Championing Education in Rural Nepal

People are more receptive to change when they see it in action, not just when it’s talked about

"People are more receptive to change when they see it in action,<span> not just when it’s talked about"</span>

"People are more receptive to change when they see it in action, not just when it’s talked about"

Anuj Prasad Sigdel’s journey with UWS Nepal began in 2019 when he joined as a fellow teacher at UWS Hile, Gulmi, driven by the powerful call to “Teach the Unreached.” Like many young people in Nepal, Anuj had plans to go abroad to pursue a career in business, seeking opportunities and a better life. But the fellowship program changed his path—and ultimately, his purpose.

Arriving in the small village of Gulmi, Anuj found himself questioning his decision. The remote village had little in terms of resources and conveniences, and for many, education wasn’t a priority. Day-to-day survival often took precedence, and the stark lack of resources made the future for many children seem limited. Faced with these challenges, Anuj could have easily walked away. Instead, he dug in. The struggles of the village only fueled his desire to bring change. He realised that education could offer these children a future far different from the one they believed was predetermined for them. Over the past six years, Anuj has taken on many roles within UWS Nepal, growing from a fellow teacher to the Education Coordinator. His journey has been filled with both challenges and triumphs, from creating innovative lesson plans during the COVID-19 pandemic, broadcasting classes via radio, to engaging with government officials and working alongside communities, new fellows, and students. Yet, despite the shifts in his responsibilities, Anuj has stayed grounded in the same purpose that inspired him from the start: the belief that change happens not through words, but through action.

“People are more receptive to change when they see it in action, not just when it’s talked about,” Anuj reflects. This perspective has shaped the way he approaches his work, always focusing on the process of change. He has witnessed transformations in both the children he teaches and the communities he serves. More importantly, he’s seen the impact of his own decision to stay—choosing a path that many others would avoid, in a sector that desperately needs dedicated, motivated young leaders like him.

Initially, Anuj’s plans were to leave Nepal for a business career abroad, but the experience of working in education reshaped his goals. He saw firsthand how much the rural areas of Nepal needed young changemakers who were willing to stay and work for their own communities. The impact he could have through education became clear, and with that realisation, his resolve to stay and contribute grew stronger. “I feel like I’m playing a small role that has a positive impact on the community and the country, and that’s incredibly fulfilling,” Anuj shares. For him, the rewards of his work go far beyond a paycheck—they lie in the knowledge that he’s helping to transform lives, guide communities, and inspire students to become agents of change themselves.

Anuj’s journey shows the power of choosing to stay back when so many others leave. By committing to work in rural education, he has not only transformed his own life but has become an inspiration for countless others, proving that real change happens when people like him decide to make a difference right where they are.

Championing Education in Rural Nepal

"People are more receptive to change when they see it in action, not just when it’s talked about"

Championing Education in Rural Nepal