First Leaf Guesthouse
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The Challenge
Nepal continues to face significant economic and educational challenges that disproportionately affect low-income families and young people. According to Rastriya Shramik Mahasangh Nepal’s “Current Labor Scenario” report, national unemployment reached “10.71%” in 2024, while youth unemployment climbed to “20.82%,” contributing to a growing labor migration crisis. Nearly one million Nepalis left the country for foreign employment or overseas study in fiscal year 2023/24 alone, as many workers report that local wages are not enough to support basic living expenses. The Kathmandu Post reported that many laborers survive on only “Rs700 per day” while working long hours without benefits or long-term security. Nepal’s economy has become increasingly dependent on remittances, which account for more than 25% of GDP, highlighting the lack of sustainable employment opportunities within the country.
Educational inequality also remains a major barrier for vulnerable communities. According to The Rising Nepal’s literacy report, literacy among men stands at “83.6%” compared to only “69.4%” for women, and 13 districts across the country are still not fully literate. Nepal also ranked 145th on the 2025 Human Development Index, reflecting continued challenges in access to quality education and economic opportunity. For many working-class families, private preschool fees remain unaffordable, limiting access to foundational early childhood learning. Although internet access has expanded rapidly, underserved communities still lack access to engaging libraries, literacy programs, and modern educational resources that support long-term learning and development.
A Solution
The First Leaf Guesthouse is an integrated social enterprise in the Himalayan Region designed to improve livelihoods and expand access to education through a sustainable tourism model. By operating a guesthouse and café, the project creates quality employment opportunities with fair wages, benefits, and professional training, addressing widespread underemployment and labor migration in South Asia.
At the same time, its community children’s library and low-cost educational programs provide accessible, play-based learning for families who cannot afford private preschool options. Together, these efforts promote inclusive economic growth and educational opportunity while contributing to the development of a more responsible and impactful tourism sector.
Business Activities Geared Towards Providing Quality Education, Economic Growth, and Sustainable Communities:
Target 4.1.P Work towards ensuring that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes ADAPTED: Work towards ensuring that individuals have access to quality education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
4.4 Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship (Increase the number of youth and adults who have vocational and language skills needed to obtain employment and decent jobs.)
Target 8.5 Promote full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
Target 11.7 ADAPTED: Promote universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible public spaces.
Measured by:
Number of Training classes/seminars offered each quarter. (Please list the type of training: Literacy hours, story time sessions, educational workshops)
Number of individuals who attended training/seminars.
Number of Trainings provided to employees each quarter. (Please list the type of training ex: in hospitality, management, and English)
Number of individuals accessing library and services each quarter.
What progress has been made towards business next steps (ex: months 1-6 securing a property. Months 7-12 renovation staff hiring & training. Year 2 grand opening/functioning. Year 3 expansion)
Number of individuals who stayed at the guesthouse each quarter.
Number of guest reviews received each quarter. (Waiting until Year guesthouse is complete)
Number of full-time, part-time, and temporary employees of the organization that are earning a local living wage or higher as of the end of the reporting period.
Show how much money flowed to this area that would not have otherwise without the project for economic growth, list the quarterly expenses (including salaries but not your own).
Please describe efforts to host events for the community each quarter.
Number of local businesses partnered with each quarter.
The First Leaf Guesthouse is an integrated social enterprise in the Himalayan Region designed to improve livelihoods and expand access to education through a sustainable tourism model. By operating a guesthouse and café, the project creates quality employment opportunities with fair wages, benefits, and professional training, addressing widespread underemployment and labor migration in South Asia. At the same time, its community children’s library and low-cost educational programs provide accessible, play-based learning for families who cannot afford private preschool options.
What Does Your Donation Go Towards?
$10,000 — The Library & Learning Center
$250 — Specialized Staff Training
$2,250 — Startup Team Salaries
$1,500 — Startup Essentials & Initial Utilities
$3,000 — Kitchen & Cafe Inventory
$30,000 — Guest Room Renovations
