The Nirmala Foundation
“Let No One Sit on the Sideline.”
The Nirmala Foundation was formed in 2024 by former Hope Centre resident Nirmala Bhandari. Seeing a need for change in opportunities, resources, and attitudes towards those with disabilities in Nepal, Nirmala and her team are dedicated to improving inclusion and accessibility through sport, travel, and the arts.
Aims:
Concentrating on young Nepalis, the Nirmala Foundation’s aim is to enable disadvantaged and disabled individuals to live fulfilling lives in an inclusive environment dominated by the positive attitudes of their peers, families & carers, teachers, and communities.
Early Projects
Inclusion in Sport and the Outdoors
In a bid to establish an effective model for changing the young lives of those with disabilities in Nepal, New Futures Nepal funded the Nirmala Foundation’s pilot study consisting of two short projects; a yoga and nature experience at the Godawari Botanical Gardens and a month-long inclusion in sport project at Vidhya Byayam English School (attended by a large number of the Hope Centre children).
Botanical Gardens Experience
Joined by New Futures Nepal trustees Alex Maher, Lynne McCutcheon, and Andrew Small, the Nirmala Foundation took several children from the Hope Centre on a nature experience at the Godawari Botanical Gardens in the Lalitpur District of Nepal. Through games, yoga and mindfulness activities, and a hike, this event demonstrated the impact of nature and well-being exercises on the mental and physical health of these often overlooked childre
Let No One Sit on the Sideline; Inclusion through Sport at Vidhya Byayam English School
This project’s aim was to assess the impact of inclusive sport in schools on the well-being of children with disabilities and the attitudes and awareness of their parents and teachers. It involved parent and teacher workshops and surveys before and after the event to assess any changes in attitudes towards inclusion, as well as inclusive sports sessions attended by wheelchair basketball players from the Bodhisattvas in Action (BIA), wheelchair table tennis players, and para-badminton players.
The Nirmala Foundation commented on the event;
“Instil in your children from a young age the values of respecting and embracing disabilities, fostering inclusive play without discrimination, as our present actions inevitably shape future consequences. We can play together in the right environment. No one has to be left behind to participate in sports.”
Arts and Music Education/Therapy
The Nirmala Foundation strives to improve the well-being and success of children facing challenges through music and art. Their goal is to improve social and life skills as well as nurture academic pursuits in order to build a strong foundation for future success. At present, the foundation runs regular vocal classes and art sessions through their ‘Nirmala Art Center’
Antique Accessory and Handicraft Stall
The Nirmala Foundation have a regular stall at the Utpala Cafe in Boudha where they sell handicrafts made by the disabled and disadvantaged community, supporting their partners by providing a platform for the sale of their crafts.
Recent Projects
Women’s Amputee Football
The Nirmala Foundation have created the first ever Women’s Amputee Football initiative in Nepal. On the weekend of 12th-14th December 2025, they showcased Women’s Amputee Football with a Christmas celebration and discussion on the future scope of the sport in Nepal and a two-hour workshop.
On the 16th and 17th February 2026, 6 ladies from the team joined male players for mixed team exhibition games at the Amputee Football Championship, 2026. The team now trains every Saturday in a bid to be the first Nepali team to play in the WAFF Women’s Amputee Football World Cup in 2027!
Amputee Runway Nepal
In the April of 2025, the Nirmala Foundation delivered the first ever amputee focused fashion show in Nepal, showcasing designs specifically tailored to individuals with limb-differences. Plans are now in motion to make the show a regular event.
“They didn't walk to be seen, they walked to change the vision of society. We didn't just organise a ramp walk, we started a campaign. They walked by artificial feet, but the strength to carry on was confidence, respect, and courage.” - Nirmala Bhandari, the Nirmala Foundation
Wheelchair Basketball Team
In 2025, with the generous support of Leamington Soroptimists International, 5 basketball wheelchairs were funded. This has allowed national wheelchair basketball player Nirmala to begin to establish a young women’s wheelchair basketball team. The foundation plans to acquire more chairs in order to develop a competitive squad and support team, so watch this space!
What’s Next?
“Voice and Visibility” Podcast
Plans are well underway for the Nirmala Foundation’s podcast which will act as a platform for sharing lived experiences of those with disibilities.
Everest Base Camp
In an effort to prove that adversity can truly be overcome given adequate opportunity, Nirmala plans to make an effort to reach Everest Base Camp with her team in the not so distant future. Keep an eye out for further news!
The ambition and energy of the Nirmala Foundation is inspiring and infectious. With many projects in development and even more likely to emerge, we are delighted to work in collaboration with the foundation going forward and excited to see the impact they have to young lives in Nepal.
If you would like to follow the prolific work of the Nirmala Foundation, you can visit their website, or follow their social media: