Author: crystalnyf
URMILA film wins at KIMFF
URMILA: My Memory is my Power won first place at the Kathmandu International Mountain Film festival (KIMFF). The documentary tells the story of Urmila Chaudhary, a former Kamlari rescued by NYF, who is fighting for freedom and justice for young girls in Nepal whose childhoods were spent as indentured servants. German filmmaker Susan Gluth wrote us about the event:
Dearest friends and supporters,
URMILA won the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival!
We feel very honored and grateful that the film is appreciated this well in Nepal – since we made a film for the western audience. The festival did a very good job to show such a film in this country. It was not easy for them neither since political forces are working constantly against them.
Many Nepali people have never heard about Kamlari slavery, and they were really touched when—right after the film—about 60 ex-Kamlari girls came on stage. They joined me, Urmila’s parents and brother, Olga Murray (founder of NYF), and some of our Nepali team members.
Later we hosted a wonderful reception (co-hosted with NYF) with powerful speeches, colorful Tharu dances, a lot of talking, and great food. Three days later we had the final award ceremony.
-Susan Gluth
Find out more about the film at Urmila.
From near starvation to a healthy, thriving child: Laxmi’s story
Severely malnourished children are restored to health every day at NYF’s Nutritional Rehabilitation Homes. Celebrate one child’s amazing transformation in this brief video.
If you’d like to receive mail or email updates on NYF’s work,
please contact us at Info@NepalYouthFoundation.org or call (415) 331-8585.
By giving now, you can help NYF transform the lives of desperately impoverished Nepali children and families:
Clean water for over 100 families
This wonderful project was featured in our Summer 2016 newsletter.
If you’d like to receive mail or email updates on NYF’s work,
please contact us at Info@NepalYouthFoundation.org or call (415) 331-8585.
By giving now, you can help NYF be ready for the next opportunity to transform the lives of desperately impoverished Nepali children and families:
Nepali Children Welcome Home to Olgapuri Village
Nepali children, welcome home to OLGAPURI Village! Take a moment to welcome them yourself, by writing your message in the comments field below. Well-wishes received by September 20 will be displayed on colorful banners at the official inauguration in Nepal on September 25.
Be sure to check back for photos of the event!
If you’d like to receive our periodic newsletter and email dispatches containing news about NYF’s projects and the children we support, please sign up by emailing us your contact information.
You can help support this dream come true and all of Nepal Youth Foundation’s life-changing programs by giving your gift by donating today.
Stanwick Hall, The Little Foot Children’s Festival 2017
Stanwick Hall, The Little Foot Children’s Festival 2017
Stannwick Hall will be holding their first every Little Foot Children’s Festival thanks to our colleagues in the UK! The Little Foot Festival will take place at Stanwick Hall, Northamptonshire, UK from 12 – 5pm on September 3, 2017.
The festival’s theme this year is ‘exploring’. Zorbing, Rock Climbing, Forest School Skills, Story Telling, Crafting workshops will all feature along side good food, fun, music and an epic Teddy Bear’s picnic!
To learn more about the festival and buy tickets click here
ABC News report on NYF’s post-earthquake efforts
Watch the ABC News report on NYF’s efforts to help Nepal recover and rebuild after last spring’s devastating earthquakes. (FYI: video not supported by Firefox Mozilla browser)
Two freed child slaves earn college degrees
Two young women who spent their childhoods as indentured servants have earned college degrees – the first freed Kamlari to graduate from college.
Saraswoti Chaudhary and Basanti Chaudhary were honored for their achievements by the Freed Kamlari Development Forum (FKDF) at a ceremony in the Dang District of Western Nepal in January. Saraswoti was awarded a bachelor’s of English and Basanti studied electrical engineering.
NYF rescued the young women 15 years ago and helped them get the education denied them by the dehumanizing practice of childhood slavery known as Kamlari.
More than 12,000 girls were indentured as household slaves before NYF launched a campaign in 2000 to end the practice, formally abolished by the government in 2013.
As a Kamlari for six years, Saraswoti fantasized about getting an education. “I was compelled to wash dishes and clothes throughout the day whereas kids of my age went to school,” she said.
Her father, who was also a bonded laborer, died when Saraswoti was seven and she was sold into indentured servitude.
NYF rescued Saraswoti in 2002 and she went back to school. Her family pressured her to marry when she was in 12th grade, but she didn’t let that get in the way of her education. “I continued my studies even after marriage,” she said.
Her goal is to earn a master’s degree and work to improve the lives of other Kamlari.
NYF rescued Basanti in 2001 and the young women returned to school, excelling in electrical engineering. She married and plans to continue her education.
These two young women have proven that freed Kamlari can change their lives, said Bimala Chaudhary, who is local chairwoman of the FKDF.
More than 5,000 girls are currently receiving support in school, junior college, vocational training or working towards a bachelor’s degree through NYF’s Empowering Freed Kamlari program, which helps former Kamlari become healthy, productive and independent young women.
Read about our Empowering Freed Kamlari Program
Santa Visits NYF Children
It’s been such a challenging year in Nepal – but nothing keeps Santa from visiting the children of J & K Houses! Wishing Peace on Earth, for Nepal and all the world.
Watch NYF Founder Olga Murray at TEDx Vienna
