Internship Feature: Samaanta Foundation with Shrochis Karki
Samaanta Foundation is a Nepal-based not-for-profit organization that promotes equality and empowerment by providing quality higher education and skills development opportunities to meritorious public school graduates from poor socio-economic backgrounds who are at risk of dropping out.
Cooke Alum Shrochis Karki is a 2009 Graduate Scholar. He is currently the executive Director of the Samaanta Foundation. In this blog, Shrochis shares more information on what inspired him to found the Foundation, and what Scholars can expect out of an internship with the organization.
What inspired you to found the Samaanta Foundation?
Education has played a transformative role in my life, providing me with previously unimaginable opportunities that have shaped my trajectory. I received generous scholarships in Nepal, the US, and the UK, without which I would not have been able to pursue my education. I was always conscious that while I received these opportunities, many of my friends from my village and my hometown believed in the power of education in the same way. The difference was: the type and quality of education they received meant that they could not realize their aspirations in the same way.
This realization shaped my academic work. As part of my doctoral research, I assessed the relationship between higher education opportunities, employment trajectories, and social mobility. I came across some fantastic young people who were doing really well in government schools despite significant systemic challenges but they did not have the resources or the wherewithal to pursue further education. They were at risk of dropping out, and many were considering moving to the Middle East to work as labourers. I discussed this situation with a few like-minded friends and decided to put together some funds to enroll six Fellows into good schools in Kathmandu in 2012 so that they wouldn’t have to drop out. My research and our experience uncovered the full depth of the systemic barriers public school graduates face, and the organization evolved organically and responsively to tackle these barriers directly and impactfully. We want to level the playing field so that every student with potential gets the opportunities they deserve to succeed.
When we began, we did not have a residential programme, did not have any staff or even volunteers besides ourselves, were not registered as an organization, and did not have any outside funding. Since then, we have grown to become the most comprehensive higher education scholarship program in the country. We are confident in our intervention model, and particularly proud of the community we have built with our Fellows, alumni, their parents and communities, education providers, partners, and funders in this endeavor.
I must also mention the significant influence the Cooke Foundation has had on both my journey but also the evolution of Samaanta Foundation. Without the Foundation’s graduate scholarship, I would not have been able to pursue my M. Phil. and my D. Phil. degrees, through which I conducted the research that birthed Samaanta. As a “Cookie”, I got to see firsthand how a Fellowship can be designed with love, care, and attention. We have nurtured Samaanta in a similar way, providing comprehensive support to deserving students with academic potential, significant financial need, and commitment to service and leadership. The Foundation awarded me the Matthew J. Quinn Prize in 2014, and the prize money helped incubate our organization’s reserve funds. The Cooke Foundation’s legacy has expanded to Nepal through Samaanta, as we look to pay it forward every way we can.
What skills or qualities are you looking for in potential interns?
Samaanta Foundation is looking for interns who are strong communicators, capable of expressing ideas clearly in writing and speech, particularly in English. Creativity and strategic thinking are essential, as interns will develop engaging social media content, update the website, and use visual storytelling to amplify impact. Research and fundraising skills are also key, enabling interns to explore funding opportunities and understand donor engagement.
Beyond technical skills, Samaanta values individuals who are values-driven, self-motivated, adaptable, and able to thrive in new environments and multicultural settings. Collaboration is crucial, as interns will work closely with a diverse team while also mentoring and tutoring students in subjects like English, Science, and Math. A deep passion for education and social impact is fundamental, aligning with Samaanta’s mission to drive systemic change.
While not mandatory, skills in photography, videography, and digital design tools like Photoshop and Canva are highly beneficial. Prior experience with nonprofit or community initiatives, especially in low-income contexts, and working with young adults can further strengthen an intern’s ability to contribute meaningfully.
What unique experiences or opportunities can interns look forward to during their time with your company?
Interns at Samaanta will have the unique opportunity to work at the grassroots level in Nepal, gaining firsthand exposure to the realities of educational inequity while contributing to impactful, hands-on projects. Through community visits and direct engagement with students, interns will develop a deep understanding of local challenges and the transformative power of education. This immersive experience will not only enhance their global perspective but also allow them to witness the tangible impact of their work in a meaningful and lasting way.
A key highlight of the internship is the chance to work closely with Samaanta Fellows—motivated and resilient students who have overcome significant odds to pursue higher education. Interns will engage with these inspiring individuals through mentoring and teaching, directly supporting their academic and personal growth. This interaction fosters a dynamic learning environment where interns not only contribute but also gain leadership, teaching, and problem-solving skills, while witnessing the Fellows’ commitment to Paying it Forward in their own communities.
Beyond the work itself, Samaanta offers a collaborative and mission-driven workplace where interns are valued team members. They will be supported by experienced mentors and colleagues who are passionate about education and social impact, ensuring a positive and enriching work environment. With opportunities for capacity building, networking, and professional development, interns will leave with not only valuable experience but also a deeper connection to a global movement for equity and change.
How do you think this internship will benefit the Scholars in their future careers?
This internship will provide Cooke Scholars with hands-on teaching and mentoring experience, enhancing their communication, adaptability, and leadership skills. Exposure to international development and non-profit work will equip them with valuable insights into education equity, program management, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement—essential for careers in NGOs, social enterprises, and public policy. Additionally, they will develop cross-cultural competence by working in Nepal, strengthening their ability to navigate diverse professional environments.
Scholars will also gain mentorship from professionals at Samaanta, expanding their networks not just within Nepal’s education and non-profit sectors but also globally. These experiences will strengthen their profile, making them competitive for roles in education, research, and social impact work. Beyond professional benefits, the internship offers cultural enrichment and personal growth, fostering resilience, adaptability, and a broader global perspective—key qualities for future leadership and career success.
Any additional information or advice you would like to share with our Scholars?
Samaanta Foundation is one way a Cooke Graduate Scholar (2009-2015) is “paying forward” the support they received from the Cooke Foundation. We are on a mission to level the playing field so that deserving students get the opportunities that allow them to thrive. As a Scholar, being a part of Samaanta will allow you the same privilege to give back what we have received from the Cooke Foundation. We look to think big, work hard, and achieve at Samaanta as well, and we would love to have you join us to expand our Cookie vision all the way in Nepal!
To apply to the internship, you can check out this opportunity and more in the career section of Canvas.
You can connect with Shrochis on LinkedIn here.