Programs - Stories from the Field

Girl Scholars Become Authors in Nepal

The first Girls' Education program particpiants began attending school in Nepal in the year 2000, and Room to Read now supports the education of over 750 girls in the country. Through this unique program, girls have the opportunity to learn not only the basics, such as reading and math, but valuable lessons in confidence and creativity. Last October marked the first time a group of Girls' Education program particpiants collectively published their work in a Local Language Publishing book.

The work, titled Hamro Prakriti or Nature: As Our Children See It, is a collection of 12 poems written by girls in the Girls' Education program from various regions in Nepal. The girls, who attend primary to upper secondary school, were asked to write about the beauty of their surroundings. They created poems in Nepali on a wide variety of subjects including parrots, mountains, trees, rivers and the spring season. Our young newly published authors are: Geeta Chepang, Karishma Rajbamshi, Nisha Lama, Deepa Chepang, Puja Kunwart, Bishnu Khadka, Roja Karki, Rajeshwori Bohaju, Sabina Magar, Binita Karki, Merina Sainju, Laxmi Parajuli and Rubina Gurung. The book was funded by a donation from the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation.

The goal of the Girls' Education program is to motivate, educate and empower girls. The program acts as a strong incentive for girls to stay in school and achieve. It also provides consistent and long term support to girls who often grow up in unstable environments. Education allows each girl to take control of her future. This newly published book serves as a powerful example for other young scholars to reach for their dreams.

"Nature" by Binita Karki
Written in Nepali and translated to English

Oh! Green tree
Gives oxygen for free.

Oh! Clear river
Flows forever.

Oh! Sailing clouds
Thundering so loud.

Oh! Blooming flowers
I can walk among them for hours.

Oh! Lovely snow
Makes the winter glow.