Month: January 2025
Impact Stories of 2024
A collection of impact stories from 2024!
In 2024, the Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF) significantly expanded its impact, carrying forward the inspiring legacy of our beloved founder, Olga Murray. Generous support from the NYF Community in the last 12 months has helped us to strengthen our organization’s commitment to her vision—empowering children and families in Nepal with Education, Health, Shelter, and Freedom.
We’re so grateful for everything the NYF Community helped us to accomplish in 2024. To showcase some of the incredible impact we’ve created together in Nepal, we’ve compiled some of our favorite stories from the year. Please know that the stories shared here are only a handful of the thousands of journeys NYF has been a part of in 2024. We hope you enjoy reading them!
Sujata*
Kinship Care
Sujata, 7, was only 5 years old when her parents, overwhelmed by parenthood, dropped her off at her maternal uncle’s house and disappeared.
Sujata’s uncle committed to raising her alongside his own children. But the addition of another school-aged child to the family quickly put a strain on their financial situation. Thankfully, a teacher at Sujata’s Kathmandu school noticed that the family was struggling to keep everyone properly fed and in school. This teacher knew NYF had a program especially for families like theirs. She reached out to our Kinship Care Program Officer and social worker, Ram Babu Rai, for an assessment. Ram Babu soon met with Sujata and her family. They were overjoyed to learn that this program existed, and that NYF was determined to help them raise Sujata safely at home. The family began receiving Kinship Care support in October 2023. Ram Babu has been visiting in person every three months to ensure Sujata is healthy and safe.
Sujata is now in the second grade alongside her cousins. She is always very excited to show off her new clothes and schoolwork when her friend Ram Babu visits!
“I have seen NYF’s operations in Nepal firsthand, on the ground, as they expanded and completed projects over multiple decades. NYF is efficient, dedicated, and has an extraordinary local administration and staff in Nepal that has been working together for decades. NYF does not impose top-down solutions from a distance; it responds directly to the felt and articulated needs of the people it helps, using a vast body of local knowledge and experience.”
— Sean, Board Member
Subina*
Kinship Care, Day School Scholarships
When Subina, 23 (holding the infant in the photo), was expecting her first baby, she had high hopes for her child’s future. She and her husband live in a remote Gorkha District village, and, as members of a Dalit caste, they had experienced discrimination and hardship growing up. But they had made the most of their opportunities. They were doing well enough financially that they thought their child would be able to access better educational opportunities, building upon their hard-earned progress.
Then they received terrible news. Subina’s brother-in-law and sister-in-law had passed away suddenly in an accident, leaving behind four children. Subina and her husband were the only family these kids had left.
This loving auntie and uncle welcomed their grieving nieces and nephew into their home. They provided as much comfort and stability as they could. They couldn’t imagine doing anything differently, especially when the children were already going through so much.
But with a new baby on the way, the life that had seemed so full of potential was now completely out of reach. Subina and her husband struggled to take on the additional expense of feeding and clothing four growing children. Keeping the kids in school full-time seemed impossible.
Thankfully, the local school had been watching the situation closely. Soon enough, NYF’s Kinship Care officer, Ram Babu Rai, was knocking on Subina’s door to assess the situation and to offer solutions.
Kinship Care is a Shelter program, but wrapped into each Kinship Care stipend is a Day School Scholarship. Subina’s school-aged nieces and nephews were each added to the Kinship Care program. By the time Baby Bina* (far right) was born, Subina’s family financial situation was once again stable.
And thanks to Day School Scholarships for the oldest three kids, this family’s future is bright—for every child in the household.
“NYF is a remarkable non-profit dedicated to transforming the lives of Nepal’s most underprivileged children by providing essential healthcare, education, and a safe environment. Their mission is both vital and inspiring.”
— Grishma, Volunteer
Roshani*
College Scholarship Program
Roshani*, 20, comes from Jhapa District, on the furthest southeast corner of Nepal, bordering India. Her family struggled financially as she grew up, with no regular income. However, they recognized the strong academic potential in their daughter. They dreamed that one day she would become a doctor.
Due to her excellent grades and financial need, Roshani received a full scholarship for the 11th and 12th grades. She focused on the science background she would need to pursue a medical degree. She completed this secondary education with a GPA of 3.85.
