Frequently Asked Questions

• ANSWER is a non-religious, non-partisan organization dedicated to helping the people of Nepal address problems of poverty through education, primarily by providing educational sponsorships for impoverished students, especially low-caste.

• Funds for operating expenses are raised separately (through fundraisers, corporate sponsorships and other outside donations) ensuring 100% of sponsorship donations go directly to the education of students.
• Sponsors are provided with the unique opportunity to establish a very personal relationship with a student from one of the poorest countries in the world.
• We provide personal oversight, direction and ongoing career counseling to every student.
• ANSWER is committed to empowerment rather than dependency. Our goal is to work ourselves out of a job – turning the organization over to our Nepali leadership at some point in the future. And, our graduates are “Paying it Forward” by becoming sponsors of the next generation of students.

• ANSWER has an independent volunteer board of directors. Click here to learn more about individual directors and read about our leadership team in Nepal.
• You can donate to ANSWER with confidence knowing it is a 501(c)3 charity, is registered with the Michigan Attorney General’s Charitable Trust Division, and has annual outside CPA reviews.

Criteria for student selection:

• Economically poor/disadvantaged: Our students have an average family income of $1,000 or less per year.
• Educationally bright/motivated: Students must be in at least the 4^th grade with consistent school attendance and an A average. Parents must be committed to their child’s education and future career goals.
• Demonstrate leadership: Students need to show outside interests and activities.
• Priority to most disadvantaged students:

• Due to the discrimination women face in Nepal, we support twice as many girls as boys and emphasize women’s empowerment.
• We also take into consideration social standing (caste). Caste has a long and complicated history in Nepal, but affects family life, food, dress, occupation and culture among Hindus.  We support students in the lower castes when possible.

• Since universities, businesses and professional careers require English fluency in Nepal, we place students in private schools where classes are taught in English and class sizes are smaller.  Although public (government) schools exist in Nepal, they are overcrowded, teach very limited English, and are poorly equipped.

• Sponsorship for younger students (Grades 4-10) is $450 per year. This covers tuition, uniform, shoes, books, book bag and school supplies.
• Sponsorship of students in Grades 11, 12, technical programs and university is $550 per year.

• A great deal of time and resources goes into selecting students. To be fair to the student, and to remain cost effective, we ask for a minimum 3 year commitment.  Most sponsors are so connected to their students and our program that they continue sponsorship until their student has launched her/his career!