Archives: Teams

Susmita Baniya

Vocational Education & Nutritional Rehabilitation Home

Vocational Education & Career Counseling Program Alumna & Beneficiary of NYF’s Nutritional Rehabilitation Home
Entrepreneurship Development Facilitator, Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City Office

When Susmita first came into contact with Nepal Youth Foundation in 2007, she was a young girl suffering from severe malnutrition. She was admitted to NYF’s Nutrition Rehabilitation Home (NRH) in Kathmandu, where she received the care she needed to recover. During this period, her health challenges placed a heavy emotional and financial burden on her family, especially after the loss of her father. To help stabilize the family’s future, NYF began supporting Susmita’s education.

Even as a child, Susmita was known for her bright personality and determination. Inspired by the nurses who cared for her at the NRH, she dreamed of becoming one herself. She completed her School Leaving Certificate exams and began preparing for nursing entrance courses with great enthusiasm. However, after health consultations, she was advised not to pursue a career in the medical field. The news left her heartbroken. She continued her studies through the intermediate level but was unable to complete Grade 12, leaving her uncertain about what the future might hold.

“I was devastated—not being able to get a job or see a way forward,” she recalls. “It was during this difficult time that Laxmi Ma’am and Ram Babu Sir counseled me and encouraged me to join the Entrepreneurship Development Facilitator training. I am so grateful to them for showing me a new path.”

In August 2019, Susmita enrolled in NYF’s 18-month Entrepreneurship Development Facilitator training through the Vocational Education and Career Counseling (VECC) program. The course gave her renewed hope and the practical skills to become independent—something she had always aspired to, especially after watching her mother’s quiet strength in keeping their family together.

As part of her field training, Susmita worked with a local organization that motivated young girls in nearby villages to stay in school. The group also collaborated with municipal leaders to secure educational support—books, uniforms, and supplies—for children from Dalit and underprivileged backgrounds. The experience strengthened her confidence and deepened her passion for social work.

In September 2021, Susmita’s persistence paid off when she was selected for a government position as an Entrepreneurship Development Facilitator at Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City. Today, she empowers women’s groups to launch micro-enterprises, helps them access interest-free municipal loans, and conducts training sessions that encourage income-generating activities.

“Today, I earn Rs. 33,000 a month through my government job—but honestly, it’s not just about the money,” she says. “What matters more to me is that I can finally stand with dignity. I no longer feel helpless. I feel respected, confident, and proud of the journey I’ve made.”

Looking back, Susmita sees NYF as the constant support that helped her reach where she is today. “NYF has been like a real father to me,” she shares. “I lost my own father when I was very young, but NYF stepped in, supported me, guided me, and never let me feel alone. Everything I am today is because they believed in me.”

To the next generation, she offers a message of encouragement: “Life is worthwhile when you live with purpose and help others rise. That’s what I’m trying to do too.”

P.S. Learn more about Nutritional Rehabilitation Homes (NRHs) + Vocational Education and Career Counseling at NYF.

Dr. Ram Suphal Ram

College Scholarship Program Alumna

NYF College Scholarship Alumna
Consultant Pediatrician, Udayapur District Hospital

Ram Suphal Ram grew up in Lahan, Siraha District, in a Dalit family facing deep financial hardship. His parents worked as farm laborers, and continuing his education beyond high school seemed nearly impossible. After passing his SLC exams, he moved to Kathmandu with community support and completed +2 Science through PDRC. While preparing for MBBS entrance exams, he learned about Nepal Youth Foundation and received an NYF College Scholarship for his MBBS studies at KIST Medical College from 2010 to 2013.

The scholarship made all the difference. “NYF helped cover my books, accommodation and food,” he shares. “It allowed me to focus on becoming the doctor I dreamed of becoming.”

After completing his MBBS, Ram Suphal served in a rural health center in Khotang and later passed the Public Service Commission exam to become a government medical officer. He went on to earn a full Government Scholarship for his MD in Pediatrics at BPKIHS Dharan. Today, he serves as a consultant pediatrician at Udayapur District Hospital.

Deeply committed to children from marginalized communities, he treats patients from low income families free of cost whenever possible and advocates for child health, education and rights. “I come from a background where opportunity was limited,” he says. “I want every child to have a chance to thrive.”

His hopes for Nepal’s future are clear: quality education for every child, stable governance, strong anti corruption systems and economic opportunities that uplift all communities.