During these studies, Roshani’s mother died of breast cancer. Knowing her mother wanted so badly for her to become a doctor has impacted Roshani deeply, motivating her studies. But medical expenses had drained her family’s already-limited resources, leaving the future uncertain.
Family friends supported Roshani as she took on entrance exam prep expenses. She was thrilled to win a seat at a medical school associated with Kathmandu University. Those same friends helped to support her through her 1st year—but the costs began to be too much to manage.
Roshani contacted her school’s administrators to ask for advice. They immediately reached out to NYF’s College Scholarship team, explaining the situation and providing Roshani with a glowing recommendation.
Now, Roshani is being personally sponsored by one of NYF’s generous donors. She is making the most of this remarkable opportunity. Roshani just completed her 2nd year of this prestigious five-year program. She is tremendously grateful to everyone who has helped her to chase her mother’s dreams—as well as her own.
“Psychosocial counseling was a new concept for me. After participating in this
training [hosted by NYF’s Ankur Counseling Center], I have realized that this type of training should be accessible to all the teachers and students in schools.”
— Participant in Ankur’s workshop on Psychosocial Counseling for the Nepal
National Teacher’s Association in January 2024, Beneficiary
Devendra*
College Scholarship Program
Devendra*, 27, comes from Rautahat District, a plains area along the border with India. His family struggled financially throughout his school years, but he was an excellent student. He successfully finished the 12th grade with strong marks.
Unfortunately, the family’s situation grew desperate. Devendra had to end his academic journey as he found a high-paying job in Saudi Arabia.
For eight years, Devendra supported his entire family—his parents, brother, wife, and daughter—with a monthly salary of 20,000-25,000 rupees. Devendra didn’t have room for career growth. He also missed his family. His daughter barely recognized him when he visited.
During one visit home, Devendra learned about Olgapuri Vocational School and joined our four-month welding training. He earned his certification in October 2023, and quickly got a job near Kathmandu making the same amount he was making in Saudi Arabia, plus perks like room and board. Spending time with family is easier now, and Devendra hopes to open his own contracting business once he has gained more experience.
“NYF is dedicated to improving the lives of children in Nepal and the results really show. They do amazing work, are open about their mission and goals, and are passionate to their cause. They are a great organization to support and I am glad I’ve been able to participate in a small way as a donor in the last few years.”
— Shayla, Supporter
Prakash* and Ram*
Boarding School Scholarship, Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
When Reeta Mahat, NYF’s social worker in charge of Day School Scholarships and Scholarships for Students with Disabilities, paid her regular visit to a Kathmandu Valley school, she was delighted to see Prakash*, 9 (left), and Ram, 9 (right), approaching her arm-in-arm on the sunny playground.
Both boys are NYF scholarship recipients. Prakash is receiving a Boarding School scholarship. Ram, who has a vision impairment, receives a Scholarship for Students with Disabilities.
The school Prakash and Ram attend is one of the only schools in Kathmandu Valley equipped to provide a solid education to disability-inclusive classes. Not all of the students live on campus, but kids like Prakash, who do, receive excellent care, including warm, nutritious meals and age-appropriate supervision. Teachers receive extra training in childhood development. NYF is very pleased with the quality of the education offered here, so we have placed multiple students at this school over the years.
As Reeta sat the boys down to chat, she learned that without even realizing they were both receiving NYF support, Prakash and Ram had become very close friends. Access to education is critical on its own, ensuring kids can overcome obstacles like generational poverty and disability discrimination to build their best lives possible. But friendships like theirs are another tremendous benefit of scholarship support.
Before our Boarding School support, Prakash had dropped out of school and was attempting to support himself through begging as his parents struggled with alcoholism. And without his disability-accommodating scholarship, Ram was stuck at home without any education. His tremendous potential was unnurtured.
But here at school together, Prakash and Ram are growing up with an awareness that each of them is worthy and capable of achieving great things. And that they are stronger together. They’re determined to help one another make the most of this opportunity. NYF is so proud to be ensuring they both receive a strong education. And we’re delighted that our support helped to put them on the path to such a beautiful friendship.
