“If it was not for the support I have received from my family, I would have left school a long time ago. Father does not have hidden wealth but he does have a big heart. He always encouraged me to continue with school even though his pockets were made of holes. He always gave me hope of a good future even though he had spent many days in sorrow, making clay water pots – his hand calloused and he back arched. But he had that sensibility that daughters also belong in school.

I have complete my +2 and still, he supports me by paying the expenses that come with attending college. Sometimes I do not know how he manages. I feel bad. Sometimes I feel I have burdened him with my needs. I wanted to do something but unlike my sisters who did not get a chance to go to school and had learnt sewing, I did not know any skills. I felt if I only I could sew like my sister, then I could make some money. I would sit by her side and watch her use the sewing machine. I was lucky that one of the Sirs who works in the community noticed my desire to learn and be informed of the training program. He convinced me that once I completed the training, I could start on my own and start earning. I jumped to the occasion and after some time I could use the machine as my sister did. I started mending ladies clothes and money started coming in. In no time there were a hundred rupees and in one week, a thousand. This motivated me to continue sewing in my free time. I could also attend my classes and when I am back home I could work. 

Today, I make 3000 rupees of pocket money by sewing. It is not my full-time job but with the money I make I am able to take care of some of my expenses. I do not have to rely on my father for everything. I feel like I can still continue with school. I feel like I can achieve my dream of becoming a teacher. But above all, I feel good that at least I have lessened the burden of my father.”

#RIghtToEarnALiving

Stories of Nepal x ICCO Cooperation South Asia X European Union in Nepal