To future leaders, he offers this advice: “Have a clear vision. Be honest and transparent. Stay motivated and always keep the wellbeing of children at the center.”

Dr. Ram Suphal Ram’s journey reflects NYF’s long standing belief that when a young person receives the support they need, they can rise to transform their community and the nation.

Shivaraj

Olgapuri Vocational School Electrical Program Alumna

Electrical Trainer, Olgapuri Vocational School, NYF

Growing up in a remote village in Nepal’s hilly region, Shivaraj understood perseverance from an early age. As one of eight children, he watched his parents—both farmers—work tirelessly to support their large family. The government school he attended was miles away, and during the monsoon season, the steep, muddy paths made the journey nearly impossible. “I had to skip school many times just because of the rain,” he recalls. Supplies were scarce, and there were days he and his siblings went to class without notebooks or textbooks—but he never let that stop him from learning.

After finishing Grade 12, Shivaraj’s formal education came to an end. There were no higher secondary schools nearby, and his family’s limited income meant he had to stay home and help with farming. For years, it seemed like his dreams of building a different life would remain out of reach.

That changed in September 2019, when Shivaraj learned about NYF’s vocational training opportunities through his rural municipality office. He was selected for the Electrical Trade training at Olgapuri Vocational School (OVS)—an opportunity he describes as “searching for a stone and finding gold.” The choice felt deeply personal. As a boy, his family had relied on dim oil lamps for light, and when his village was finally electrified, no trained electricians were available to fix outages. The experience left a lasting impression, sparking his fascination with the power of electricity and the possibility of bringing light to others.

The three-month training at OVS transformed Shivaraj’s life. With the practical skills he gained and NYF’s job placement support, he quickly found work as an electrician with a construction company in Kathmandu. But just months later, the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to return home. Determined not to lose momentum, he continued practicing wiring work in his village and prepared for the National Skill Test, which he passed with flying colors.

When OVS began launching satellite training programs in rural areas, Shivaraj was invited to assist a lead trainer in Dhading District. His enthusiasm, quick learning, and natural ability to communicate complex concepts in simple Nepali quickly set him apart. Before long, he transitioned from an assistant to a full-time electrical trainer.

Today, Shivaraj leads training sessions at Olgapuri Vocational School with pride and purpose. “I feel so proud when I sign the trainees’ certificates of completion,” he says. “Just a few years ago, someone signed one for me—and now I’m giving that recognition to others.” Many of his students come from rural communities much like his own. After graduation, they return home to electrify their villages, wiring modern houses and supporting the country’s growing infrastructure.

For Shivaraj, the most rewarding part of his work is seeing others step into a brighter future—literally and figuratively. His journey from a rural hillside classroom to the front of an OVS workshop is proof that opportunity and education can transform lives and communities alike.

Lynn Hetterich

Director

Lynn fell in love with Nepal during a trek to Everest Base Camp in 1981. Three years later, newly married, she returned with her husband, Steve, during their 18-month trip around the world. Back in Denver, she began hearing about Olga Murray and her inspiring work. In 2000, while traveling abroad with their two children, Lynn and Steve met Olga and Som and witnessed NYF’s life-changing programs firsthand—an experience that began her enduring commitment to NYF.

Raised by parents who modeled a life of service and philanthropy, Lynn was inspired early to give back. While earning a degree in International Studies, an influential professor nurtured her passion for meaningful engagement. That opportunity arrived when Montview Church, her Denver congregation, funded a pediatric wing at Patan Hospital in Kathmandu and sent volunteers to “follow the money.” Lynn co-led the first service trip in 2000, and since then has brought more than 200 people of all ages to Nepal to connect with its people and contribute through community projects.

Under Lynn’s leadership and encouragement, Montview Church helped fund the first Nutritional Rehabilitation Home (NRH) in Kathmandu and three community centers in Saptari District. The church has also supported NRHs across Nepal, the New Life Center, and the reconstruction of a school destroyed in the 2015 Gorkha earthquake. Lynn’s family sponsored the playgrounds at the Kathmandu NRH and at Olgapuri, and have sponsored a brother and sister through NYF since 2000—remaining close to them as adults today.

Now retired from a career in residential real estate, Lynn and Steve have passed the business to their children. They remain avid travelers, hikers, cyclists, gardeners, and cooks.

