Founded by Matthieu Ricard in 2000, Karuna-Shechen brings together those who believe that altruism is a key to building the world of tomorrow and an antidote to the challenges of our time. These values guide the humanitarian work carried out in India, Nepal, and Tibet.
Karuna-Shechen helps break the cycle of extreme poverty, strengthen resilience, and unlock the full potential of disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. The organization works through a local, community-based, and integrated approach, connecting health and hygiene, education, food security, economic development, and the environment.
In 2024, Karuna-Shechen supported 474,000 people and 8,000 animals.
Our relationship with Karuna-Shechen began in 2012, when the Cagni Foundation C4 contributed to the launch of the SIAB (School In A Box) project, designed to deliver multimedia learning resources to remote schools with little or no access to electricity in the Humla region of Nepal.
Our ties grew stronger in 2015, when a tragic series of earthquakes severely struck Nepal. The Cagni Foundation C4 immediately decided to take part in the relief efforts by partnering with teams already established in the Himalayan regions.
To support local communities, the NGO helped restore stability for students affected by the earthquakes. With the cooperation of teachers, children were able to return to a sense of normality, and thanks to the support of the Cagni Foundation C4, they received school supplies and uniforms, and their nutritional needs were covered.
In 2019, the Foundation supported a new educational approach aimed at increasing parental and community involvement in schooling, through awareness campaigns promoting access to quality education from preschool to primary school. In 2019, Karuna-Shechen supported 7,850 children enrolled in preschool, and more than 2,000 children received educational play materials.
Through these successive waves of support, the Foundation is proud to have contributed to humanitarian projects for disadvantaged populations in India, Nepal, and Tibet, and to have helped drive change for a better future.
Testimonials from Nepal and India
“My name is Shushila Mishra, and I am a 10th-grade student in Bijayanagar-2, Kapilvastu. Becoming president of our children’s club was a turning point in my life. Thanks to Karuna-Shechen’s support, I gained the confidence to speak in public. Our club organized cleanliness campaigns and promoted hygiene practices. This experience taught me teamwork, responsibility, and the power of change.”
Shushila Mishra, Bijayanagar, Kapilvastu, Nepal
“My name is Niru Saru Magar, and I have been a preschool teacher at Khaniyabas Primary School since 2018. For years, I struggled to apply teaching theories in my classroom. Everything changed thanks to the ten-day training provided by Karuna-Shechen, where practical simulations transformed my approach. Today, my classroom is a space of curiosity and creativity where children explore, build, and learn with joy. A student who was once shy now speaks with confidence. This training didn’t just teach me methods — it taught me how to listen and inspire. I am deeply grateful to Karuna-Shechen for empowering me and helping secure the future of my students.”
Niru Saru Magar, Khaniyabas, Dhading, Nepal
“In just a few months, my daughter has become more sociable and confident. Sometimes I sit and watch my daughter play, and I can hardly believe she is the same child who used to hide in a corner to avoid interacting with other children. Basuree Didi, the teacher, showed great patience in helping Sonha learn through different games and activities. It is incredible to see how Karuna-Shechen has transformed our local Anganwadi center, which used to be just a simple rural daycare, into a dynamic space where children learn through play, drawing, and other fun activities. And best of all, they don’t only provide a strong educational experience for our children — they also take care of their nutritional needs. They provide vegetable seeds and fruit saplings to the Anganwadi center.”
Aarti Bhakat, mother of Sonha, a 5-year-old girl enrolled in one of Karuna-Shechen’s Anganwadi (preschool) centers in India
