Educate . Empower . Enable
Former President Barack Obama and TSW co-founder Sanam Sherpa
OUR MISSION
The Small World is a non-profit dedicated to supporting locally driven, sustainable community development projects in Nepal 🇳🇵
These initiatives provide education for children - especially young girls at risk of exploitation - while also breaking down traditional barriers to girls' education, fostering empowerment within local Nepali communities, and working to end deep-rooted cycles of poverty.
The Small World’s mission is to educate, empower, and enable current and future generations to drive positive change in the world
THE OBAMA FOUNDATION
Girl’s Opportunity Alliance: Dechen’s Story
The Small World is a proud member of The Obama Foundation’s Girl’s Opportunity Alliance program.
Former First Lady, Michelle Obama, recently shared how moved she was by Dechen’s story about her dad’s (our co-founder, Karma Sherpa) work to educate and uplift girls in Nepal.
As Dechen says, "My dad tells me to dream big, and I do. I’m proud that The Small World is helping girls in Nepal chase their dreams, too."
ONGOING PROJECTS
Community Initiative & Volunteer-Based Projects
Our ongoing projects begin by listening to locals and identifying real community needs. We collaborate with community members and volunteers to co-create solutions rooted in local ideas and shared resources. Together, we build projects that are meaningful, sustainable, and truly needed.
Arhaus Children’s Home >
A safe community in Solukhumbhu for vulnerable boys and girls. Here, they can heal, grow, and receive a quality education.
Himalayan Hope Home >
A protection center in Kathmandu where girls are provided with shelter, parental care, love, and educational opportunities.
Seeds of Hope: Agricultural Aid >
Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing food insecurity for disadvantaged, low-income communities and single mothers.
Girl’s Higher Education >
Providing young Nepali women with the resources to pursue higher education, achieve their dreams, and uplift their communities.
Phuleli Commmunity Health Center >
Bringing accessible, quality healthcare for all age groups to rural communities in Solukhumbhu, Nepal.
Weaving for Empowerment >
Teaching women marketable skills to become financially independent while preserving the tradition of colorful Nepali weaving.
Proud To Be A Girl >
Uplifting girls and women by openly discussing menstrual health and equity
SPONSOR A CHILD IN NEED
To educate a child, is to educate the world . . .
Yet many in Nepal lack this opportunity. Our Education Sponsorship Program helps bridge this gap, supporting children while keeping them connected to their families, schools, and communities for a lasting impact.
Namaste,
Karma and Sonam Sherpa come from the same remote corners of the Himalayas, where education is not always a right—it is often just a dream, especially for girls and vulnerable children. That is why we started The Small World in 2006: to give every child, particularly girls, the chance to learn, grow, and lead, no matter where they are born.
Over the past 19 years, our community-driven model has built schools, empowered women, and opened doors for thousands of children. Since 2010, more than 500 girls have graduated through our programs, and over 150 young women are studying at universities in Kathmandu, including ten training to become doctors.
Through our programs, we are transforming lives: Arhaus Children’s Home gives children a safe home and education; Seeds of Hope -Agriculture project supports families with sustainable farming; Phuleli Community Health Center delivers vital healthcare; Himalayan Hope Home protects at-risk girls; Girls’ Higher Education and Girls’ University Education open doors to learning and leadership; and Proud To Be A Girl nurtures confidence and life skills.
We are Looking ahead, Arhaus Children’s Home is evolving into Arhaus Community School, growing from 100 children today to 500 children by 2027.
Our work is guided by dignity, opportunity, and local leadership, and every project is community-owned and community-led. We are grateful to our supporters, donors, and volunteers—your belief in girls and education is helping transform lives across rural Nepal.
Karma Sherpa & Sonam Doka Sherpa
Co-Founders, The Small World
GET INVOLVED
Work with us to make a difference
Travel with Purpose >
Customized trips for enthusiastic travelers! Combining spectacular views, meaningful cultural exchanges, and physically challenging experiences.
Volunteer >
Work side by side with other volunteers and locals! Share your skills and knowledge, or just your enthusiasm and dedication to help the Nepali community.
Donate & Fundraise >
Raising money, no matter how small or large, is a splash in the pond that ripples positive energy throughout the communities we serve.