A Thanksgiving Reflection from Olga’s Grandson

As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the importance of gratitude and community. This year, Sean Murray, Olga Murray’s grandson and the newest member of NYF’s Board of Directors, has penned a heartfelt letter reflecting on his grandmother’s incredible legacy and the inspiring work NYF continues to accomplish in Nepal.

A Thanksgiving Reflection: Honoring Olga’s Legacy

By Sean Murray

Dear NYF Community,

This Thanksgiving, as I reflect on the year gone by, I remain heartbroken by the loss of my grandmother and NYF’s founder, Olga Murray.  For many of us, she was a guiding star—the person who inspired us to be better versions of ourselves.  Losing someone like that leaves a hole in the world.

And yet when I look around at Olga’s legacy and at the work NYF has done since she passed, I see so many reasons to be grateful. 

This October, I and other members of the NYF family traveled to Nepal to attend a celebration of Olga’s life at Olgapuri Village.  The event was joyous and touching, with hundreds of guests and dignitaries toasting Olga’s legacy.  But I was most impressed by all the ways that Olgapuri has grown and improved since I was last there, with additions like a furniture-making shop in the vocational school featuring state-of-the-art machines generously donated from Germany, a counselling and therapy center for children who experienced trauma before coming to Olgapuri, and a dedicated theater room where the children can put on performances and watch movies. 

Olga always hated being the guest of honor at an event, but she would have been overjoyed to see how much thought and care has gone into realizing her dream of a first-class children’s home and education center.

I was also grateful for the opportunity to travel to Saptari District and see the Caste Equality Project, which embodies Olga’s vision of a long-term, on-the-ground, transformative education program.  In these majority-Dalit villages, I saw the same thing Olga saw when she first came to Nepal in the 1980s: acutely challenging circumstances and poverty combined with a deep desire for access to the educational tools that can improve children’s lives.

And in the NYF staff who are running the project, I saw the same qualities that made the Indentured Daughters program a success and that will sustain this new project for years to come: dedication, vision, and quiet competence. I am thankful that NYF remains in such strong and steady hands.

Leaving Nepal, I expected to feel a fresh sense of loss. Instead, I now feel that special spark that always touches me when I engage with my grandmother’s work—the burst of inspiration and energy that strikes when you see people improving the world in front of you, and when you know that you can help.  For me, and for NYF at large, the sorrow of this past year is giving way to a renewed sense of purpose.  And that is one more reason to be thankful.

NYF has graciously invited me to join its Board of Directors, and I look forward to continuing this vital work with all of you. There will be many opportunities for us to channel the inspiration that Olga gave us. If you want to take action during this holiday season, please consider beginning with our GivingTuesday campaign, which aims to provide nutritious school lunches for Dalit students in Saptari District. It is just the sort of practical, direct, and holistic program that my grandmother envisioned and that NYF will continue to pursue.

With gratitude,

Sean Murray

Meals That Matter: Continuing Olga’s Vision

As Sean shared, our Meals That Matter campaign embodies the practical, direct, and holistic impact that Olga envisioned. This GivingTuesday, we are rallying together to provide nutritious school lunches for Dalit students in Saptari District—nourishing both their bodies and their potential.

From now until GivingTuesday on December 3rd, you can make a tangible difference. For just $0.27, you can provide a nutritious meal for a student in Nepal. A donation of $27 funds 100 healthy school lunches, ensuring that children have the nourishment they need to focus on their education and dream big.

Join us in honoring Olga’s legacy and continuing her vision of empowering children in Nepal. Together, we can fuel hope, one meal at a time.

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.

Why Your Review on GreatNonprofits Matters

A Legacy of Empowerment

NYF was founded in 1990 with a simple yet powerful mission: to help Nepali children access education. Our founder, Olga Murray, was nearing retirement when she embarked on a Himalayan trek in 1984 that would change her life—and the lives of countless Nepali children. Inspired by the children she met, many of whom dreamed of an education but had little hope of receiving one, Olga began offering scholarships out of her own pocket. This small act of kindness blossomed into what NYF is today: a multifaceted organization addressing Education, Health, Shelter, and Freedom, with a strong emphasis on Nepali leadership and expertise.

Since its inception, NYF has aided over 60,000 children and families in Nepal. Our programs are developed and run entirely by Nepali people, ensuring that our work is culturally relevant and deeply impactful. Olga’s vision continues to guide us as we adapt to meet the needs of the communities we serve. At NYF, we are committed to honoring Olga’s memory and original promise, now our shared promise, to educate and empower the young people of Nepal.

Tackling Caste Discrimination: The Caste Equality Project

Today, Olga’s legacy lives on through the Caste Equality Project.

NYF is taking on the challenge of dismantling caste-based discrimination with our ambitious initiative, the Caste Equality Project. Although caste-based discrimination has been illegal in Nepal since 1963, the Dalit community—historically known as “untouchable”—continues to face severe social, economic, cultural, religious, and political marginalization, especially in rural areas. This project aims to empower Dalit individuals to access opportunities, defend their human rights, build prosperity, and dismantle the oppressive systems standing between them and the safe, dignified lives they deserve.