“It’s worth noting that its on-the-ground team (leadership and program staff) are native Nepalese — many of whom have personal experience with the challenges its kids are facing. I also like the fact that its programs are designed to be sustainable with long term impact – based on local need, potential and participation.”
— Leslie, Supporter
Asha*
Vocational Training & Career Counseling (Tea and Snacks Shop training)
Asha*, 19, lost her mother at age 9, and had to drop out of school to help manage the household. Then, at age 17, her family forced her to marry. She was in despair, thinking she would never experience any kind of real independence.
However, when she heard about NYF’s Tea & Snacks Shop training, Asha felt a surge of hope and signed up. This very popular course provides young women with streetside food preparation training, recipes for some of Nepal’s most popular street treats and on-the-go meals, small-business financial training, and business start-up support, including a food cart and cooking utensils. Nepali Chiya, or spiced Nepali milk tea, plays a special role in day-to-day life across Nepal, so streetside tea and snack vendors play a crucial role in local economies.
Immediately after completing the training, Asha set up shop. She quickly identified the most popular snacks in her area. Her shop is a great success, and the money she brings home gives her an elevated status in her new family, increasing her independence.
“We often engage in certain practices without fully comprehending the consequences, and the play effectively served as an eye-opener.”
— Community Member in Saptari District, after attending a public street drama performance put on by local girls as part of NYF’s Caste Equality Project
Anju Sada
Caste Equality Project in Saptari District
Anju Sada is known throughout her village for her colorful and cheerful artwork. She belongs to the Sada community in Saptari District—one of the most oppressed Dalit subcastes.”
In mid-2024, Anju became the first woman from her village’s Sada community to ever complete the 12th grade. She was able to accomplish this because her parents sent her to live with her uncle in another region for much of her childhood. Growing up in another community allowed her to master both Maithili (her native language) and Nepali.
When Anju first met NYF, she was accepting what she thought was a one-time translation job—a great opportunity to bring home extra income. But ever since our team shared details about the Caste Equality Project, Anju has been passionately supporting our work as a local advocate and leader.
Today, Anju is an inspiration to other local girls as she encourages them to stay in school. She’s NYF’s go-to local translator, providing vital community mobilization support.
“The Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF) is filled with people who are honest to the core and deeply passionate about their work. I’ve witnessed firsthand the joy and positive impact they bring to the communities they serve. Their dedication truly changes lives for the better.”
— Alex, Monthly Donor
Binita & Nitesh*
New Life Center (Medical Recovery Home)
Six-month-old Nitesh* comes from a tiny village in Siraha District in southeastern Nepal. Binita*, 17, contracted an infection when she was pregnant—and the infection caused health troubles for Nitesh when he was born.
Local medical workers were unable to provide the care Nitesh needed, so they referred the family to Kanti Children’s Hospital in Kathmandu. Binita had barely enough money to make the trip. She also had no idea where she would stay or what she would eat while in Kathmandu.
Fortunately, after Nitesh’s first tests and treatments, the hospital referred her to NYF’s New Life Center (a temporary recovery space for rural families visiting Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu for critical medical treatment and surgery).
During a ten-day wait until her son’s follow-up appointment, Binita had a safe, warm place to stay and nutritious meals. The NLC nursing staff also worked with Binita to help her understand the doctor’s instructions, empowering her to provide Nitesh with the best possible care once she returned home.
At the end of their stay, Nitesh and Binita returned home refreshed, happy—and much healthier. Binita expressed deep gratitude for the help and support she received here.
“At first, I thought, since the service is free, why not see what happens. During my 14-day stay at the [NYF’s] Nutritional Rehabilitation Home (NRH), my child gained little weight, and I was not satisfied with the progress of my children. But after discharge, I noticed real changes. My children’s eating habits improved. They stopped demanding junk food, and we stopped giving it to them. Following the NRH routine at home, their weight has increased significantly.”
— Mother who received care at our NRH, Beneficiary
The kids at Olgapuri Children’s Village
Olgapuri Children’s Village
Since February 2024, extra care has been taken at Olgapuri Children Village as the children process the loss of NYF’s founder, Olga Murray. For the past 30+ years, Olga had been a personally involved grandmother figure and loving family member for the kids living here.
