“I have two brothers and a sister. Because I was the youngest, everyone loved me. They loved me, and yet they did not allow me to attend school. 7 or 8 years ago, I got the opportunity to take part in a health training program conducted by the district. Today, I teach what I have learnt. I give advice about vaccinations and diets to the villagers. I tell them about the benefits of eating vegetables but I know they will eat meat the first chance they get. I talk to couples about what the best time to have a child is and teach them what the mother will need post-pregnancy. I also look after pregnant women, I help them give birth. I show people how to keep their house clean and how one should wash their hands before eating. Some people don’t have soap so I just buy it for them. I am almost like a friend to them you know. I like what I do and I sleep well at night.”

(Jamuna Devi Bista, Malam, Dadeldhura)