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 

Born and raised in Kathmandu, Ritu ventured into a new world when she began a two-year teaching fellowship in UWS Jhedi through UWS Nepal. Her journey is a tale of self-discovery, overcoming challenges, and making a lasting impact on the community and its children.

Discovering Herself

With a Bachelor’s in Social Work, Ritu sought to apply her academic knowledge practically. Reflecting on her motivations, she shared, “Before the fellowship, I felt lost, unsure of who I really was. But through this experience, I discovered strengths and capabilities in me, I never knew I had. Overcoming personal challenges, particularly my introverted nature and my state of mind at the time, was a significant part of my journey.”

The Heartfelt Challenges and Rewards

When asked about the rewarding yet challenging nature of the fellowship, Ritu revealed, “The old me would have easily backed out. But once I began the fellowship, everything changed. The children’s eagerness to learn was incredibly motivating. They inspired me to be my best self and strive to improve the quality of their education. The students had so much confidence in me, I felt like I couldn’t let them down. The community’s acceptance and love also played a crucial role. They treated me like family, offering support and love, I never expected.”

A Journey of Growth

Initially, Ritu saw the fellowship as just a job. However, as her return approached, she realised it had become a way of life. “It was more than a job; it was a medium of connecting with people and learning from the community. I learned so much more than I ever expected. I received more than I gave, and for that, I will always be grateful.”

Transforming Students’ Lives

Ritu observed significant changes in her students over time. Initially hesitant and uncommunicative, they gradually became more confident and interactive. She shared a touching example: “There was a student, Nimesh (name changed), who struggled with Maths and had failed his first term exam. Raised by a single parent, an elderly man, Nimesh was determined to improve. We worked hard together, and he began to show remarkable progress. By the end of the term, not only did he pass his Maths examination, he was asking questions in class and participating more. His pride in his achievements was palpable, and I was thrilled to see my efforts pay off.”

Recognition and Fulfilment

One moment of recognition stood out to Ritu. “After two months of working, the municipality Education Officer, who often visited us, noticed the changes. He observed that students who were once reserved and hesitant to interact had started gaining confidence, speaking more with teachers and engaging actively in school activities. Recognizing this, he said, ‘fellow ko impact bhaneko yo ho,’ which loosely translates to ‘this is the power of a fellow.’ Moments like this really uplift us when we face challenges. Seeing that we are making a tangible difference and positively impacting the lives of students and their families is incredibly fulfilling.”

Ritu’s journey reminds us that true fulfillment comes from inspiring others, nurturing dreams, and leaving a legacy of empowerment. Her leap into the unknown not only transformed her but also lit the way for many others. Through dedication and perseverance, Ritu discovered her inner strength and made a profound impact on the community and its children. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the profound changes that occur when passion meets purpose.

When asked about her inspiration to become an ECD teacher, Shanti Devi emphasises the importance of laying a strong foundation during a child’s formative years. She believes this period is crucial for a child’s overall development, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional growth. Shanti Devi is driven by the desire to facilitate all-inclusive development through play, instilling good habits, and fostering a love for learning.

On a daily basis, Shanti Devi finds motivation in various aspects of her work. “I am encouraged to work due to the encouragement I receive from the parents and my colleagues; children’s smiles and laughter are also a major motivation,” she says. She approaches her role with a sense of faith and love, striving to be a friend and mentor to her students. She takes pride in the decoration and management of her classroom, creating an environment conducive to learning and exploration.

UWS Nepal has played a huge role in Shanti Devi’s professional development. Unlike previous verbal training, the practical training provided by UWS Nepal has equipped her with valuable skills such as understanding student psychology, incorporating yoga and play-based learning into her lessons, storytelling, and creating educational materials. These training sessions have enhanced her teaching abilities and facilitated personal growth.

“I have witnessed remarkable changes within students and myself too,” she says. By understanding their psychology, she has created a nurturing learning environment where students feel empowered and confident. Shanti’s innovative approach, such as using recycled materials for classroom decorations, has sparked creativity and resourcefulness among her students. Their progress is evident in their improved storytelling abilities, organisational skills, and respectful behaviour towards others.

“I hope for continued professional development opportunities, particularly in the areas of ECD and child psychology”. She also anticipates adding games and storybooks to enrich the learning experience for her students.

Shanti Devi is grateful for the unwavering support she receives from both her family and the school community. With their encouragement and collaboration, she remains committed to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning at UWS Kalleri.

But Rakshya’s love for learning shines through. She eagerly attends school and cherishes the time spent studying and playing with her friends. “I love studying and playing with my friends,” she says. Through the Girl’s Club at her school, she has discovered not just education, but her voice.

Dreaming of becoming a teacher to nurture minds like her, Rakshya sees education as the gateway to a better future.  She is inspired by the educators in her school who have been helping her to read, write, count and dream; a dream away from poverty into prosperity.

Rakshya’s story is not just one of struggle and sacrifice, it is a testament to the transformative power of education to uplift and inspire. As she takes her first steps towards her dreams, Rakshya carries with her the strong faith that with courage and determination, she could achieve anything in life.

