A beautiful tribute to Olga Murray

On October 21, 2024, over 450 people gathered at Olgapuri Children’s Village for a special, bittersweet celebration of our founder Olga Murray.

We were so please to see so many NYF Community members present at this ceremony. Attendees included community leaders, stakeholders, and dear friends of Olga’s. Staff members, board members, Olgapuri children, and many adults who were raised in NYF’s care were also in attendance. Even current students at Olgapuri Vocational School joined us! We were also deeply honored to be joined by Nepal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honorable Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba. Dr. Deuba was a close and dear friend of Olga’s.

The Program

The program was emceed with heart by NYF Nepal staff member Laxmi Ghimire and K House alumna Bunu Sherpa. It featured a wide range of speakers, including our very own Board Chair, Chris Heffelfinger. Chris shared some sweet, funny stories about Olga’s life before NYF. The highlight of the program was a theatrical performance by the children telling the story of Olga’s founding of NYF.

At the end of the program, Olga’s grandson and newest NYF US Board Member, Sean Murray, helped to unveil his grandmother’s statue—a golden bust of Olga resting happily on a wooden lotus flower carving. As we unveiled this statue of Olga Murray on the grounds she cherished, we are reminded that her legacy of compassion and empowerment will forever be a part of this place and the hearts of all those whose lives she touched.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a delicious Nepali lunch. They then toured the Children’s Village, the Vocational School, Ankur Counseling Center, and the gardens.

Olga’s Legacy

Between 1990 and 2020, Olga spent about six months of every year living in Nepal full-time. She served as a doting grandmother figure to hundreds of children and forged lifelong friendships with community partners. She built transformative programs with her fierce determination and mentored a generation of Nepal’s child protection leaders.

In remembrance of her tremendous impact on the lives of tens of thousands of Nepali children, as well as her work to empower and strengthen the nonprofit community within Nepal, the NYF Community was honored to unveil this beautiful statue on the Olgapuri grounds.

As we rapidly approach the end of the year, we’re reflecting on Olga Murray’s dearest wish—that the organization she built would continue transforming the lives of Nepal’s children for generations to come. We hope you’ll join us in ensuring Olga’s vision lives on!

More Photos:

Click here to view this update on NYF’s Facebook page.

NYF Celebrates International Day of the Girl Child

International Day of the Girl Child

In 2012, the United Nations declared October 11th as International Day of the Girl Child. This powerful global movement champions the rights and potential of girls everywhere. This day was born from the urgent call for gender equality and is driven by the unwavering voices of advocates worldwide. It highlights the unique challenges girls face—like limited access to education, early marriage, and systemic discrimination—while celebrating their resilience, strength, and accomplishments. Above all, it’s a call to action, reminding us that every girl deserves the opportunity to thrive, lead, and create a brighter future.

This year’s theme is “Girls’ Vision for the Future.” It underscores the boundless possibilities that arise when girls are empowered to dream big, assume leadership, and break barriers.

Nepal Youth Foundation paves the way for future girl leaders!

At the heart of Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF) lies a profound commitment to empowering girls and young women. For over three decades, we’ve been helping them reclaim their freedom, advocate for their rights, and shape their destinies. This is illustrated by one of our most transformative initiatives, the Empowering Freed Kamlaris program. This program has touched the lives of thousands of young women from the Tharu community, who once faced the oppressive chains of indentured servitude. Through education, self-advocacy, and community mobilization, these women have become powerful agents of change—leading a historic movement that brought an end to this exploitative practice in Nepal.

We continue to work side by side with these women to provide vocational training, higher education, and ongoing community support. Their courage and resilience remind us that when young women are empowered to stand up for their rights, entire societies are transformed. As we celebrate International Day of the Girl Child, we reflect on this legacy of courage and resilience.

Building Futures at Olgapuri Children’s Home

Olgapuri Children’s Home is NYF’s beautiful, permanent home for children whose parents are unable to care for them. Olgapuri is more than just a home—it’s a launchpad for dreams. Here, girls are equipped with the tools and confidence they need to envision their futures and make them a reality.

Earlier this year, our girls at Olgapuri showcased their talent and determination during an annual Carnival Days event. Competing alongside children from other group homes, they excelled in sports, chess, and essay writing. The highlight? Our girls’ futsal team clinched first place! Certainly, their victory is a testament to their hard work, spirit, and belief in themselves. On International Day of the Girl Child, we honor the girls at Olgapuri. They are dreaming big, leading with confidence, and building a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Check out our champs (plus two proud little brothers) in the group photo!

Healing & Hope at Ankur Counseling Center

Ankur is the Sanskrit word for “flower bud,” “sapling,” or “sprout.” It is also the name for Nepal’s first counseling center for children—NYF’s Ankur Counseling Center.

Transformation often begins from within. At Ankur, we witness the power of healing every day. One of our cherished counselors recently shared the journey of a young girl who arrived at the center struggling with loneliness and low self-esteem. Yet, even in her hardest moments, she carried the hope of becoming the best version of herself. Through weekly therapy sessions, she began to embrace self-compassion, gain confidence, and rebuild trust in herself and the world. As a result, the girl, once withdrawn, now excels academically. Even more, she formed beautiful friendships. Her story is a beautiful reminder that when given a safe space and strong support system, girls can reclaim their strength and shape their futures with courage.