Bunu Sherpa

Olgapuri Children's Home (Formerly K-House)

Associate Finance Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO)
Mentor and advocate for education and financial empowerment

When Bunu Sherpa arrived at Nepal Youth Foundation’s children’s home in 2000, she was just a child in need of stability and support. For the next sixteen years, NYF became her home.

“NYF’s support made it possible for me to truly envision a future for myself, something that once felt completely out of reach,” Bunu recalls. “They provided more than financial aid. They gave me confidence, guidance, and a deep sense of belonging.”

During her years with NYF, Bunu was able to continue her education without the constant burden of financial stress. She grew up in J & K House (now called Olgapuri Children’s Village), in a warm, family-style environment with devoted house parents and a close community of peers—celebrating festivals, sharing meals, and receiving the holistic care every child deserves. More importantly, she grew into a self-assured young woman with purpose and hope. “NYF didn’t just help me, they became my family. They gave me the roots I needed to grow, and the belief that I matter.”

Today, Bunu is an Associate Finance Specialist at a humanitarian organization, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO). Her work allows her to contribute directly to projects that support vulnerable communities across Nepal. “Being able to serve others through my work is incredibly fulfilling, and I know it’s a path I wouldn’t be on without the foundation NYF gave me,” she says.

Beyond her professional role, Bunu mentors young people in her community, offering guidance and encouragement as they pursue their education and career goals. To her, transforming the world is not only about large-scale programs, but also about small, consistent acts of kindness that spark hope in others.

Education and financial empowerment remain deeply personal to her. Growing up with limited resources, she saw how these barriers kept many from realizing their full potential. “NYF gave me the tools to break through those barriers—a solid education and the confidence that I could create a future for myself.”

Her vision for Nepal’s future is one where every child has access to education and the resources needed to thrive. She dreams of a country where young people are not limited by poverty or traditional barriers, but are instead inspired to innovate, lead, and uplift their communities.

Bunu’s advice for future leaders is simple but powerful: “Stay grounded. Keep your eyes on the long-term vision. Always choose service over recognition. True leadership is about creating meaningful change, and the leaders who leave the deepest impact are those who lead with empathy, resilience, and integrity.”

From her childhood at Olgapuri to her current role in the humanitarian sector, Bunu’s story is a testament to the power of education, empowerment, and belonging. Today she stands as a proud NYF alumna—independent, compassionate, and committed to shaping a brighter, more inclusive Nepal.

P.S. Recently, Bunu returned to Olgapuri to emcee the unveiling of Olga Murray’s statue—a moving tribute to the woman she considers part of her family.

Edyta Rusek

Director

Edyta Rusek joined the NYF Board of Directors in 2025. She is the founder of SYMF, a nonprofit organization in Nepal that she established after witnessing the devastating 2015 Earthquake. For over a decade, Edyta has worked closely with Dalit children in the remote villages of Dhading, supporting their educational needs and advocating for equal opportunities. Her deep commitment to serving vulnerable communities, combined with her hands-on experience in grassroots nonprofit work, brings valuable insight and passion to NYF’s mission.

In addition to her work in Nepal, Edyta serves as a SCORE mentor, where she shares her business expertise with entrepreneurs and small business owners in her community. Drawing on years of experience running her own business, she offers practical guidance on everything from startups and strategy to daily operations and growth.

Edyta lives in Westlake Village, CA, where she enjoys jogging, swimming, hiking, skiing, and playing pickleball. She is the proud mother of two daughters and grandmother of five.

Her greatest passion has always been helping children. Having emigrated from Poland with her 3-year-old daughter, Edyta has lived by the belief that “dreams do come true if you dare to dream them.” This spirit of perseverance and hope continues to guide her work and inspires the children she supports to believe in their own dreams.

Shiva Chaudhary

Empowering Freed Kamlaris Alumna

School Teacher in Nepal’s public schools
Advocate for young girls and women in Nepal

At just 10 years old, Shiva Chaudhary was sold into bonded labor through the Kamlari Indentured Servitude system. Her father, unable to pay for her education, had accepted an arrangement with a landlord who claimed would enroll her in school.

Instead, Shiva spent four years doing domestic labor, sometimes working in two homes, and looking after the landlord’s children. Shiva recalls that the one responsibility she preferred over the others was babysitting, as it gave her a chance to interact with children’s toys—something she had never had before. Despite the labor and hardship, Shiva managed to keep up with her studies.

