NEDI, in Partnership with VFS Global, Enhance Learning Environment Through School Greening and Cleaning Activity in Kathmandu

The Nepal Development Initiative (NEDI), in collaboration with VFS Global, successfully carried out a ‘cleaning and greening’ drive at Bishwamitra Ganesh Secondary School located in Kotdada, Lalitpur, held on Saturday, 6 June 2026 on the occasion of World Environment Day, with the objective of promoting a clean, green, and student-friendly learning environment.

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Over 120 volunteers, including students, teachers, community members, and VFS Global employees, participated in the activity. Together, they painted eight classrooms using eco-friendly paints to create a more vibrant learning environment for the students. To strengthen waste management practices within the school, sets of segregated waste bins were installed across the campus. Participants also carried out a school clean-up drive, collecting and responsibly disposing non-biodegradable waste. As part of the greening effort, 100 saplings were planted throughout the school premises to enhance the biodiversity, sustainability, and beauty of the school environment.

The initiative will benefit over 730 students and teachers from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Grade 12 by providing a cleaner, safer, and more inspiring learning environment.

Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer – South Asia, VFS Global, said, “Protecting our environment requires active, hands-on commitment, and VFS Global is incredibly proud to lead by example through volunteerism. By planting trees, improving waste management, and creating brighter classrooms alongside the community, our employees are directly contributing to a sustainable future. Volunteerism is at the heart of our CSR strategy, and this World Environment Day initiative demonstrates how collective citizen action can safeguard local ecosystems while creating inspiring educational spaces.”

Mr. Haribol Acharya, Executive Director of Nepal Development Initiative (NEDI), emphasized that the campaign went beyond physical improvements. “Our objective is to foster a culture of cleanliness, environmental stewardship, and collective ownership among students and communities. We believe this initiative can serve as a replicable model for other community schools across Nepal,” he stated. The school administration expressed sincere appreciation to VFS Global and Nepal Development Initiative (NEDI) for their valuable support and collaboration. The school noted that the initiative significantly contributed to creating a healthier, more motivating, and student-friendly educational environment.

The school administration expressed its sincere appreciation to VFS Global and NEDI for their support and collaboration, noting that the initiative has significantly contributed to creating a healthier, more motivating, and student-friendly educational environment.

About Nepal Development Initiative (NEDI)

Established in 2003, Nepal Development Initiative (NEDI) is a leading non-profit organization working to promote social entrepreneurship, sustainable development, youth empowerment, and inclusive community transformation across Nepal. Through participatory and community-centered approaches, NEDI has been implementing programs on livelihood promotion, good governance, environmental sustainability, and social innovation for over two decades.

About VFS Global

As the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens, VFS Global embraces technological innovation, including Generative AI, to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.

With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritises ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 71 client governments.  Operating over 4,100 Application Centres in 168 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 542 million transactions* since 2001.

Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai, VFS Global is majority owned by Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, along with minority shareholders including Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation, Singapore based Temasek and UAE based Dubai Holdings.