fed at school for a year.

These are just examples of what your gift makes possible — give any amount that works for you. And because our program run year after year, a regular monthly gift is what helps most of all.

Donate via Fonepay! Steps to Follow

  1. Login to  your eSewa/IMEpay/CellPay/ UnionPay or Mobile Banking App.
  2. Scan this QR code on the scanner.
  3. Enter the amount you would like to donate.
  4. On the remarks, please enter your Name.
  5. Submit

Teacher Training Program

Empowering Teachers, Inspiring Learners

Getting children into the classroom is only the first step—ensuring they receive a quality education is what truly changes lives. In many public community schools across Nepal, classrooms rely on passive rote learning. We envision a vibrant education system where every child is engaged, curious, and active in their own learning journey.
Our Teacher Training Program supports public community school educators by replacing outdated teaching styles with interactive, child-centered, and low-cost learning methods. By giving teachers the tools, confidence, and ongoing mentorship they need, we transform daily lessons into exciting experiences that inspire students to stay in school and thrive.
How It Works: Our 5-Step Community Partnership
To ensure real, lasting transformation in the classroom, we work hand-in-hand with local schools and governments through a structured partnership:

  • Understanding Local Needs: We begin with classroom assessments to identify specific gaps in teaching skills and learning materials.
  • Shared Local Ownership: We partner with committed schools by securing a 50% local co-funding match from municipal governments (Palikas), ensuring community buy-in.
  • National Standard Alignment: Our training modules are strictly mapped to Nepal’s official Teacher Competency Domains and national education guidelines (CEHRD).
  • Formalizing Commitment: We sign clear agreements with school leaders, local authorities, and welfare bodies to keep everyone accountable.
  • Training & Ongoing Mentorship: Teachers complete 20 days of intensive annual training, followed by monthly coaching, classroom check-ins, and performance assessments to ensure new skills are put into practice.


Our Impact Across Districts
By investing in educators, we are creating a ripple effect that elevates entire school communities:

  • Khijidemba: 33 teachers trained across 24 schools, directly enriching the learning experience for 1,275+ students.
  • Jiri Municipality: 66 teachers trained across 6 schools, transforming classrooms for over 1,000+ students.
  • Gorkha District: Reached 20 public community schools and 5,846+ students, equipping 30 teachers.


Invest in the Heart of the Classroom
When you empower a teacher, you uplift every student who walks through their classroom door for years to come. Join us in building a brighter, more engaging future for rural education in Nepal.
“Great teaching doesn’t just pass exams—it sparks a lifelong love for learning.”

Invest in System Change

Literacy Enrichment Program

Inspiring Curiosity, Building Leaders

We envision vibrant rural classrooms where learning extends far beyond memorizing textbooks for exams. At Calls Over Ridges, we believe every child deserves the confidence, critical thinking skills, and curiosity needed to navigate a rapidly changing world.
Our Literacy Enrichment Program brings learning to life through reading, sports, music, and public speaking. By turning school holidays and free time into fun, meaningful learning opportunities, we help bridge learning gaps and keep children excited to stay in school—without disrupting their normal class schedules.
How It Works: Our 3 Community Pillars
To ensure these programs last for generations, we partner directly with committed local schools that invest a 30% local cost-share into every project:

  • Self-Sustaining Libraries: We build child-friendly libraries managed by local communities and supported through micro-subscriptions. This keeps books accessible long-term without depending on endless external aid.
  • Senior for Junior Mentorship: Grade 11 and 12 students are trained to mentor younger children (Grades 1–5). Using diagnostic tools, older youth lead fun, interactive reading and STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, Math) sessions.
  • Gap-Bridging Skill Bootcamps: During school breaks, expert-led workshops in sports, music, and public speaking help children discover hidden talents, build self-confidence, and practice teamwork.

Our Growing Impact in Numbers
By creating spaces where reading and creativity can thrive, we are opening up new worlds for young readers:
Gorkha Municipality

  • 3 Community Libraries fully established and active.
  • 5,804 Books made available to spark imagination and a love for reading.
  • 17 Extracurricular Activities (ECA) engaging students in sports, public speaking, and the arts.

Jiri Municipality

  • 4 Community Libraries fully established and active.
  • 9,423 Books made available to spark imagination and a love for reading.
  • 21 Extracurricular Activities (ECA) engaging students in sports, public speaking, and the arts.


Partner With Us to Transform Rural Classrooms
When children gain confidence in their reading and public speaking, they stop feeling left behind and start dreaming big. Your partnership helps us build self-sustaining, vibrant educational communities that last.
“When you inspire a child’s curiosity today, you empower a leader for tomorrow.”

