Author: crystalnyf
Harvest Festival in Nepal, Celebrating Freedom: 7 Years & Counting!
Harvest Festival, Maghe Sankranti is a special holiday that celebrates the harvest. For the Tharu people in western Nepal, this holiday signifies the beginning of the new year – when friends and family gather to celebrate for an entire week.
But up until 2013, for many desperately poor families in this region, the annual Maghe Sankranti festival was also time for a devastating economic exchange. During this holiday, exploitative “brokers” would travel to western Nepal to haggle with the parents of impoverished low-caste families to buy their young daughters as servants.
With generous support from friends like you, in 2000 NYF launched our work to rescue these girls and bring them home – almost 13,000 have now been reunited with their families.
Thanks to the amazing advocacy of these young women, this horrendous Kamlari indentured servitude has ended. Already technically illegal, the practice was officially abolished in 2013. The former Kamlari girls have reclaimed the harvest festival, Maghe Sankranti, as a special homecoming celebration of their freedom and resilience.
This year, in celebration of this special holiday, two former Kamlari girls Bishnu and Dilkumari were honored by their local government for their contributions in empowering other former Kamlari girls.
We share these powerful and inspiring photos of Magehe Sankranti 2020 to celebrate the amazing transformation in these communities – and to thank you for all of your generous support over the years in restoring the freedom and changing the lives of these former indentured girls.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Children!
In this special video, the children at Olgapuri wish you a happy Thanksgiving! We – and they – are so very grateful for your support. Thank you, and Dhanyabad!
One Day’s Wages Partners with Nepal Youth Foundation for Scholarships
One Day’s Wages and NYF, Doubling Your Gift
Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF) is excited to partner with One Day’s Wages to provide vocational training for young men and women in Nepal – keeping families together and helping to end the cycle of poverty in one of the poorest countries in the world.
This partnership will provide 40 Scholarships at Olgapuri Vocational School for high- demand skills trainings in electrical and plumbing. In addition to providing free training, NYF staff will help students become job-ready (through aptitude assessment and career counseling) and secure employment after graduation.
With over 40% of the population living on less than $3.50 a day in Nepal, economic desperation traps many families in generations of poverty. The majority of students don’t make it past the 10th grade, and the unemployment rate is high even for college graduates. Often young Nepalese end up leaving their families and villages for work as cheap construction or domestic laborers in the Persian Gulf and India. They’re vulnerable to being exploited or worse – of the estimated 500,000 migrating to work abroad in 2015, one out of every 500 died in dangerous working conditions.
Ironically, Nepal is in desperate need for skilled labor, especially in the construction trades after the 2015 earthquakes destroyed much of the country. With the government’s latest national plan emphasizing economic growth through advancements in modern industry and infrastructure, opportunities in the skilled trades are growing.
Vocational Education provides the skills for gainful employment – and sustainably builds the country, while keeping families together.
Give through the One Day’s Wages website and they’ll double your donation!
Your generosity will help to train Nepalese youth for new careers in electrical and plumbing trades—bright, capable young people like Sarita and Arjun.
Sarita T.
When Sarita was just a child, her father left her mother with 8 children to raise on subsistence farming.
Though Sarita studied hard and completed high school, she wanted a good job to help her younger siblings stay in school. With an NYF scholarship, she entered the electrician training program at Olgapuri Vocational School (OVS).
While female electricians are still rare in Nepal, Sarita is enthusiastic about the well-paid jobs available in the field.
Arjun L.
Arjun is from a mountainous region in Nepal where only about 12% of youth complete high school. At 29 years old, Arjun was struggling to provide for seven people.
After a recent graduate of OVS returned to their village, Arjun decided to enroll in the plumbing course.
Arjun is excited about his new career choice, which will enable him to provide for his family.
New Building for Freed Kamlari Girls Symbolizes Freedom & Justice
August marked the celebration of a remarkable milestone for the Freed Kamlari girls: the inauguration of their first and very own, brand-new building. From first abolishing the Kamlari system in 2013 to now celebrating their new headquarters, these girls have come a long way in standing up to injustice.
The Freed Kamlari girls performing at the inauguration ceremony of their newest headquarters.
“I carried many dreams during the long, two-decade journey against slavery. Some were fulfilled, and some are in the process of becoming fulfilled. But, the biggest dream of all – the end of the Kamlari system – has now been fulfilled.”
Man Bahadur Chhetri, Program Coordinator
Members of the Freed Kamlari Development Forum (the organization NYF helped the girls create) gathered to formally inaugurate the four-story building, located in the Dang District of the Terai. This new headquarters finally gives the girls their own space to organize meetings, plan campaigns, and run training programs.
Securing the funds to fulfill this dream was not an easy process. The young women held meetings, submitted proposals, and lobbied the government. It took a lot of hard work and determination – a true testament to what the girls are capable of. With training, coaching, and mentoring from NYF, the girls triumphed and received sufficient grants (mostly from the government) to buy the land and build the office.
The inauguration ceremony was a colorful event that transcended the opening of the building: it was a celebration of all the accomplishments they’ve made. Shanta Chaundry, a former Kamlari and elected member of the local parliament, was the official ribbon cutter of the ceremony. She spoke, focusing on education being the key to their future – something the office will help make happen.
Slideshow of the celebration
NYF was honored to be among the featured guests at the inauguration, where Executive Director Raju Dhamala expressed our continued commitment to the young women. Addressing the girls directly, he said, “We’re providing vocational training to offer new futures for you and your family, and will continue to stand with you.”
