Ten-year-old Shreya (name changed), a grade 5 student at UWS Rambeni, lives in a small, remote village with her parents and little brother. Life isn’t easy for her family, who struggle to get by on daily wages just to make sure there’s enough food on the table. Every day, Shreya juggles school and household responsibilities, making a 30-minute trek through the jungle to attend class.
Her days start at dawn. At just six in the morning, Shreya is already up and busy, helping her mom with chores like cooking, fetching water, and gathering grass. By the time she’s finished, there’s little time left for studying. With her family’s income barely enough to meet their basic needs, even having consistent meals is often a challenge.
But Shreya’s world began to change when UWS Rambeni opened its doors. Her mother, who works as a daily wage earner, has noticed a remarkable difference in Shreya’s attitude toward school. “Since the school opened, my daughter’s view of school has changed,” she says. Three years ago, when Shreya first enrolled, she could only attend about 60 percent of the time, as household chores often kept her away. But with the support of the school staff, regular visits to her home, and community campaigns encouraging attendance, Shreya’s dedication grew. Today, she hardly ever misses a day and attends school around 90 percent of the time.
UWS Rambeni has provided Shreya with so much more than just a place to learn. The school has equipped her with educational materials and a uniform—gifts that have brought both comfort and motivation. “The uniforms and materials my daughter receives encourage her to go to school regularly,” her mother explains. And it’s clear these simple things have made a difference. Shreya’s grades have steadily improved; in her recent exams, she scored 75 percent across her five main subjects, a leap from the 50 percent she managed when she first joined.
Outside of school, Shreya enjoys reading, playing games, and spending time with friends—precious moments that allow her to just be a child, even with all her responsibilities at home. And despite these, she holds onto a dream that brings her hope: one day, she wants to be a teacher, inspired by the support and encouragement she’s found in her school and community.
Shreya’s story is a testament to the power of education and a supportive environment. UWS Rambeni has opened up possibilities for her that once seemed out of reach, giving her not only the resources to learn but also the confidence to believe in her future. And, through all the challenges she faces, Shreya’s dream of becoming a teacher continues to shine brightly.
Photo and Story Credits: Chandika Karki
