(This document was drafted by a person actively involed in NSP for several years since its inception).

The Nationwide Scholarship Program (NSP) was started by the Social Service Club of Budhanilkantha School, then run by the A Level students (200B) in 1991 . The concept of starting the program was the result of lunch break discussions of the club members regarding the constructive ideas that the club could implement. .

The discussions identified the need to focus on the education sector for Nepal's better future. The idea was floated for some time among the members and later it was unanimously decided to start a scholarship program for the bright and needy students.

The then Gaurishankar House (the hostel for O and A level boys) master Mr A J Wild agreed to donate Rs. 7,000 as the seed money. The fund was further supported by Mr Prithvi Bahadur Pandey, who contributed Rs. 14,000. Then the club Chairperson, Gyaneshwor Mahato and a member Dinesh Prasain went to Lincon School for promoting the program. Lincon School assured of the support and within a week collected Rs. 60,000 for the program.

With a significant amount of money in hand, the club started the scholarship program for secondary level, grade 8 to 10 (education below grade 8 was free at that time). Then A - level students volunteered to coordinate the scholarship distribution in their respective districts. The club decided that in order to avoid the students receiving the scholarships dropping out, they should be supported till they complete tenth grade.

After about two years, it was felt that the scholarship program was shrinking and needed a management restructuring. The idea of incorporating it as one of the activity of SEBS was discussed. After initial reluctance from the school management, it was decided to include the program as one of the activity of SEBS in 1993 . A special chapter was added in the SEBS constitution recognising NSP as an autonomous program.

An executive committee was formed with Shyam KC as the Chairperson, who played a vital role in institutionalising and in getting donors to support the program. Other members of the committee were Dinesh Prasain- International Coordinator; Tirtha Timsina- Treasurer and Jagadish Bhattarai- General Secretary.