From Hurdles to Hopes: Adolescents Girls Inspiring Journey to Education and Empowerment

A+ A A-

VSO is the world’s leading independent, international development organization that works through blend of community, national and international volunteers. VSO is working in Nepal since 1964 to improve the lives of impoverished people, particularly focusing on marginalized groups, vulnerable women and girls. We believe that people are the key to overcoming poverty, and that is why we work through Volunteering for Development Approach that people are empowered, public services are inclusive and accessible and decisions makers are held to account.

VSO is implementing the ACTIVE (Active Citizens through Inclusive Volunteering and Empowerment) project which is funded by FCDO. The project aims to contribute to developing more inclusive, open, resilient, and gender equitable societies by making positive contribution in resilient livelihoods (promotion of agro-ecology and Right to Food Advocacy and its localization), health (equitable and accessible health systems strengthening), inclusive education (increase inclusive access to quality education and learning for marginalized children) and youth (engagement and leadership). This multiyear project works with both CSO and Government level platforms and mechanisms.

GEMS (Girls Empowerment and Mainstreaming Sustainably) is a powerful initiative with consortium of VSO, British council, supported by Aasaman Nepal dedicated to fostering an inclusive society and promoting equitable development in Nepal. By focusing on strengthening girls' education, health, and the empowerment of women and girls, GEMS aims to uplift marginalized communities and provide support where it is most needed. The project's implementation spans across various provinces and in various Local Governments in these provinces, including Kalaiya sub-metropolitan city, Jeetpur-Simara Municipality in Bara, Gaur Municipality, Gadhimai Municipality in Rautahat districts of Madhesh Province, as well as Lekhbesi Municipality, Bheriganga, and Gurbakot Municipality in Surkhet, Karnali Province. Through its comprehensive approach, GEMS is making a significant impact in empowering women and girls and driving sustainable change.

The following are the change stories that VSO in partnership with its CSO partners have witnessed and key outcomes.

Story one: Roshni Khatun's Journey of Education and Empowerment.

Ful Mohammad, a resident of Birnagra Tole in Ward No. 8 of Gadhimai Municipality, has a son and a daughter. His financial situation was extremely poor, which resulted in him not providing a good education for his children. While he sent his son to school, he neglected his daughter. During a school admission campaign, five-year-old Roshni Khatun, Ful Mohammad's daughter, was found outside the school premises during an awareness conducted by Sushila Kumari Yadav, a senior student. Despite being of school age, her parents showed no interest in her education, and she had to attend school while looking after the livestock.

Ful Mohammad, Roshni Khatun's father, believes that education holds great significance in today's day and age. Just like considering the price and quality when purchasing any item, he acknowledges that many women have achieved high positions such as teachers, presidents, leaders, pilots, and officers. Ful Mohammad advocates for equal treatment and non-discrimination towards children, emphasizing that all school-aged children should be sent to school. Inspired by these ideas, he decided to motivate Roshni and sent her to school. The school and the government have arranged a scholarship for his daughter. He obtained Roshni's birth certificate and went to enroll her in school, promising her that she would find toys, fruits, and lunch at school. Roshni attended school for two days but then stopped going.

Concerned about this, Sushila Kumari Yadav, along with parents and teachers, visited Roshni's home. They discussed the importance of education and conducted an awareness. They even bought Rs. 10 worth of chocolates to encourage Roshni to return to school. The Early Childhood Development (ECD) facilitator at the school received the chocolates and distributed them to Roshni daily for five days. This made Roshni very happy. Now, Roshni has made friends at school and continues her studies. The school facilitator affirms that Roshni always attends school, and her parents are also pleased with her progress. They have created a conducive study environment at home and dedicate time to teaching her.

Story two: Empowering Dreams: Roshani Roka Magar's Journey as a Peer Group Leader (Peer Group Leader)

GEMS has helped me a lot in my learning, I secured 5th in municipal level examination with 2.70 GPA." -Roshani Roka Magar, PGL Surkhet.