In any circumstance, the loss of such an important person requires processing and safe opportunities to grieve. Besides this, many of the children at Olgapuri have experienced the deaths of beloved adults before. These losses have been associated with incredible upheaval. Because of their personal histories, the children here are prone to hypervigilance regarding changes that may once again throw their lives into turmoil. Our remarkable team was aware that Olga’s passing would become an important moment to prove to these children that Olgapuri truly is a stable, permanent home for them—building trust in ways that will benefit the children tremendously moving forward.
A private memorial event was organized by the house parents in late February. Here, children were invited to share their memories of Olga as a community. Our Ankur team organized several extra group sessions, dividing the children by age, both to meet their different developmental needs and because older children were especially close to Olga, having spent much more time with her. The Ankur team reports that the children are each processing the loss in a healthy manner.
“From their role in eradicating the Kamlari practice to their support for education and skill-building at Olgapuri Children’s Village, NYF empowers children to become confident and independent. NYF’s efforts don’t just help individual children; they contribute to a stronger, more prosperous Nepal.”
— Sagun, Supporter
Tara Bishwakarma
Educating Dalit Lawyers
Tara, 18, is a member of Cohort Two of our Educating Dalit Lawyers program. She began law classes at Kathmandu’s prestigious Nepal Law College in January 2024.
Tara is the first high school graduate from her family, and the first to attend college. When she first arrived in Kathmandu to take NYF’s entrance exam prep classes, she had tremendous difficulty with the English language. She had to work extremely hard to develop proficiency. She was also contending with school-related trauma from her past, which threw frequent psychological blocks in her path. In the early days of exam prep, she says, she would read practice test questions at least ten times, trying to comprehend them, and she had more than a few days when she would return to her hostel feeling demoralized and embarrassed.
But Tara was resolute. She poured her efforts into reading English-language newspapers and practiced creative writing in English. She made rapid progress, developing confidence, daring to attempt creative answers on her practice tests, and challenging herself to not only pass, but to excel. When Tara sat for the national law school in the entrance exam, she achieved the 98th rank of all 1,000+ test takers, winning a seat at one of Nepal’s top law schools.
Tara grew up in Tripurasundari Rural Municipality in Dhading District, a hilly area of central Nepal. She is one of five siblings. Her father supports their large family through their tough traditional occupation of ironworking. Tara’s father was only able to complete the 3rd grade, as the culture discouraged the sons of Dalit families from seeking an education. Her mother was never provided with any opportunity for education; she manages the family household and looks after their small farm.
Growing up, Tara and her family experienced many forms of discrimination, including the outrage of untouchability. She had to be aware of which homes belonged to “higher”-caste families in her area, because members of Dalit families were forbidden to come too close to these homes or to touch anything that might belong to a member of a “higher” caste. In school, her strong academic performance was routinely dismissed because of her caste background. Some subjects, like the English language, were deprioritized in the curricula she had access to.
One of Tara’s elder brothers started his own career in social work, eager to improve conditions for the Dalit community. But he has faced multiple challenges in this career, many of them compounded by his lack of expertise in the law. Tara is inspired by her brother’s mission, and she chose to pursue a legal education to provide this vital support to her community. She believes that the knowledge of the law will help her identify the best ways to help Dalit people fight against the kind of atrocious discrimination she and her family have experienced. She tells us that she is eager to ensure the fundamental rights of people who are too often silenced by oppression.
As a lawyer, Tara’s goal is to provide free legal aid to members of her community who are being deprived of justice. She wants to represent the voice of the Dalit community in Nepal’s courts.
Tara’s academic journey—especially with the English language—is still ongoing. But her academic performance continues to improve. She is tremendously grateful to all those far-away allies who are making this scholarship possible for future lawyers from the Dalit community!
“The EDL program has been progressing remarkably well so far. From my perspective, it has not only provided aspiring Dalit lawyers with essential academic and professional opportunities but has also empowered them to challenge systemic barriers in the legal field. The participants have shown commendable dedication, and the program is steadily paving the way for greater inclusivity and justice.”
— Samikshya, Educating Dalit Lawyers student in Cohort One
Generosity from the NYF Community sustains our impactful programs, fostering growth and opportunity for the young people of Nepal. As we move through 2025, we’re thrilled to continue our community-led programs to bring Education, Health, Shelter, and Freedom to all those we serve.