From Overseas Labourer to Building a Brighter Future at Home

“I’m so thankful to UWS for this opportunity. It’s more than just a job—it’s a chance to stay in Nepal.” With the skills I’ve acquired, I’m confident I can continue to make a difference for my family and community.”

Mukesh Jimi always had a simple dream: to work from home, stay close to his family, and never have to leave Nepal in search of opportunities. “If good jobs were available in Nepal, no one would want to work far away in places like the Gulf countries,” he says with a sense of fulfilment. Today, Mukesh proudly works as a Building Officer for UWS Nepal, and he couldn’t be happier.

Born in Madi RM-3, Mulkharka, Sankhuwasabha, Mukesh grew up in a family where agriculture was the only means of survival. Despite their hard work, life was never easy, and Mukesh’s dreams of a better future were often clouded by the harsh realities of rural life. As a husband and father of two, he faced the same struggle many Nepalese youths do: seeking better opportunities abroad. Mukesh spent five years working in Malaysia and Dubai, leaving his family and homeland behind. The separation was tough. “Working far from home is not easy,” Mukesh reflects. “I missed my parents, my wife, my children. I always dreamed of coming back and working in my own country, but I needed a good opportunity.”

When Mukesh returned to Nepal, he found himself jobless and searching for work. It was then that United World Schools (UWS) Nepal came into his life. His father had worked as a mason in Mulkharka, and through this connection, Mukesh found an opportunity with UWS as a construction worker. He proudly notes, “I’m the second generation in my family to work with UWS, even though my father worked there for a short time.” His dedication and hard work soon earned him a promotion to Building Officer.

Mukesh smiles as he speaks about his gratitude: “I’m so thankful to UWS for this opportunity. It’s more than just a job—it’s a chance to stay in Nepal.” His role as a Building Officer involves many responsibilities: mobilising construction teams, maintaining records, and reporting to managers, all while often working in the field as a skilled mason. In the past six years, Mukesh has helped construct nearly 30 schools.

The journey has not been without its challenges. Mukesh recalls difficult moments, such as navigating poor road conditions, dealing with untimely rains, and addressing issues with community mobilisation. “There was nothing we could do about the weather or roads, but we made sure to report any issues promptly,” he says.

One particularly harrowing experience occurred during the Khewang school project when a colleague was struck by lightning. Mukesh immediately alerted his line manager, and together they arranged for an ambulance to provide timely treatment. In another instance at Hedagnagadi, a colleague fell severely ill. Despite the remote location, Mukesh and his team managed to find transport to get him to the hospital. “Those were tough times,” Mukesh says, “but we supported each other as a team.”

The most rewarding part of working with UWS for Mukesh is knowing that his efforts help create better learning environments for children. “We’re building schools that will provide children with good classrooms and promote quality education,” he says. “This has been life-changing for me. I’m now able to create a better future for my children and have the confidence to work in construction, whether in Nepal or elsewhere.”

Looking back, Mukesh feels a deep sense of satisfaction. His journey—from working in the Gulf to becoming a key player in school construction in Nepal—fills him with pride. “I can boast about what I’ve achieved. I’ve grown not only as a mason but also as a person. My family’s life has improved greatly, and my children now have better opportunities at school. With the skills I’ve acquired, I’m confident I can continue to make a difference for my family and community.”

From Overseas Labourer to Building a Brighter Future at Home

Championing Education in Rural Nepal

Championing Education in Rural Nepal

From Overseas Labourer to Building a Brighter Future at Home