“As a single mother, life has been very difficult for me. I am thankful for my job and UWS Nepal for providing me with a means to support my family,” she says.

Her dedication and craftsmanship earn commendations from everyone around her. “ I receive so much praise for my work from the community and this motivates me to do better every day, “says Mina. For her, working with UWS isn’t just a job; it’s a contribution to rural Nepalese communities and the dreams of the children who will walk through the doors she helps build.

In the midst of her journey, Mina encounters varied opinions from the community about UWS’ building plans and model. Despite this, her integrity remains unwavering. She presses forward, dedicated to her work and hopeful for positive change.

Her aspirations extend beyond the construction site; they reach into the future she envisions for her children. While they once attended UWS schools for primary education, Mina’s perseverance now affords them secondary education elsewhere. Her determination ensures her children have the opportunities she tirelessly works to provide.

Every hurdle and obstacle she’s faced, Mina has conquered with grace and determination. UWS Nepal recognizes and honours her commitment, dedication, and the invaluable contributions she makes to the organisation’s mission. Her journey with UWS is a testament that one can still be happy and hopeful amidst hardships.

He now lives with his beautiful small family of four; him, his wife, and their two sons. Being a breadwinner of the family, he is now working in his present role as a building officer at UWS Nepal. He found solace and purpose in his work with UWS Nepal, contributing not just to structures but to the dreams of countless children. For Parsuram, building schools isn’t merely a job; it’s a testament to his unwavering spirit. It’s not just about constructing more than walls; it is also about crafting opportunities for a better future.

When asked how he feels about working with UWS Nepal, he says “I am so glad that I got this opportunity 8 years ago. I got to travel, meet new people, take on new projects, and learn many things. This experience has built me personally as well as professionally.” He adds, “People around me are very proud of what we do. The community people adore us and our work a lot. I also like our work plan, mission, and building model.”

Meet Binita (name changed), a 10-year-old student in the third grade at UWS Rambeni in Sankhuwasabha district. Her story is one of courage and determination that will warm your heart. Binita comes from a family of six. She has three older brothers, all studying in the city. However, her life took a different path early on. She lives with her father and grandmother, and her mother’s absence looms over her daily life.

Her mother passed away shortly after Binita was born, leaving her deprived of the warmth and love only a mother can provide. Binita often finds herself missing her mother, wondering about the face she never got to see. Life is not easy for Binita and her family.

Her father works as a daily wage laborer, so she takes on household chores like cooking and cleaning. Every Thursday, she goes to the local market to sell vegetables and tamarind from their home to cover her school expenses. The journey to school takes Binita nearly an hour, but she makes it with unwavering determination. Her favorite subject? Mathematics. She has big dreams, dreams that shine brighter than the challenges she faces.

Binita aspires to become a nurse, to serve and care for the ill and the suffering. Binita’s story is a testament to the strength that can be found in the most unexpected places. In the face of adversity, she persists, her dreams guiding her forward. At the tender age of ten, her spirit shines brightly, brimming with dreams and boundless hope.

The majority of inhabitants in the community she lives in belong to the Rai community, while a few people from mixed communities, including people from Chettri community, also live there. 

Asha’s father is the breadwinner of the family. He is a construction labor, and her mother is a homemaker. Because of the poor financial situation, Asha, along with her siblings, had to quit boarding school as the family couldn’t afford the fees. “Sometimes we didn’t even have the money to buy stationeries for the children, there was no way we could afford the expensive fees of the boarding school,” shares Asha’s mother.

Because her parents wanted their children to continue their studies, they began looking for an alternative to boarding school. “After knowing that the UWS school had been providing quality education similar to that of the boarding school and would provide required facilities to families with poor economic background, we decided to enroll our children in the UWS school,” says her mother.

Asha loves going to school, learning new things, and playing with her friends. According to her parents, It was she who insisted on going to the UWS school. Apart from studying, she likes dancing, writing, and reading. 

Her favorite subject is Nepali because she can understand the language and loves reading stories and essays in the Nepali language. She is also involved in the recently introduced STEAM Club in her school. The club is an initiative to create a learning space that connects ideas with reality and aims to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) education among the students. “I am very happy to join the club as I am learning new things together with my friends every day,” she says.

Asha is thankful to UWS Nepal for establishing a good school near her house as she got the opportunity to study. “I think I would be very sad if I didn’t get the chance to go to school and study. Seeing the other children, including my friends, going to school would further make me sad,” she shares. 

Asha loves playing with her siblings while she is at home. She also likes to help her mother around the house. “My mother works a lot at home, so I try to help her as much as I can during my free time,” she says. Sometimes she does the dishes and cleans the house.

Asha is doing well in her studies according to her teachers. Her parents are very proud of her as she is enjoying her school life and doing really well in her studies. In the future, she dreams of becoming a doctor and providing health facilities to poor people in her community.

“Empowering education through playful learning is my core mission. I am reshaping the way we teach with dynamic, engaging and impactful approaches,”  she says.

“I never thought I would become a teacher, but now it has become my passion. The eagerness of my students to learn while I am teaching fuels my soul,” she says.