Rajesh Saru Magar

College Scholarship Program Alumnus

Master of Arts in Rural Development, Tribhuvan University, 2003
Social Policy Officer at UNICEF Nepal, Surkhet Field Office, Karnali Province

Rajesh Saru Magar grew up in a rural community with limited access to opportunities. “My family was in no condition to send me to live in Kathmandu to study,” he says.

But he believed that change was possible for communities like his, and he dreamed of making that change happen one day. He put himself through his bachelor’s degree by teaching at a local school and attending night classes.

However, when he was accepted to a new master’s program in Rural Development at Tribhuvan University, he had to quit his job. All classes were held during the day. “I was left without either family support or income.”

“I learned about the NYF Scholarship through a notice on the university bulletin board, which listed detailed eligibility criteria targeting students from disadvantaged backgrounds,” Rajesh remembers. “The selection process was rigorous. It was an incredibly well-designed program that aligned with the university’s academic calendar, ensuring the support could be effectively used throughout the course.”

Rajesh received an NYF Scholarship from 2001 to 2003. “This opportunity launched my career in development work, where I have served some of the most underprivileged communities, including Dalit, Tharu, and Badi groups. If I hadn’t received this support, reaching this professional level would have been extremely difficult.”

As a Social Policy Officer at UNICEF Nepal, Rajesh supports provincial and local governments in designing child-focused policies and programs.

From his post in a rural field office, Rajesh has also served as the on-the-ground face of UNICEF in emergency situations, including COVID-19 and following the Jajarkot-Rukum earthquakes in 2023.

One two-year scholarship has allowed Rajesh to empower thousands more young people over the past 20 years. He has seen many of them grow up to serve their communities as well.