Shital Chaudhary

Olgapuri Vocational School Electrical Program Alumna

Electrical Trainer, Olgapuri Vocational School, NYF
Career Counselor, Vocational Education & Career Counseling Program, NY

Shital Chaudhary grew up in a very traditional home in southwestern Nepal—which unfortunately meant that, as a girl, her aspirations and well-being were given very low priority. Money was tight, and any extra resources were saved for her brothers.

Even without support at home, Shital was a bright and motivated student who scored well on the challenging Secondary Education Exam (SEE, or “Iron Gate”) at the end of the 10th grade. Only about 50% of students pass this rigorous exam, and these rates are even lower in rural areas.

Even without support at home, Shital was a bright and motivated student who scored well on the challenging Secondary Education Exam (SEE, or “Iron Gate”) at the end of the 10th grade. Only about 50% of students pass this rigorous exam, and these rates are even lower in rural areas.

But a few short months into the 11th grade, Shital’s dreams were crushed when her family forced her to drop out of school and marry a local man. Now, she was completely financially dependent on her husband, who refused to pay for even the basic necessities for Shital or their baby son.

Everything changed when Shital learned that NYF was bringing a village-based Electrical Training Course to her area in 2022. She quickly signed up, completely unfazed at being the only woman in a group of 23 trainees. The program provided her with technical skills, as well as the confidence and dignity she had long been denied.

Shital thrived in the course, which became the foundation for a remarkable personal and professional transformation. She enjoys a place of high respect within her family, and her son is enrolled in a good school. And her personal mission has expanded.

After earning her electrician’s certification, Shital was immediately hired at a construction company in Kathmandu, where she worked for 10 months.

But when NYF expanded the Olgapuri Vocational School Electrical program, we asked if she’d been willing to join our staff as an instructor. This was a dream come true.

Today, Shital is joyfully helping youths from backgrounds like hers to access the same life-changing opportunities she once received.