Kathmandu :Society International Travels (SI) today formalized a partnership with Friends of Parents of Children with Autism (FPCA), a pioneering Nepali NGO supporting children with autism and their families. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, SI committed to ongoing monthly financial support throughout the year, with the first installment presented to FPCA President Mrs. Elina Bajracharya Tuladhar at a ceremony in Kathmandu.
Santosh Bikram Rana, Head of GSA Affairs at Society International, emphasized the partnership’s significance:
“Autism remains deeply misunderstood in Nepal, leading to social stigma and immense challenges for affected families. At SI, we believe businesses must actively bridge these gaps. Our support for FPCA reflects our commitment to building a more inclusive Nepal—one where every child receives the opportunities they deserve.”
Mrs. Elina Bajracharya Tuladhar, founder of FPCA and mother to a child with autism, accepted the support:
“This partnership empowers our decade-long mission to provide specialized education and therapy for children with autism. While we urge the government to prioritize neurodiversity support, SI’s commitment enables us to expand vital services for families facing financial and emotional strain.”
FPCA’s Impact
Established in 2013, FPCA operates Kathmandu’s only nonprofit day-care and learning center exclusively for children with autism, currently serving 15 children. Its holistic approach includes:
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) tailored to each child’s needs.
- Occupational, speech, music, and behavioral therapy.
- Skill-development programs (motor skills, communication, socialization).
- A unique model staffed by trained special educators and parents/siblings of children with autism.