Are you as inspired by Olga’s promise to Nepal’s children as we are? You can help us honor Olga’s memory right now by writing us a review on GreatNonprofits!

Visibility and Credibility

With so many great causes competing for support, ensuring NYF is seen and heard is vital. Positive reviews boost NYF’s visibility on GreatNonprofits, often resulting in higher rankings and more exposure. This visibility can lead to increased donations, which directly support our transformative programs and the children we serve. Moreover, potential donors often seek validation from others before contributing to a cause. A well-written review can provide the credibility they need to make that decision confidently.

Building a Community of Supporters

Reviews also help build a sense of community among our supporters. When people share their stories and experiences with NYF, they create a narrative that others can connect with. Thus, this community-driven approach fosters a deeper sense of belonging and commitment among our supporters, strengthening the foundation of our mission.

Check out this quote from a review left by one of our beloved volunteers!

“I recently had the honor of volunteering with the Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF) during their Founders Day, and I can’t speak highly enough of my experience. 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. What I found most impressive was the way NYF’s values and mission were embodied in every aspect of the event. It’s evident that their work extends far beyond organizing events; it’s about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children in need. My time with NYF was both fulfilling and inspiring, and it reinforced my admiration for their dedication to creating opportunities and improving lives.

If you’re considering supporting or volunteering with a non-profit, I wholeheartedly recommend the Nepal Youth Foundation. Their unwavering commitment to their mission and the profound impact they have on children’s lives make them a standout organization.”

– NYF Volunteer & Friend

How You Can Help

If you’ve been touched by the work of the Nepal Youth Foundation, we encourage you to take a few minutes to write a review on GreatNonprofits. Your experience—whether as a donor, volunteer, or advocate—can inspire others to join our cause. Undoubtedly, each review has the potential to bring in new resources, helping us reach more children and expand our programs.

Here’s how it works:

• Follow the link, or click the button below, which will take you to our profile on GreatNonprofits.
• Click on the orange “Share your story” button.
• Fill out the review page. You’ll have to use at least 50 characters to share why you love NYF.
• Click “Post Review.”
• Register by inputting your email address, and creating a Username, and Password – and then you’re done!

A Lasting Impact

One Year of the Community Mental Health Program!

We’re thrilled to celebrate one year of success with our Community Mental Health (CMH) program! Last July, Ankur Counseling Center, in collaboration with Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Ward 22, embarked on a mission to fight Nepal’s growing mental health crisis. The new program will increase access to mental health services and raise mental health awareness in communities across Nepal, starting here in Lalitpur.

The Community Mental Health program mainly includes:

• Monthly Mental Health Desks (also called Man Chautari)
• Mental Health Awareness Training
• World Mental Health Day Celebrations

In close collaboration with community leaders, youth leaders, schools, and healthcare workers, the Community Mental Health program is raising mental health awareness, identifying and addressing mental health issues, and preventing suicide among adolescents and adults.

Click here to see photos of the launch on Instagram in July 2023.

Mental Health Desks (Man Chautari)

Mental health awareness is extremely low in Nepal, so our Ankur Counseling team is starting from the ground up to build a better community understanding of mental wellness as a concept.

School- and community-based monthly mental health desks, or Man Chautari, provide children and adults a safe place to share their feelings with peers and counselors, individually or in groups, thus normalizing the act of exploring mental wellness in community.

Ankur counselors have been instrumental in conducting these Man Chautari sessions at Adarsha Saula Higher Secondary School, Bakhel Kumari Basic School, and a single women’s group in the community. Additionally, they lead thematic sessions on various psychological topics, further enriching these gatherings.

Mental Health Awareness Training

To strengthen mental wellness skills among community leaders and stakeholders from Ward 22, Ankur conducted two three-day training events this past year focused on counseling and effective communication. Participants included schoolteachers, health workers, and volunteers from other local social service organizations.

After the completion of the training, participants gained a deeper understanding of mental health factors and the significance of counseling. Those who attended are not only better equipped to identify psychological issues among their clients, but also offer counseling, and refer cases to Ankur as needed. Even more, participants learned to recognize and interact in a nurturing manner with individuals exhibiting suicidal tendencies.

In Ward 22, where mental health challenges and suicide rates are significant, participants strategized to raise awareness and prevent suicide. A 2023 survey conducted by the Community Mental Health Program revealed that 26% (80 out of 310) reported experiencing suicidal thoughts. Additionally, police reports recorded 13 suicides last year in a population of around 8,000. Our team aims to lower these rates and improve community access to quality mental health care.

We are encouraged by the progress made in training community leaders and stakeholders in Ward 22 to address mental health challenges. Therefore, the Community Mental Health Program will continue to place a significant focus on suicide prevention by equipping participants with the skills to recognize and support individuals with suicidal tendencies. Our comprehensive approach includes raising awareness, providing counseling, and ensuring access to quality mental health care. As a result, we are creating a safer and more supportive environment for everyone in Ward 22, and beyond.

