How We Began
Our Roots
"Because sometimes, one football, one classroom, and one more light can change the course of a child's life."
Every Dream Can Change a Life
As a child, our founder Bibek dreamed of becoming a professional footballer. Football was more than a game—it was his greatest passion. But despite his talent, his family encouraged him to focus on academics, believing education offered a more secure future. His dream of becoming a footballer came to an end, but his love for the game never did.
After graduating as an engineer and working with communities across Nepal, he began to see football in a different way. It wasn't just a sport—it was a powerful tool to bring children together, build confidence, and inspire them to stay in school. His dream had changed. Instead of creating footballers, he wanted to create opportunities.
Engineer
By ProfessionFootballer
At Heart1,850+
Population55% / 45%
Boys / Girls70%
Dropouts85%+
Below Poverty
Why Sarlahi?
People often ask us, "Why Sarlahi?" The answer began with research. Sarlahi is one of Nepal's most underserved districts, where educational outcomes remain among the lowest and many children are still affected by child labour and child marriage.
But it wasn't the statistics that changed everything. In 2021, while visiting Majurwa through a friend, Bibek saw children as young as ten years old spending their days in brick factories instead of sitting in classrooms. He knew he couldn't simply walk away.
Together with a small group of friends, he started Project Edukick—a football program and temporary learning center for children who had been left out of school. Within months, sixteen children were enrolled in the local community school. For many of them, it was their first real opportunity to learn, play, and dream about a different future.
The Mission Didn't End
Just as the project was beginning to make an impact, COVID-19 brought everything to a halt. The team was forced to leave the village, and Project Edukick came to an unexpected end.
But Majurwa never left his heart. Three years later, encouraged by his partner in life, Prajita, who shared the same belief in community-led change, they decided the work deserved another chance. Together, they returned to the village—not just to restart a project, but to build something that could last.
When they met the children they had once coached, many were no longer in school. They had returned to working in brick factories and other forms of labour. One former student quietly said, "Why did you stop coming? If the training had continued, I think I would still be in school." Those words became impossible to ignore.
Football and life skills through Project Edukick, on and off the field
Art, computer, and language classes preparing kids for what's next
Supporting more than 400 students alongside the community school
One More Light Is Born
In 2025, they founded One More Light with a shared commitment to creating lasting opportunities for children in Majurwa. Today, our co-founder Bibek serves as Executive Director, while his partner and co-founder Prajita leads the organization as Board President. Together, they work closely with the community in Sarlahi, dedicating themselves to a five-year vision of improving education, expanding opportunities, and helping every child reach their full potential.
Rather than creating another short-term project, they chose to work alongside the village's community school, supporting more than 400 students while strengthening the school itself. Through Project Edukick, children have access to football, art workshops, computer education, language classes, and practical life skills that prepare them for opportunities beyond the classroom.
We believe lasting change doesn't happen through short visits or temporary projects. It happens by showing up, listening to a community, and staying committed. Because sometimes, one football, one classroom, and one more light can change the course of a child's life.