A New Path: Toward Empowerment and Growth

My name is Sugandhi Kumari Yadav, and I am a 16-year-old girl from Parsa-6. I study in grade 8 at Public Secondary School in Parsa-5. My parents, Lalbabu Ray and Babita Devi, work tirelessly in the fields to support our family.

In the past, I struggled with a lack of interest in my studies and often found myself getting easily frustrated. However, my life took a significant turn when I enrolled in the Rupantaran Class as part of the Child Protection and Community Engagement Sponsorship Plan Project. This program opened my eyes to essential topics such as good habits, personal development, opportunities and challenges, sexual and reproductive health, financial literacy, rights and responsibilities, sanitation, child marriage, and violence.

Before joining the Rupantaran Class, I was quite lazy and indifferent. But now, I can confidently say that my behavior has transformed for the better. I have learned to respect my parents, teachers, and elders, while also nurturing love for my siblings and younger peers. I owe this change to the Rupantaran Class and the support I received from the Bagmati Welfare Society Nepal.

These days, I approach my studies with mindfulness and actively seek to help others. I have gained the confidence to speak in front of groups, and I work hard to excel in my education. I am also proud to serve as the president of the "Ma Sarswoti Child Club," where I participate in street dramas addressing issues like child marriage, sanitation, school enrollment, and birth registration. I raise my voice for social issues, and it fills me with pride to see my parents trust the positive changes in me.

My father, Lalbabu Ray, expresses his happiness with my transformation: "I am so proud of my daughter Sugandhi. She has changed significantly. She respects her parents and elders, studies diligently, and helps out at home. It feels like I have a son in her. I take pride in seeing her involved and leading various social activities."

My journey is just beginning, and my aim is to become a social worker, dedicating my life to engaging with NGOs and making a difference in my community. The Rupantaran Class has been a catalyst for this change, and I am excited to continue growing and contributing to society.