Invest in System Change

Nutrition Program

Nourishing Minds, Fueling Futures

No child in Nepal should ever have to choose between hunger and an education. At Calls Over Ridges Nepal, we envision healthy, junk-free schools where every student—from early childhood through Grade 12—is nourished, energized, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Our Nutrition Program doesn’t just serve healthy daily meals—it transforms schools into vibrant hubs of health. By teaching lifelong hygiene habits and sourcing fresh produce directly from local village farmers, we nourish our students while strengthening the local economy.
How We Make It Happen: Our 4-Pillar Approach
Aligned with national school meal policies (MoEST Guidelines), our program ensures safety, quality, and community ownership:
• Fresh, Local Sourcing: Meals are made with fresh, wholesome produce bought directly from local village farmers. This keeps meals nutritious, culturally familiar, and reinvests support straight back into local families..
• Shared Ownership: We partner closely with local municipalities and School Management Committees (SMC/LMC) to co-fund, manage daily kitchen operations, and keep the program running smoothly.
• Healthy Habits for Life: Mealtime is also learning time! Students practice daily handwashing, learn proper sanitation, and discover the importance of choosing fresh, real food over processed snacks.
• Quality & Safety First: Across all 38 target schools, we train school cooks, maintain strict hygiene standards, and conduct regular joint safety checks with local government officials.

Our Impact in Numbers
Providing hot, nutritious meals is keeping kids in school, improving health, and rallying whole communities:
• Gorkha: Supporting 5,846 students with an 85% attendance rate and over 1.18 million lunches served! By partnering with 22 local farmers, we’ve helped eliminate malnutrition (0 cases in recent data) and raised nutrition awareness among 68.8% of parents across 19 schools.
• Jiri Municipality: Nourishing 1,146 students with a fantastic 91.42% attendance rate and over 100,000 lunches served so far, while expanding healthy homemade lunch awareness to local parents..
• Khijidemba Rural Municipality: Serving 1,275 students with over 151,000 lunches distributed and achieving a 73% attendance rate, with 73% of parents in 7 schools actively learning about healthy meal prep.

Together, We Are Building Healthier Communities
When a child is well-fed, they can focus, play, and dream big. Your support helps us keep classrooms full, kitchens cooking, and local farms thriving.
“A healthy meal today fuels the leaders, thinkers, and builders of tomorrow.”

Invest in System Change

School Bus Program

Safe Rides to Access Learning

For many children in rural Nepal, getting an education means enduring a grueling, multi-hour walk to school every single day. Exhausting journeys through harsh weather and difficult terrain lead to low attendance, missed classes, and early dropouts.
Our School Bus Program changes everything. By providing safe, reliable, and affordable transportation, we replace risky daily walks with a comfortable ride—ensuring students arrive healthy, energized, and ready to learn.
Built to Last: A 10-Year Community Model
We believe in long-term solutions, not temporary fixes. Designed alongside local leaders and national guidelines, every school bus operates under a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure lasting impact:

  • Initial Setup: COR Nepal provides the initial financial investment and technical support to launch the bus service.
  • Local Management: Schools and municipal partners manage daily operations and route planning.
  • Full Self-Sufficiency: Over time, local government and community leadership assume full ownership, keeping the service running sustainably for future generations.

What started with 5 school buses has grown into a vital lifeline for hundreds of children!

Real Impact in Our Communities
By turning long, exhausting walks into safe daily journeys, our buses give students back their time to study, rest, and play:

  • Gorkha District: 2 school buses currently in operation, serving over 277 students daily.
  • Jiri: 3 school buses currently in operation, serving over 272 students daily.


Together, We Are Building Lasting Infrastructure
When distance no longer stands between a child and their classroom, the door to opportunity swings wide open.
“A safe ride to school today builds a stronger community tomorrow.”

Invest in System Change

Scholarship Program

Opening Doors to Bright Futures

At Calls Over Ridges Nepal, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to finish their higher secondary education (+2) without financial worry standing in their way.
Paying for high school can put a heavy pressure on families, leading many promising students to drop out early. Our Scholarship Program changes that by taking off the financial pressure so students can focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and graduating.
How Our Scholarship Works: The 50/50 Incentive Model
To support families immediately while encouraging students to finish their studies, our scholarship is divided into two parts:

  • 50% Direct Cash Support: Delivered directly to students and their families to help pay for day-to-day school expenses, books, supplies, and monthly needs.
  • 50% Secured Graduation Deposit: Placed safely into the school’s bank account and held until the student successfully completes their +2 education.

This model serves as a huge milestone motivator! It gives students and families a clear target, ensuring that over 270+ students stay motivated to graduate and unlock their reserved funds upon completing their final exams and receipting school leaving certificate.

Our Impact in the Community
Every graduate represents a life changed and a family supported. Here is how our scholarship is making a real difference across local communities:

  • Gorkha: Supporting young scholars since 2018, with 20 graduates already stepping into brighter futures.
  • Jiri: Since 2019, we have helped students reach the finish line, celebrating 18 graduates to date.
  • Khijidemba: Launched in 2022, enrolling 36 students and celebrating our first 5 graduates (with many more to come!).


Together, We Are Building a Better Tomorrow
When you support a student’s education, you aren’t just helping one child—you are lifting up an entire family and strengthening a community.
“Education is the most powerful tool to break barriers, build confidence, and create lasting change.”

Invest in System Change