Roshani Roka Magar resides in Ward No. 12 of Bheriganga Municipality in Surkhet district. Currently, she is actively involved in the GEMS club at Parijaat Community Centre, serving as a peer group leader. Roshani, a 15-year-old adolescent girl, is studying in the 9th grade at Prabhat Secondary School in Thanichaur.

Roshani Roka Magar1711852600.jpg

Roshani is highly regarded for her cooperative and helpful nature, not only within her local community but also in school. She actively participates in extracurricular activities organized every Friday. Since becoming a Peer Group Leader in the GEMS club, she has noticed a significant positive change in her behavior. She conscientiously fulfills her role and responsibilities, providing guidance to the club members.

As a result, her academic performance has improved compared to the past. In the municipal-level grade 8 examination, she achieved the 5th position with a GPA of 2.70. Additionally, she has shown an improvement in her attendance both at school and in the GEMS club. It is impressive to witness her academic progress despite not living with her parents.

Roshani's mother has been working in Kuwait for foreign employment for the past year, while her father serves in the Nepal police force in Bardiya district. Despite her young age, Roshani has taken on the responsibility of caring for her family. Balancing familial responsibilities with her studies, she also looks after her elderly grandmother. Despite these added responsibilities, Roshani has not let her performance suffer; in fact, she consistently excels in the various activities she participates in.

Since joining the club, Roshani has not missed a single session. She has become an influential figure both within her family and in the community. Local stakeholders appreciate the program for providing opportunities for girls and are grateful for Roshani's positive impact.

Story three: Rising Beyond Expectations: Chandani Rajak's Journey to Empowerment

Chandani Rajak PP1711852659.png

"I have experienced a significant change within myself after attending the Rupantaran training. Initially, I felt shy and uncomfortable delivering these sessions, but over time, my confidence grew, and I witnessed improvements in my capacity to deliver the sessions, along with the enhancement of my knowledge and skills," shared Chandani Rajak (YHC)

Chandani Rajak is the daughter of Mr. Sikindra Baitha and Mrs. Chinta Devi Baitha. She is a 16-year-old adolescent girl currently studying in grade ten in Ward No. 05 of Gaur Municipality, Rautahat district. Chandani is a diligent and enthusiastic student, dedicated to her studies.

Chandani comes from a middle-class family, and her family is presently experiencing financial hardships. She is one of four daughters in the family. Despite the family's hope for a son, they ended up having four daughters.

Chandani's mother gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, after Chandani, but unfortunately, the baby boy passed away due to complications during birth. This tragic event plunged the family into deep sorrow. The financial hardship compounded the family's challenges, making it difficult for them to meet their basic needs. Additionally, the society's attitude towards them was influenced by the misconception that having a son is necessary to fulfill all rituals and expectations. Such beliefs still prevail in society, inhibiting many families from progressing. Despite these societal misconceptions, Chandani's father maintains peace in the family and is committed to providing his daughters with quality education.

"We promised our parents that we will achieve something that society will appreciate and make you proud, even though we are daughters and not sons," said Chandani Rajak.

Chandani Rajak1711852735.png

The project has provided Chandani with opportunities through its various interventions. She actively participates as a Youth Health Champion in the monthly meetings. Chandani received three days of training in the Rupantaran module after being selected as a Youth Health Champion. The training comprised seven sessions covering different aspects of health, aligning with Chandani's aspirations to become a doctor in the future. Chandani regularly conducts cascading sessions of the Rupantaran module among a group of 10 adolescents in her community. These sessions involve discussions on various topics outlined in the module, accompanied by games and entertainment.

Chandani expresses her heartfelt gratitude towards the ACTIVE program and eagerly anticipates similar platforms in the future. She, along with her friends, eagerly awaits the resumption of their regular sessions. Chandani is genuinely happy to be a part of this project and extends her thanks.

प्रकाशित मिति: आइतबार, चैत १८, २०८० ०८:२४