Success Stories

Nikita's Story:

Nikita Devkota, is the oldest of two sisters born to deaf and mute parents.

Her extended family is large and given her parents disabilities, they did not have proper jobs. Thus, Nikita's life was difficult from the start. Fortunately, her parents did value education and Nikita was enrolled in a government school. There she studied for about three years. She wanted to study in a private school as the quality of education in private schools in Nepal is far superior to that of government schools. She knew that it was of no use requesting her parents to send her to a private school since the family was barely scraping by. She consoled herself and continued to study and to do her very best in everything she undertook and her studies paid off as she is a very good student. She was a well disciplined and an intelligent child but despite all this, she was at risk of being forced from school due to family financial constraints.

She was approached by the Little Sisters Fund administrative team and selection committee and was awarded a scholarship since she met our selection criteria. At the beginning she was very shy and use to feel hesitant to speak to new friends. But as time rolled on, she started to make friends and also took part in many classroom activities. She writes beautiful poems. She loves to write essays and short stories. She knows how to sign and helps the Nepalese deaf and mute community as an interpreter in various government offices. Nikita is the kindest, brightest and most engaging girl you can imagine. She was awarded the Little Sisters Fund's Gabby Community service Award.

Last year she passed her all-important SLC exam upon completion of the 10^th grade and today she is studying for her bachelors degree in humanities and works as a Little Sisters Fund School Coordinator in one of our partner schools. She is popular and very well regarded among the other Little Sisters.

Anika's Story:

Akina is 11 years old and in grade 4. She goes to Shatiniketan Secondary English School, one of the Partner Schools of LSF. Akina comes from Khotang, a far eastern district of Nepal. She was the fourth daughter born to her parents. As soon as she was born her father abandoned her mother because Akina was not born a male child and because "her mother could not produce a son". Immediately after her birth her father went in depression and in desperation started drinking alcohol and beating her mother. Unable to cope with the situation her mother eloped with a man and came to Kathmandu, leaving four daughters behind. Akina was 2 years old at that time.

Akina and her three sisters were raised in a very harsh environment. Her father married another woman and they had to live with this unsupportive step mother. At a young age, Akina had to work hard and do all the household chores along with her sisters instead of going to school. They used to fetch fodder for the animals, water and logs from the forest. Going to school was a distant dream for them. They always went to bed hungry.

Years later, Akina's mother returned to the village with her second husband and learned about the suffering of her daughters. At first she maintained that it was the father's responsibility to look after the girls. However, before returning to Kathmandu she managed to meet them. When she met them she found Akina suffering most as she was the smallest. Akina was sick. Her mother took this Akina with her to Kathmandu, leaving the other three with their father.

Her mother started working in a carpet factory and spins wool at home. She also works as a housemaid in the morning and in the evening. Akina prepares food for the family every morning and evening and also makes yarn to help her mother.

We tell you this story not for pity but rather to show just how far your support goes.

Three years ago LSF program brought her to Shantiniketan school. Her school performance has sky rocketed. Her confidence has exploded. Akina is very motivated and she stands first in her class. She wants to be a doctor.

Chanda's Story:

Chanda's family comes from the eastern part of Nepal. She is the youngest daughter of three. Chanda also has a much younger brother. Her mother is a housewife and father, a nominal employee in the Forestry Department.

Chanda's family was extremely poor. As such there was not enough money for food for the table; let along left-over money to pay tuition fees for the girls. Her mother is literate, but she realized the importance of education for her daughters. Chanda's mom searched for ways to support her daughters in their quest for knowledge. She found the Little Sisters Fund which enabled Chanda to enroll in a school through the support of an American sponsor, Ms. Kay.

Through the influence of the LSF, Chanda's family has been changed. Her siblings became hard working and attended school. They all are conscious in hygiene and sanitation and work to raise awareness in the community in the areas of girls' education and health. They have become an example to all other girls in the program. Her oldest Sister, Bindhaya has just graduated from nursing school.

Chanda has just appeared in her S.L.C (School leaving certificate) exam, which follows completion of the 10^th grade and is also known as the iron-gate in Nepal's education system. Everyone expects her to pass this exam which will pave the way for future vocational training resulting in financial independence.

She is a good girl. She is tolerant and amicable with her friends. She has a wonderful sense of humor. It is so fulfilling to watch girls like Chanda flourishing in the midst of hardship. Chanda is very thankful to Kay whom she considers her Godmother.

Manju's Story:

Manju lives with her parents in a small village of Gokarna - about 10 miles from Kathmandu. She has a younger brother and a younger sister. They all go to a nearby government school. Her father, when employed, is a mason and does not make enough money to support the family. Thus, Manju's mom also works as a field hand and in her spare time, she spins raw cotton into thread/yarn and sells it to carpet factories. Sometimes Manju helps her mother spin.

The family lives in a small mud hut. Although all the other houses in the area have electricity, Manju's does not as the family cannot afford the electrical wiring necessary to bring electricity into the home. For lighting, the family uses oil lamps and for cooking, they use an open wood-burning fire.

Manju's mother is a strong believer in education but had no money to pay school expenses for her children. Due to this, Manju was taken out of school for nearly a year. In the spring of 2007, one of the Little Sisters Fund administrators visited Gokarna and heard Manju's story. After studying her case thoroughly, Manju was accepted into the Little Sisters Fund.

Today all the three children are in school. Manju is supported by the Fund the school has provided a scholarship to Manju's sister, since Manju's expenses are being supported by the LSF. Thus the family only has to pay for Manju's brother's education. Manju's mother is overjoyed knowing her three children are in school.

Today Manju is a budding student and is excelling in the new school. The family is extremely grateful for LSF support of Manju, which resulted in the education of all three children.