Very First Sponsored Student in Nepal

Pabitra was one among the very first students who stayed at the hostel at the Asian Aid-supported school in Kathmandu Nepal and completed her studies. After her 12th grade, she went to India for further studies under the sponsorship of Asian Aid. Pabitra did B.Sc. Nursing in India. 

Pabitra comes from a remote mountain range of Kavre known as the Mahabharat range which is among the highest mountains in the district. The girls from her village are not sent to school as life in the mountains is very difficult, requiring girls to stay at home and help the parents with household chores and attending to cattle. Many of the girls who go to school drop out in high school to get married at an early age. Pabitra is the most educated girl in her entire village as well as in the neighbouring villages. Despite having stayed near the capital town for her studies and having done her nursing in India, Pabitra opted to go back to her remote village to serve her own people after completion of her studies. Now, she is one of the very few healthcare personnel available in those mountain ranges.

She loves her parents and her community and these mountains are where her heart lies. During one of the health camps conducted by partner staff in the mountains, which the team drove two days to reach, a message was sent to Pabitra’s village to let her know about the camp and if possible to come and visit. Communication through mobile or internet is very difficult in this part of the country. Pabitra walked up and down through the mountains and across the river with her mother, finally arriving at the station where the camp was being conducted. She was so excited to see the team.

pabitra

She expressed her gratitude to Asian Aid for sponsoring her and helping her to achieve what she has achieved now making herself, her parents as well as the whole community so proud. She wants to give back to the community and reach out to people who otherwise would have no access to healthcare. She has made a huge impact in the lives of the people around her. She wants to encourage other girls from her community to study and stand on their own feet. She is a source of inspiration to all in her village, especially the girls who do not realise their rights and capabilities.

Pabitra has been invited to visit Adventist Hospital in Nepal for regular updating and brushing up of her nursing skills. 

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Author: Pudens Isabel

One part writer, one part photographer & two parts traveller… Three years ago I decided something needed to change, so I quit my corporate job and started working for Asian Aid from my home in India. I travel to projects and schools we support in India and Nepal, bringing you their stories through words, photos and video. Since then I have been visiting Asian Aid projects with my camera and notebook in tow, to bring pictures and stories from the field to you.