Creative Movement Therapy (CMT) Training

A group of healthcare workers and community health volunteers, participated in Creative Movement Therapy (CMT) training at Ankur Counseling Center. CMT is a psychotherapeutic framework that utilizes the mind-body connection and movement to release emotional and physical stress.

World Mental Health Day Celebration

NYF celebrates World Mental Health Day every year on October 10th. This last year was no exception—with special mental health awareness programs focusing on schools. Ankur organized art competitions, poster presentations, speeches, and face painting at Adarsha Saula Secondary School. The program was chaired by the Chairperson of Ward 22, Lalitpur Metropolitan City and attended by students and teachers.

Click here to see photos from World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2023.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our community of donors for their unwavering support of Ankur and this program. Your contributions make a significant difference in our efforts to address mental health in Nepal. As we look to the future, we are excited about the continued growth and impact of this initiative. Ankur, Nepal’s original child-focused counseling center and a leader in mental health awareness, is proud to take this important step forward. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for communities across Nepal.

You are not alone. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide, get help right away by contacting your physician, go to your local ER, or call the suicide prevention hotline in your country. For the United States, you may call or text the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Hotline at 988 or message the Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741 or visiting https://www.crisistextline.org/. Both programs provide free, confidential support 24/7.

Industrial Tailoring Students Provide Support for the Caste Equality Project

Former Kamlaris enrolled at Olgapuri Vocational School make school uniforms for massive back-to-school initiative!

Through the Caste Equality Project, NYF has spent the last few months working with local families, teachers, and stakeholders to organize a massive push towards educational equity in Saptari District.

Saptari District is a remote area of southeastern Nepal. Casteism, systemic neglect, and other generational challenges have left families unable to leverage their incredible potential to build prosperity. Boldly encouraging and championing the launch of the Caste Equality Project was among the last major projects of our late founder, Olga Murray’s lifetime, and she has trusted the NYF staff and community to share her promise and see this work through the end. 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.

Our work in Saptari District will equip the community to be the primary agents within this important movement—exactly how Olga would have done it.

With the new school year in the district beginning at the end of April, we are stocking school kitchens with fresh, high-quality, nutrient-rich ingredients to combat widespread malnutrition and encourage school attendance. A huge part of this effort includes providing hundreds of children with school uniforms.

But these aren’t just any uniforms. They’re actually being crafted by NYF’s very own students currently enrolled in Olgapuri Vocational School’s Industrial Tailoring program. This program offers more than just hands on vocational training—but also an empowered path to a new life.

From Vision to Reality: The Industrial Tailoring Course

NYF’s Industrial Tailoring course at Olgapuri Vocational School represents a story of a worthwhile transformation from one collective vision. The idea originated from a women’s empowerment group within the Freed Kamlaris Development Forum (FKDF). FKDF is a community-based nonprofit led by and developed specifically for former kamlaris—young Tharu women who were once trapped in a system of indentured servitude in the homes of Nepal’s elite. (You can read more about NYF’s 20-year-long project freeing kamlari girls and abolishing the practice here!)

During a group discussion, these women saw the need for professional training in industrial tailoring. They recognized the potential for a stable, flexible, and lucrative career in Nepal’s booming clothing export industry. Their request was so powerful and enthusiastic that our team had to find a way to provide this opportunity. In May 2021, we welcomed our first class of students in the new Industrial Tailoring class.

Industrial Tailoring quickly became Olgapuri Vocational School’s most popular courses for women. It’s not just about learning a valuable trade; it’s about creating opportunities, building empowerment, and reclaiming futures. These special training courses support these women in their journeys to advocate for a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Industrial Tailoring and the Pursuit of Caste Equality Today

In 2024, NYF’s Industrial Tailoring course continues to be a very popular option for women, including many former kamlaris.

We’re thrilled to share that the talented students currently enrolled in the course are supporting NYF’s efforts to advance educational equity in Saptari District by helping to create the much-needed school uniforms! Students are practicing their new skills by lovingly preparing structured shirts, jackets, skirts, slacks, and neckties for boys and girls in a variety of sizes—all while receiving an additional income!

Graduates of the Industrial Tailoring program have been supporting the process by fine-tuning the final products created by their peers. These graduates are earning a higher rate than they would at the factories they work for! The assignment is perfect for refining important tailoring skills that they’ll need in their new careers, while also earning a living wage through this special project. They’re creating a total of 670 sets of uniforms for the children in Saptari District to wear on the first day of school.

A Transformative Change in Saptari District

The timing of this educational push through the Caste Equality Project lined up perfectly with the industrial tailoring course. It has created a unique and lucrative opportunity for former kamlaris to support in creating these long-lasting school uniforms. We’re delighted that these women—who were once robbed of educational opportunities and their childhoods—are now empowered leaders who can support and transform communities in Nepal through projects like this.

As NYF continues to grow, our team molds and develops programs in the contexts of local need, potential, and participation. We strive to ensure our interventions in Nepali communities are done through sustainable measures that emphasize self-sufficiency whenever possible. What a golden example!

Join us in celebrating these resilient women who are leading the way to a better tomorrow. You too can support the Caste Equality Project and this educational push by making a donation today.