Category: NYF News
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:
Durga Returns to Nepal 25 Years Later With Her Baby and Olga
Our inspiring founder Olga Murray still travels to Nepal every fall at age 93. This fall, her return to Kathmandu for the holidays was extra special because she went with Durga – the eight year old she brought to the US in 1993.
Days before their departure, Durga was interviewed by ABC News and shared her perspective on returning to Nepal after 25 years:
As an infant, Durga had rolled into a fire and suffered very serious facial burns. Her family invested everything they had — even her mother’s dowry jewelry — into Durga’s medical treatment following the terrible accident, but in Nepal the options for reconstructive surgery were extremely limited. Durga’s life changed dramatically when Olga arranged for a consultation with plastic surgeons in California.
Some of you may remember Durga as “Anjita” in Olga’s Promise (see excerpt below): her bravery facing repeated surgeries, her early life with dear NYF friends Joanne and Tot Heffelfinger, who raised her as their own – and her evolution from a tiny 35 pound firebrand with no English and totally unfamiliar with western life – to the smart, warm-hearted, charming young woman she is today.
Durga and her husband Scott married three years ago in Marin County, California with Olga as their officiant. She walked down the aisle with her father who traveled all the way from Nepal. On Durga’s other arm was Dr. Angelo Capozzi who performed all 30 of the surgeries on her face. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Last April, Durga gave birth to an adorable little boy. With the wonders of technology, she’s remained very close with her large Nepali family and was eager for them to meet her son, and to give and get Dashain blessings. It was a grueling trip – 15 hours to Hong Kong, and then a 12 hour layover before the six hour flight to Kathmandu. Durga and Olga were exhausted, but the considerate baby slept most of the way.
After Dashain, they also joyously celebrated the little boy’s “rice feeding ceremony,” the time a child first eats solid food – usually a couple grains of rice. It was a very festive occasion, with a healthy contingent of Durga’s relatives in attendance.
The special satisfaction of the long-term impact of NYF’s work makes us all even more grateful to all of you – the NYF family of supporters. Your generosity makes all of our work possible.
Excerpt of “Anjita’s” story in Olga’s Promise:
Winter Newsletter Bonus Content
If you received our Winter Newsletter and are curious to read more, please click on any of the links or pictures below:
Durga (“Anjita”) Returns to Nepal
If you’ve read Olga’s Promise, you may remember “Anjita” who rolled into a fire as an infant and suffered serious facial burns. Olga brought her to the US in 1993 for surgery unavailable in Nepal.
25 years later, married and with a new baby, she returned to Nepal with Olga to introduce her son to her family.
Celebrating 20 Years of Saving Lives
In 1998, we opened the first Nutritional Rehabilitation Home (NRH) in Nepal to restore severely malnourished children to health after they were prematurely discharged from government hospitals.
Twenty years later, lifesaving treatment continues at 17 NRHs across Nepal built by generous friends like you.
Click to see more near-miraculous transformations of babies like Tara.
Seniors Only!
If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make a direct transfer of IRA balances to a charity like Nepal Youth Foundation to satisfy some or all of your Required Minimum Distribution.
Olga’s Promise: One Woman’s Commitment to the Children of Nepal
To read more stories like Durga’s (Anjita); the beginning of our nutrition program that is succeeding on a national scale in partnership with the Nepali government; the early days of NYF’s Kamlari rescue program, and so much more; check out Olga’s book – Olga’s Promise: One Woman’s Commitment to the Children of Nepal.