Mission

Our mission is to empower communities by improving the quality of education, fostering women's empowerment, enhancing health and sanitation, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. We engage students and participants from abroad to collaborate with local communities and schools, delivering impactful projects that address these critical issues and contribute to the creation of resilient and thriving environments

Quality Education

Our principles

We believe that every child deserves access to quality education, empowering them to reach their full potential.

Women's Empowerment

We strive to empower women, providing them with the tools and opportunities to become leaders in their communities.

Health and Sanitation

We prioritize the health and well-being of communities, promoting access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare services.

Meet the Team

Dr. Sabitra Kaphle
Lecturer in Public Health | School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Australia

Born and raised in a rural village in Nepal, Dr Sabitra Kaphle is a distinguished academic and public health practitioner based in Australia, with over 20 years of experience in research, education, health services, and policy development. Renowned for her exceptional stakeholder and community engagement skills, Dr Kaphle has made significant impacts internationally. Her work spans public, private, not-for-profit, and international sectors, where she has successfully enhanced client experiences and health outcomes for marginalized and cross-cultural communities.

A passionate advocate for addressing socio-cultural determinants of health and social inequality, Dr Kaphle’s approach is rooted in empowering communities to find effective solutions to their challenges. Her commitment to public health is evident through her active participation in committees, presentations at national and international forums, and contributions to numerous publications, all aimed at driving positive change for disadvantaged populations.

Advisory Board Member

Dr Kaphle has authored a book Socio-Cultural Insights of Childbirth in South Asia Stories of Women in the Himalayas which is available following this link. Through exploring the wide range of factors influencing women and their childbirth experiences, this book offers a new model for childbirth that policymakers, practitioners, communities, educators, researchers, and other professionals can use to make childbirth an empowering experience for women. It will be of interest to academics and professionals in the fields of public health, midwifery, health promotion, sociology, and South Asian Studies.

She is a lecturer and researcher at Central Queensland University, Australia.

Mr. Joost Poell
HR Manager, The Court of Rotterdam
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
My name is Joost Poell, and I was born and raised in the Netherlands. I am 55 and currently work as an HR manager for the Court of Rotterdam. For the past twenty years, I have been deeply connected with the NGO Stichting Sarangkot Nepal, serving as chairman for the last ten years.

Throughout my involvement, our NGO has completed numerous projects, including water initiatives, toilet and bathroom improvements, school reconstruction, and enhancing the quality of education. Notably, we rebuilt over 40 houses destroyed in the 2015 earthquake. In all these projects, we collaborated closely with local NGOs, and I was often on-site, managing these initiatives.

With my extensive experience working in Nepal, I am excited to take on the role of advisor for the Ridge Foundation.

Advisory Board Member

Mr. Narayan Timilsina
International Co-Ordinator
London, United Kingdom
Meet Narayan, a dedicated individual residing in London, with a decade of teaching experience in Nepal as an English teacher, NELTA Secetrary Pokhara, and lifelong member of Nepal English Language Teachers' Association (NELTA). He holds a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) from TU,
Information Technology and Management ( PGDip), M.A in English for The Speakers of Others Languages from Greenwich University, London, UK. Awarded TESOL Certificate from Trinity College.

Narayan is Passionate about education, diversity, cultural exchanges, global citizenship, and climate change, Narayan is on a mission to bridge Western and Nepalese cultures, offering profound insights into the essence of global citizenship and cultural exchanges. With over two decades of UK experience in various fields, currently works for Kings College of London.

He has a deep connection to his Nepalese roots, Narayan is committed to nurturing the growth of students both locally and abroad, providing them with the tools they need to become future global leaders. At Ridge Foundation, he plays a pivotal role in engaging with universities, partners, and students, making a significant impact on the world of education.

International Co-coordinator
The United Kingdom

Miss Eliza Booth
International Co-Ordinator
Melbourne, Australia
Eliza lives in Melbourne, Australia, where she is completing a Master of Development Studies at the University of Melbourne. She has extensive experience in program coordination and community development across the not-for-profit, International Development, and local government sectors. She is particularly passionate about community-led development and innovative social impact models. Eliza previously worked in Nepal supporting the delivery of community development programs in schools in Dhulikhel and fell in love with the country's breathtaking landscapes and unique culture. Eliza is passionate about supporting grassroots development initiatives that bring about meaningful and sustainable outcomes for underprivileged communities.

In her spare time, Eliza enjoys being outdoors and doing anything creative.

International Co-coordinator
Australia

Mr Ajit KC
International Co-Ordinator
Brisbane, Australia
Ajit KC, originally from Malpi, Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal, is a skilled healthcare professional and program coordinator with extensive experience in global health and community development. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Southern Queensland and advanced certifications in infection prevention, immunization, and community health. His clinical expertise and community-focused approach have enabled him to bridge healthcare gaps and improve outcomes for underserved populations.

As the International Coordinator at Ridge Foundation, Ajit is dedicated to fostering collaboration, empowering local leaders, and driving sustainable development. Passionate about equity and capacity-building, he works to advance the organization’s mission of creating healthier, more inclusive communities through strategic programs and meaningful advocacy

International Co-coordinator
Australia

Nepal Team

Mr. Om Baral
Program and Partnership Manager, Nepal
Om is the Programme and Partnerships Manager at Ridge Foundation, bringing valuable experience from previous roles. He worked for 5 years as a Country Operations Manager at FutureSense Foundation and 4 years as a Community Development Manager at Stichting Sarangkot. Alongside his managerial expertise, Om has extensive experience as an English Teacher in Nepalese schools and specializing in teaching Participatory Research Methods to undergraduate students of Community Development at Kathmandu University.

Om holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Tribhuvan University in Nepal. He has furthered his education by completing a Master's Degree in English from Tribhuvan University and a Master's Degree in Community Development from Murdoch University in Australia. Om's passion lies in strengthening the relationships between local communities and participants from abroad. He actively works towards implementing long-term sustainable programs that bring positive changes to disadvantaged communities. In his leisure time, Om enjoys reading literature, listening to music, and cooking Nepali cuisine at home.

Overall, Om's diverse background, educational qualifications, and dedication to community development make him a valuable asset to the Ridge Foundation.

Mr. Diwas Gurung
Program and Project Coordinator, Nepal
Diwas is an accomplished individual with a strong academic background, holding a Master's Degree in Conflict, Peace, and Development from Tribhuvan University in Nepal. Over the past three years, he has contributed his expertise and passion to various Development Organizations, notably the FutureSense Foundation. In these roles, he has demonstrated exceptional volunteer mentoring and project coordination skills, supporting teams to deliver projects effectively and coordinating with international volunteers.

One of Diwas's significant passions is improving education for children, firmly believing that every child deserves access to quality education. He is committed to creating positive changes in the field of education to empower future communities. His dedication to education aligns with his love for children and his extensive experience in mentoring and project coordination. Furthermore, Diwas is a licensed guide with a wealth of knowledge about Nepal's culture and nature. This experience allows him to showcase and share the beauty of Nepal with others.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Diwas enjoys music and engages in treks during his free time.