Kathmandu — Society International Travels (SI) has formalized a groundbreaking partnership with Friends of Parents of Children with Autism (FPCA), marking a significant milestone in corporate social responsibility within Nepal’s special education sector. The Society International FPCA partnership represents a comprehensive annual commitment to supporting children with autism and their families across Nepal.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, SI has committed to providing ongoing monthly financial support throughout the year. The Society International FPCA partnership was officially launched with the first installment presented to FPCA President Mrs. Elina Bajracharya Tuladhar during a ceremony held in Kathmandu.

Addressing Critical Gaps in Nepal’s Autism Support System

Corporate Leadership in Social Change

Santosh Bikram Rana, Head of GSA Affairs at Society International, emphasized the Society International FPCA partnership significance in addressing societal challenges:

“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.”

Empowering Families Through Strategic Support

Mrs. Elina Bajracharya Tuladhar, founder of FPCA and mother to a child with autism, welcomed the Society International FPCA partnership:

“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 Pioneering Impact in Nepal’s Special Education Landscape

Comprehensive Service Model

Established in 2013, FPCA operates Kathmandu’s only nonprofit day-care and learning center exclusively for children with autism, currently serving 15 children. The Society International FPCA partnership will help expand these critical services across Nepal’s underserved communities.

FPCA’s Holistic Approach:

• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) tailored to each child’s specific needs and development goals
• Comprehensive Therapy Services including occupational, speech, music, and behavioral therapy
• Skill Development Programs focusing on motor skills, communication abilities, and socialization
• Unique Staffing Model combining trained special educators with parents and siblings of children with autism

Addressing Nepal’s Special Education Needs

The Society International FPCA partnership addresses a critical gap in Nepal’s special education infrastructure, where autism support services remain severely limited. FPCA’s specialized approach provides hope for families who previously had limited options for their children’s development and education.

Society International Travels: Leading Corporate Social Responsibility

Company Background and Mission

As Nepal’s leading General Sales Agent (GSA) representing major airlines including Thai Airways, Society International Travels facilitates seamless global travel experiences for thousands of Nepali travelers. The Society International FPCA partnership demonstrates how successful businesses can leverage their market position to drive meaningful social change.

CSR Program Focus Areas

Through its comprehensive CSR program, SI champions community welfare with particular emphasis on:

Priority Development Areas:

• Education Accessibility supporting inclusive learning opportunities
• Health and Wellness promoting community health initiatives
• Inclusive Development ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens across Nepal

The Society International FPCA partnership aligns perfectly with these core CSR objectives, creating sustainable impact in Nepal’s special education sector.

Impact on Nepal’s Autism Awareness and Support

Breaking Social Stigma

The Society International FPCA partnership plays a crucial role in challenging misconceptions about autism in Nepali society. By publicly supporting autism awareness and education, Society International helps normalize conversations about neurodiversity and special needs support.

Financial Sustainability for FPCA

The monthly financial commitment through the Society International FPCA partnership provides FPCA with predictable funding, enabling long-term planning and service expansion. This stability allows FPCA to focus on service delivery rather than fundraising challenges.

Model for Corporate Engagement

The Society International FPCA partnership establishes a blueprint for other Nepali corporations to engage meaningfully with special needs organizations, potentially inspiring broader corporate participation in autism support initiatives.

Future Expansion and Development Goals

Service Enhancement Opportunities

With stable funding through the Society International FPCA partnership, FPCA can explore expanding its services to include:

Potential Growth Areas:

• Additional therapy modalities and specialized programs
• Extended age range support beyond current childhood focus
• Parent training and family support programs
• Community outreach and awareness initiatives

Scaling Impact Across Nepal

The Society International FPCA partnership model could potentially be replicated in other regions of Nepal, creating a network of autism support centers that address the country’s widespread need for special education services.

Corporate Social Responsibility Leadership

Setting Industry Standards

The Society International FPCA partnership demonstrates how travel and tourism companies can meaningfully contribute to social development beyond their core business operations. This initiative sets new standards for corporate engagement with vulnerable communities in Nepal.

Long-term Commitment Philosophy

Unlike one-time charitable donations, the Society International FPCA partnership represents sustained, strategic investment in Nepal’s special education infrastructure, demonstrating genuine commitment to social change.

Community Response and Recognition

Stakeholder Appreciation

The Society International FPCA partnership has received positive recognition from special education advocates, parent groups, and community leaders who view this collaboration as a significant step toward building inclusive communities in Nepal.

Government Relations

While FPCA continues advocating for increased government support for neurodiversity initiatives, the Society International FPCA partnership provides crucial interim support that fills gaps in public service provision.

The Society International FPCA partnership represents more than corporate philanthropy—it embodies a strategic alliance between private sector leadership and grassroots special education advocacy. This collaboration promises to create lasting positive impact for children with autism and their families throughout Nepal, while establishing new paradigms for corporate social responsibility in the country’s development landscape.