About Us – 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

Zeina Abdo is the Founder of Smile for Hope, an organization dedicated to improving lives and creating brighter futures for children, families, and underserved communities. Driven by a vision of compassion, dignity, and equal opportunity, Zeina believes that every child deserves the chance to grow in a safe and supportive environment and that every family should have opportunities to build a better future.

Sonam G. Sherpa

President

With extensive experience working across Nepal’s Himalayan regions, Sonam has developed a strong understanding of the challenges faced by remote communities, particularly children and families with limited access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and livelihood opportunities. His vision is to help build resilient communities where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve a brighter future.

Jayanti Rai Sherpa

Child Protection and Development Supervisor

Jayanti Rai Sherpa is an affectionate and passionate lady from Sunsari, Dharan. She was born into a medium-sized family and grew up with the dream to reach out to all people in need. She received her bachelor degree in nursing and after completing her studies, Jayanti started working in remote areas of Nepal.

Carmen Breidy

Photographer

Carmen loves capturing moments of life. Visual Arts have always been her interest, believing that no place is boring and no one is characterless. She was born in Lebanon and has been living in Dubai for the past 8 years.