Two years ago, when he was nine, Shushil* and his older brother went to live with their grandparents after their mother died. Their father, who had gone away for work, arranged for them to stay with his parents. Shushil grew especially close to his grandmother, who still works as a labourer to keep the family going. 

Around that time, Shushil started at a new school. He made friends quickly enough, but found some of his lessons challenging. He often felt anxious in class and held back from putting his hand up or trying things he wasn't sure about. 

His teachers were then trained in Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL), part of Street Child's Build the Basics programme, which uses play-based activities to help children build their reading and maths skills at their own pace. Without the pressure of keeping up with the rest of the class, Shushil had room to try, fail, and try again. 

"Initially, Shushil struggled and lacked confidence in his abilities," his teacher says. "As lessons became more interactive and activity-based, he began participating more actively in class. He now approaches problems with greater confidence and is able to work much more independently than before." 

Shushil dreams of becoming a doctor one day. His grandmother has looked after him since he lost his mother, and more than anything, he wants the chance to look after her too. 

Shushil is one of more than 36,000 children who've been part of Street Child's Build the Basics project in Nepal. 

For just £4 a month, you can help more children like Shushil get the support they need to thrive in the classroom. Set up a regular gift, and Street Child will commit to getting a child into school this term, so you know your money is making an immediate difference.

*Name changed for safeguarding