About – Smile For Hope

Our Story

Turning compassion into meaningful action.

Smile for Hope was founded in 2012 by Zeina Abdo after a climb in the Himalayas. Registered as an NGO in Nepal and later as an endowment fund in France, we focus on remote communities, children fighting illness, and sustainable local empowerment.

From the 2015 earthquake response to the “Home Away From Home” cancer care centre and the Chhaupadi menstruation pilot, every project is volunteer-led — 100% of donations go to the work on the ground.

What Guides Us

Our core values

These principles shape every project, partnership, and decision we make.

Compassion

We lead with empathy and treat every person with dignity and respect.

Integrity

Transparency and accountability — 100% of funds go to projects.

Community

Real change happens when communities own and lead their own progress.

Sustainability

We invest in prevention, local entrepreneurs, and lasting systems of care.

Where We Serve

Our footprint across Nepal

From Kathmandu to remote mountain villages — these are the places where Smile for Hope works.

Kathmandu Home Away From Home care centre · HQ

Rasuwa (Karmidanda) Manika's village · paediatric support

Western Nepal Chhaupadi / menstruation pilot

Solukhumbu Sleeping bags & gloves · remote aid

Taplejung Landslide & flood relief

Remote villages Optimal Health Program medical camps

Our People

Meet the team behind the hope

A dedicated group of volunteers committed to positive change across Nepal and beyond.

Zeina Abdo

Founder

Founded Smile for Hope in 2012 after a climb in the Himalayas. Driven to give a voice to those who struggle to be heard.

Sonam G. Sherpa

President

Leads operations in Nepal and has been instrumental in every project since the beginning.

Jayanti Rai Sherpa

Child Protection and Development Supervisor

Dedicated to supporting communities and programmes across Nepal with care and commitment.

Carmen

Photographer

Supporting Smile for Hope’s mission through collaboration, outreach and service.