Mission & Board

Who We Are

Society for Urban Poor (SOUP) is an innovative non-government, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for urban poor communities in Nepal.

Our Foundation

Established in 1992 (2049 B.S.) by a dedicated group of young professionals, SOUP has been at the forefront of urban poverty alleviation in Nepal for over three decades.

We address the multifaceted challenges faced by urban poor communities, including economic hardship, lack of education, limited civic awareness, inadequate health services, and environmental concerns.

With 38 committed members and a Board of Directors elected from our membership, SOUP operates with transparency, accountability, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve.

Learn More About Our Mission

📚 Annual Bulletins

Explore our comprehensive yearly reports documenting programs, achievements, and community stories from the past three years.

View Bulletins

Current Programs

Our active initiatives empowering communities through education and development

Scholarship Program

Providing educational support to 136 students from Classes 1-12 across 15 government schools, removing financial barriers to education.

Current Impact:
132 students (Classes 1-10)
4 students (+2 level)

After School Program (ASP)

Supporting 65 students in 2 government schools with additional academic help, extracurricular activities, and personal development after regular school hours.

Locations:
Shree Mahendra Saraswati Basic School (Teku, Kathmandu)
Shramjit Higher Secondary School (Lukhusi, Lalitpur)

Community Training Programs

Organizing need-based trainings on education, health, child protection, waste management, organic farming, and social awareness to empower communities.

Topics Include:
IPM Organic Farming, Waste Management, Terrace Gardening, Health & Hygiene

Support Our Work

SOUP relies entirely on voluntary donations. Here's how you can help make a difference

Homestay Program

Experience authentic Nepalese culture while supporting SOUP. Stay with local families and contribute to community development.

Cost: NPR 3,000 per person/day

40% to host family • 25% to community organizations • 35% to SOUP programs

Inquire About Homestay

Become a Support Member

Join our community of 567 support members and contribute to specific programs of your choice through monthly, semi-annual, or annual donations.

Apply Online View All Forms Read Member Testimonials

Recycling Goods Program

Donate your gently used clothes, accessories, toys, and instruments. We sell them at minimal prices in communities, with proceeds supporting our programs.

Contact Us to Donate

Support Member Testimonials

Hear from our valued support members about their journey with SOUP

Nirjala Bhattarai & Jagat Bijay Koirala

Sydney, Australia

"SOUP genuinely works with great sensitivity toward children and families who are truly in need"

I (Nirjala Bhattarai) and my brother Jagat Bijay Koirala (currently residing in Sydney, Australia) had been thinking for several years about contributing, even in a small way, to the field of children's education...

Manish Pandey

Adelaide, Australia

"Mobilizing local resources is key to making an organization sustainable and self-reliant"

My name is Manish Pandey, and I am currently residing in Adelaide, Australia. I came to know about the Society for Urban Poor (SOUP) through my wife, Ishwori Shrestha...

Dhaneswori Shrestha

Koteshwor-Tinkune, Nepal

"I became deeply impressed by the way the organization carries out its work"

My name is Dhaneswori Shrestha. I currently reside in Koteshwor–Tinkune. I was born in Lubhu in the month of Shrawan, 2016 B.S...

Support Our Expansion

SOUP's current programs are fully funded through our own resources. Your donation helps us expand our reach and create new programs to serve more families in need.

Bank Donation Details

Bank: Himalayan Bank, Patan Branch

Account Name: Society For Urban Poor (SOUP)

Account Number: 120-00319780012

Swift Code: HIMANPKA

For All Donations:

Domestic (Nepal): Direct bank transfer to the account above
International: Use Swift Code HIMANPKA for international wire transfers

"SOUP is entirely accountable to its support friends. Thus, we plead for those who can contribute financially for SOUP works; or who can spare some time for SOUP works; and in case, both of these are not possible for you; you can spread some positive words towards our works."

All donations help us expand programs in education, women's empowerment, environmental sustainability, and community development.

Our Legacy of Impact

Three decades of successful programs that have transformed communities

Women Empowerment

Empowered women through saving and credit programs, street vendor support, organic farming training, and cooperative formation. Eight women groups successfully registered as cooperatives.

Saving and credit programs for street vendors and farmers
Economic improvement programs in Kalimati and Balkhu
IPM training for organic farming
8 women groups registered as cooperatives

Non-Formal Education

Provided school preparation classes for 355 children from migrant families through three child centers in Kalimati, Bansighat, and Jadibudi.

3 child centers established
355 school-aged children educated
Daily 5-hour classes covering core subjects
Successful transition to formal education

Environmental Programs

Implemented household solid waste management in 760+ households, promoted terrace gardening, and conducted 18+ IPM training programs for organic farming.

760+ households involved in waste management
Terrace gardening and rooftop farming promotion
18+ IPM training programs completed
30-40 participants per training group

Disaster Risk Reduction

Post-earthquake recovery and DRR training in 5 wards of Kathmandu and Lalitpur, providing livelihood support for 75 persons and comprehensive disaster preparedness training.

Livelihood support for 75 persons
Community infrastructure repair support
DRR capacity building and training
SAR tools and emergency goods distribution

Our Partners

Working together to create lasting change in urban communities

Current Partners

Freedom Through Education Nepal

Independent Australian founded Dalit Education and Support Org (2025)

Past Partners

We are grateful for the support of our past partners who helped us achieve significant impact

PIN Nepal

After School Program Support (2021-2025)

Indo American Sevaks Foundation

After School Program Support (2023-2025)

Shapla Neer

CORE International

Included

JICA

GIZ

Interested in Partnering?

We welcome collaboration with organizations that share our vision of empowering urban poor communities.

Contact Us

Empowering Urban Communities

Become a Support Member Today!