Everything changed in 2004 when her parents learned about the Nepal Youth Foundation’s (NYF) movement to free girls from bonded labor. With NYF’s intervention, Shiva was rescued and enrolled in one of our bridging courses. In just six months, she was caught up in her studies and was directly admitted into the 8th grade. NYF continued supporting her education through Grade 12—but it was the bridging course that opened her eyes to her rights.

“NYF didn’t just pay my fees. They taught me to be fearless, to stand on my own, and to lift many kamlari girls alongside me. And that classroom gave me more than books,” Shiva recalls. “It gave me awareness—that bonded labor is wrong, and we must rise against it.”

Empowered by this knowledge, Shiva joined NYF’s freedom campaigns and became an active participant in the movement for almost eight years. She performed in street dramas to educate people and discourage them from sending their daughters into bonded servitude. She furthered her activism as a radio jockey, using broadcasts to raise awareness more widely across the country. Shiva then took on a leadership role within the movement and she became the founding president of a forum (which was later merged with the Freed Kamlari Development Forum*).

In 2016, Shiva’s childhood dream became a reality—she passed the teacher service commission exam and and became a government school teacher. Today, she teaches at a local school, serving children from some of Nepal’s most marginalized backgrounds.

Her bond with her students run deep. “I know their pain,” she says. “Sometimes they can’t even afford a pencil or notebook. I help them from my own salary. No child should drop out just because of poverty.”

Beyond providing material support, Shiva tirelessly connects children to government and NGO programs to ensure their continued education and well-being. Today, Shiva travels across Nepal, sharing her story and building solidarity among young girls and women. As a proud teacher and a former Kamlari, her message is both humble and profound: “Be a good human being first—everything else will follow.”

*NYF and leaders within the Freed Kamlari communities worked together to establish the Freed Kamlari Development Forum (FKDF) with chapters in villages throughout the Tharu community. This locally led nonprofit grew at first under the care of NYF, overseeing co-ops, community credit and lending groups, and other local organizations focused on empowering and strengthening the economy within Tharu communities, educating young women, preventing child marriage, and more.

Prem Bahadur Gandharb

Day School & College Scholarship Program

BS in Electronics & Communication Engineering
Technical Inspector for the Nepal Police
Specialist in cybersecurity, surveillance systems & communication networks

As a member of the Dalit community, Prem Bahadur grew up facing great difficulty in accessing quality education. When he completed 10th grade, he qualified for a competitive engineering-track college prep school.

From 2004-2011, NYF Scholarships allowed Prem Bahadur to complete high school and then a bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Computer Engineering. His strong academic record allowed him access to a job with the Nepal Police, maintaining and enhancing communication infrastructure, implementing cybersecurity measures, and more.

Dalit communities often experience discrimination and neglect from the police force. Prem Bahadur is working to change cultural beliefs about members of Dalit castes, making Nepal’s law enforcement more equitable for all.

Today, Prem Bahadur is modernizing national security systems within Nepal’s police force. He is also mentoring young people from Dalit castes.

“My long-term vision is to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between technology and law enforcement in Nepal, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all citizens.” To NYF’s donors: “Your generosity has not only changed my life but also inspired me to give back to my community and mentor others from marginalized backgrounds. I am committed to using my experiences to uplift and guide the next generation, ensuring the ripple effect of your support continues.”

Dinesh Humagain

Boarding School Scholarship Program Alumnus

BS in Electronics & Communication Engineering
IT Officer & Communication Officer for local government office, Khijidemba Rural Municipality, Okhaldhunga District

Dinesh says his childhood was “almost like a nightmare. We struggled with basic needs like nutritious food, decent clothing & education.”

NYF met Dinesh in 1999 and enrolled him in a quality boarding school where his skills in math and science could be nurtured. Dinesh thrived. He received NYF Scholarship support until graduating college in 2016, with a bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering.

He could have pursued a more lucrative career in one of Nepal’s cities or even abroad, but instead, he chose to become the IT Officer & Communication Officer at a rural government office near his home community.

Today, Dinesh is using his technical know-how to strengthen his local government’s ability to meet the needs of their community. He emphasizes communications between the government and the public, ensuring constituents are aware of their government’s commitment to them.