“The office is more than just a building,” NYF Program Coordinator Man Bahadir Chhetri, also proudly stated. “It is a resource and training center to produce leaders and productive citizens who fight against social injustices. It is a safe shelter for girls and women to come together and share their stories. I hope that this building becomes a power center which can produce strong female leadership.”
“Thousands of girls are now leading lives of freedom and dignity after being rescued from slavery. Hands that once held dirty dishes now hold books and pen … Girls who were sold into slavery for 3,000 rupees a year are earning more than 1,000 rupees a day.”
Man Bahadur Chhetri, Program Coordinator
Empowering Freed Kamlari/FKDF
Since launching the Indentured Daughters program in 2000, NYF has rescued nearly 13,000 girls and helped to end the practice of Kamlari. More than just bringing the girls home, however, we built an infrastructure to provide peer counseling, vocational training, and support to establish small businesses.
As the Indentured Daughters campaign evolved and grew into NYF’s Empowering Freed Kamlari program, NYF provided comprehensive support for the education and economic empowerment of these young women so they would remain free.
NYF then supported the freed girls in forming their own NGO – the Freed Kamlari Development Forum (FKDF) – and together, NYF and the FKDF played a critical role in pushing the Nepal government to end the practice of bonded labor in 2013.
As NYF continues to transition leadership to the FKDF, we’re proud of their ongoing accomplishments, and grateful for the generous donors who’ve made it all possible.
Click here for more information on EFK/FKDF.
Founders Day 2019
Founders Day 2019 Celebrates Milestones and Planting Seeds for the Future!
Founders Day 2019 was held Thursday, June 6th, NYF friends gathered for our annual Founders Day event to celebrate Olga’s 94th birthday, the organization’s life-changing work, and all that our generous supporters make possible.
We are so grateful to our Host Committee members who made special gifts to support the Founders Day 2019 event. From last year’s inaugural group of four, we had 13 tables hosted this year! We appreciate everyone who brought new friends to introduce to NYF. And many thanks to our silent auction donors who helped generate bidding wars that raised over $5,000 for NYF’s programs!
Guests enjoyed hearing from NYF Board Chair Brian Ferrall who planted seeds for NYF’s upcoming 30th Anniversary in 2020, and President Som Paneru shared the latest news from our programs in Nepal.
Founders Day 2019 will host a special guest speaker Chhori Maharjan, currently on sabbatical from her work at NYF’s Ankur Counseling Center while earning a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, spoke about the importance of psychological counseling throughout NYF’s programs.
Of course, the birthday girl herself, Olga Murray, warmed our hearts with her reflections on the last 29 years of transforming lives.
As we plan ahead for Founders Day 2020, it’s not too early to start thinking about joining next year’s Host Committee and donating auction items! Please email us.
Olga’s Promise
Learn more about NYF! In our inspirational founder’s new memoir, Olga Murray shares endearing stories, challenges and anecdotes – all infused with her humor, can-do attitude and love of adventure.
From President Jimmy Carter:
“Olga Murray, at 90, has been a tireless crusader for the freedom and dignity of thousands of young girls in Nepal… Olga’s Promise is her personal story, which I hope will inspire others to action.”
Happy Birthdays!
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a child on their birthday.
The Annual Birthday Party is one of the most anticipated events of the year for the children who call Olgapuri home.
This April, all 75 children enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime jungle adventure in Chitwan National Park!
They worked up an appetite in the great outdoors before devouring their birthday cake and opening a few presents. And like kids everywhere – they loved splashing in the hotel pool!
Of all the gifts NYF children receive, your support for their well-being will make such a difference. Dhanyabad!
#GirlPower Stories of the Year, Celebrating International Women’s Day 2019
In honor of International Women’s Day 2019, we are sharing some of our favorite #GirlPower stories of the year. Your support makes such a difference for the women and girls of NYF. Dhanyabad!
Mandira
From one of six children in a farming family to a successful electrician who teaches at Olgapuri Vocational School, Mandira is not only an expert in a traditionally male field, she is deeply invested in helping other women succeed. Read more here.
Radha
Born in a remote village in western Nepal, “Radha” grew up at a time when it was common for impoverished Tharu families to reluctantly bond their daughters into servitude to subsist. From a child servant to a respected member of the police force, Radha’s story is sure to inspire. Read more here.
Our very own founder Olga who inspires us all
Known as “Olga Mom” to thousands of Nepali children, Olga is living proof that getting older doesn’t mean slowing down
Olga – one of the few women graduating from law school in the 1950s – became a research attorney for California Supreme Court Chief Justice Phil Gibson. During her 37-year tenure at the Court, Olga helped to write important decisions in the areas of civil rights, women’s rights, and environmental policy.
She retired from the law in 1992 to devote herself fully to helping impoverished children in Nepal.
You can read more about Olga’s journey and how NYF came into being, with stories from the early days in her book, Olga’s Promise, available here.
The future women of NYF
Education is the key to a brighter future – and yet, girls from impoverished Nepali families too often aren’t able to stay in school.
In fact, an old Nepali adage claims “Educating a girl is like watering your neighbor’s garden.” Overcoming these attitudes, NYF prioritizes opportunities for female, disabled, and low-caste students facing cultural barriers.
With support from the NYF family, futures are limitless! Your #girlpower gift today can transform a life.
Nepali Valentine Day, Love From Nepal Children Supported by NYF
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us! Thank you for keeping the children of NYF close to your hearts. Your support ensures their well-being and gives them so much to smile about.
We hope you enjoy the Nepali Valentine Day pictures in the slideshow below.
If you would like to share one of these Nepali Valentine Day cards made by the children, you can simply right click the image to save it and then print or email.
You can make your special Valentine’s Day donation by clicking here:
