Our Story – The Didi Foundation Inc.

Didi means ‘Sister’ in Nepali

The Didi Foundation’s journey began in 2009, during my first visit to Nepal. I instantly fell in love with the country’s beauty, its people, and the awe-inspiring Himalayas surrounding Kathmandu Valley. In 2011, I was deeply moved by the heart-wrenching story of two orphaned children who urgently needed care. This pivotal moment inspired the creation of Bright Future Learning Centre, a safe home where vulnerable children could grow, learn, and thrive.

Over the years, our dedicated team of supporters has witnessed these children transform from sick and malnourished youngsters into healthy, confident young adults—many now pursuing successful careers. This profound experience opened my eyes to the broader challenges faced by families in Nepal, particularly mothers who, due to social or economic hardship, could not continue caring for their children.

In 2012, I joined Toukley Wyong Rotary and Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS). Their commitment to humanitarian service, collaboration, and global community uplift became an invaluable part of our story, strengthening our ability to create meaningful and sustainable change in Nepal.

I realized that to create lasting impact, we needed to focus not only on supporting children, but on empowering the women who care for them. This vision led to the formation of The Didi Foundation Inc., dedicated to providing life-changing skills training for women and helping families build strong, self-sufficient futures.

In partnership with Sudip Koirala, we established Didi Foundation (Nepal) in 2012 and officially registered as a charity. What began with just five donated sewing machines, one rented room, and one teacher has grown into a thriving, sustainable model that empowers women to break the cycle of generational poverty—one skill, one family, and one community at a time.

Where we are Today

Looking back, I never imagined that saying ‘YES’ in 2011 would lead to such profound change. Today, Didi HQ is a vibrant four-story building in Mulpani, Kathmandu, managed by a passionate team of young Nepali changemakers dedicated to supporting women’s empowerment. We have provided programs to over seven thousand women with eighty percent gaining employment. 

Today, over 150 women attend our Vocational Training Centre daily,  where we offer courses in tailoring, industrial sewing, computer literacy, English, beauty, cooking and recently barista training. We mentor our graduates into meaningful employment, helping them create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Our students come from challenging backgrounds, selected based on their hardship, lack of educational opportunities, and socio-economic challenges. All students must share a desire to succeed and transform their lives.

In alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Didi Foundation Nepal is committed to sustainable development. We also run Didi’s Bakery Café and Didi’s Savings and Credit Cooperative, both on the ground floor of Didi HQs. The cooperative provides low-interest loans to help graduates start or expand their businesses. These initiatives are integral to our vision of creating a sustainable social enterprise model in Nepal.

Forever Grateful

It has taken a truly remarkable tribe of supporters to get us to where we are today. A heartfelt thank you to Toukey Wyong Rotary Club and Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) for supporting our journey from day one. Also, our donors and supporters who have been an ingegral part of our growth. Collaborations with  the Australian Embassy in Kathmandu, DFAT, and UNHCR have also made our journey possible.

With your continued support, we look forward to expanding our impact and ensuring the sustainability of Didi HQ for years to come. 

Jan Pryor – Founder.

Our History

(In Chronological Order)