Seven years on: an update from Bhagwati

Long-lasting transformational change in Nepal

Earlier this year, staff members Ashley and Luke were in Nepal. During their visit, they had the opportunity to meet with Bhagwati.

We first shared Bhagwati’s story with you in June 2018. After her husband fell ill, Bhagwati was left to raise her children and maintain the household alone. But with no skills outside the home, life was a struggle.

Thanks to the training Bhagwati received from ADRA’s project, which was supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP), she learned tailoring and business skills.

“I was determined to gain some skills and improve my life,” Bhagwati said. “ADRA’s training taught me tailoring skills and how to run a small business.”

As a child, Bhagwati only studied up until grade 5. She was desperate to see her children receive the education she never did. In 2018, her daughter, Rebina*, was 11 years old.

“I like going to school because I get to learn new things,” Rebina said. “When I grow up, I want to be a doctor so I can help people who are sick.”

When Ashley and Luke visited Bhagwati earlier this year, her tailoring business was flourishing. Both of her children are living in Kathmandu. Her son is working and Rebina is in her first year of medical school, chasing her dream of becoming a doctor.

“To study medicine was Rebina’s dream,” Bhagwati says. “She is so happy and determined. She says, ‘Mum, I will go through any pain to get my degree.'”

Even though Rebina was accepted on a scholarship that covers her tuition, living expenses in Kathmandu and her medical school supplies are costly. But it is a source of pride for Bhagwati to work hard to put her daughter through medical school, something she never thought she would be able to do.

Truly, this is the sort of transformational change your donation can make!

Luke met Bhagwati back in 2018 and reflected on how her life has changed.

“It was a blessing to re-meet Bhagwati and see how she’s continued to benefit from the project,” says Luke. “It illustrates how long-lasting the impact of these projects can be.”

When you give to ADRA, you create lasting change. Your donation today can help mothers like Bhagwati and Lila break the cycle of poverty by give their children the education they deserve. Your gift can be the reason an 11-year-old girl has the chance to follow their dreams.

Thank you for giving a transformational gift. Your support is changing lives.

* Name changed for child protection purposes

ADRA’s project in Nepal is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).