“My favorite part of the job is witnessing the healing process of the children and youth,” the counselor reflected. “I love being the safe space where they can explore their fears and hopes, and I cherish being part of their journey toward confidence and compassion.” -Ankur Counseling Center Staff Member

Protecting Girls Through Kinship Care

Kinship Care is one of NYF’s two main “shelter” programs, the other being Olgapuri Children’s Village. NYF’s Kinship Care program keeps families together by providing small stipends to loving, stable family members to ensure children are safe, well-fed, receiving necessary medical care, and most of all, attending school!

Unfortunately, in some communities around Nepal, early marriage still threatens girls’ futures. For instance, in early 2023, NYF’s Kinship Care Program Officer & Technical School Scholarship Officer, Ram Babu Rai, encountered this issue firsthand in a village near his hometown. Ram Babu found that in the Balami community, harmful traditions jeopardized young girls’ education and freedom. As a result, Ram Babu proposed a special scholarship program to protect these girls from early marriage. The initiative currently supports 15 girls at risk, ensuring they stay in school and receive the education they deserve. By collaborating closely with local schools and governments, we hope to expand this program and further protect young lives and reduce school dropouts.

To dive deeper into Ram Babu Rai’s impactful work in child protection and education, check out his staff spotlight.

Advocating for Change Through the Caste Equality Project

NYF’s long-term Caste Equality Project is our most ambitious and daring undertaking yet. Our goal is to empower Nepali Dalit communities to access the opportunities and resources they need to build towards the futures they envision for themselves and their children.

Similarly to NYF’s Empowering Freed Kamlaris program, we expect this work to take a generation or more. Our full Caste Equality Project will combine lessons learned across our organizations 30+ year history, providing on-the-ground interventions in Dalit communities. Overall, the challenges confronted by Nepal’s Dalit communities are complex and tightly woven with every aspect of life, from pre-natal care to early nutrition to educational opportunities and much more.

Street Drama Campaigns

To demonstrate, in February 2024, ten girls from Saptari District took center stage, performing a street drama that exposed the harmful effects of child marriage. Drawing from real-life experience like dowry negotiations and forced unions, they sparked vital conversations about gender inequality and child protection.

Among these young activists is Priya*, a 16-year-old who was married at just 14. Priya understands firsthand the devastating effects of early marriage and is determined to protect others from the same fate. “I’m experiencing the repercussions of early marriage myself, so I’m delighted to contribute to its prevention in any way possible,” she shares. Since beginning her advocacy work, Priya has already helped to stop at least one child marriage. Undoubtedly, demonstrating the transformative power of young voices leads to change. As we celebrate International Day of the Girl Child, initiatives like these remind us of the strength, courage, and leadership of girls—working tirelessly to build a more just and equal future for themselves and their communities.

Interested in learning more? More updates are coming out of Saptari District here!

*Name changed to protect the privacy of the individuals we work with.

Embracing Limitless Possibilities for Every Girl

At NYF, we believe every girl should feel confident that there are no limits to what she can achieve. Ultimately, whether she dreams of becoming a scientist, an artist, or an entrepreneur, we are committed to breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes that stand in her way. Above all, this International Day of the Girl Child, we celebrate the limitless potential of every girl. We honor her vision for the future and reaffirm our commitment to supporting her journey.

Together, we can build a world where every girl is not only heard and valued but also empowered to turn her dreams into reality.

Two Community Learning Centers inaugurated!

On September 25, 2024, NYF officially inaugurated two new Community Learning Centers (CLC) in Saptari District as part of our Caste Equality Project. These centers will serve as vital hubs for children and adults in their respective villages with a wide range of programming available. Programs include afterschool tutoring, childcare, early childhood education, adult literacy & skills training, and more.

We’ve already started operating out of these two centers, and we have plans to build three additional spaces in villages throughout Saptari District.

Programs have started in the Community Learning Centers!

Our Peer Counseling Program, which launched in the spring of 2024, is now fully operating out of the Community Learning Centers. In April, 30 young women (aged 13-19) from Tirhut Municipality traveled to Kathmandu to receive peer counseling training at Ankur Counseling Center. Now, these trained women are leading monthly support groups with 70 attendees (so far!)!

Reliable Childcare & Early Childhood Education

These two Community Learning Centers offer play-based & educational Early Childhood Care all day to toddlers under the age of 3.5. This empowers parents, particularly moms, to access stable job opportunities, allowing them to nourish their children, to save and invest in the future, and to participate more actively in their communities. While parents work, preschoolers spend their days in a safe, social, learning-rich environment provided by local experts trained by NYF. This also benefits older sisters who often miss class to provide childcare, allowing girls to stay in school, too.

After-School Tutoring & Bridging Courses

Older students who visit the centers can receive after-school homework help and tutoring. Those who wish to re-enter school after a long gap can receive special “bridging courses.” This would help them catch up to their peers and thrive in school. Bridging courses provide a rapid foundation in mathematics, Nepali, English, science, social studies, and health sciences, all based on the government curriculum for each grade.

Nutritious Meals

Children receive hot, nutritious meals prepared on-site using proven Nutritional Rehabilitation Home principles. This ensures local kids receive at least one nutrient-rich meal per day.

Other CEP programs planned for these spaces include:

• Adult Literacy Classes (covering reading, home finance, and legal literacy).
• Town meetings where teachers, parents, and local leaders build community-wide, unified strategies.
• Nutrition-focused home cooking classes for mothers, applying NRH principles.
• Disaster preparedness programs.
• Peer counseling and support groups (these are already underway).
• Women’s empowerment and co-op groups.
• Teacher training.