Dreams evolve and possibilities expand when supported.
SFN met Manika Tamang in Sindhupalchowk in May 2017 when she had just finished her SEE (high school), and have been supporting her education since. Despite coming from one of the most marginalized and hence, impoverished indigenous communities and being orphaned at a young age, her teacher/school principal, Babu Lal Tamang remembers her as a bright, hardworking student. The norm for young people in her village is to become migrant workers. The most she thought she wanted to be was a teacher, a dream her late father shared with many Nepalis who wish for a life of less strife and hardships for their more educated children.
Manika is currently pursuing her MBBS at National Medical College, Birgunj. Arriving at this rather unconventional route for someone of her socioeconomic background has been a learning experience for both Manika and SFN. We had to learn how to extend our help beyond finances and negotiate with her older brother’s family for the environment for her to best succeed in getting into medical college.
We hope she has learnt to not compromise on her dreams and not be afraid of failures along the way. Her perseverance and progress affirms our work in the best possible way. SFN is excited about Manika’s journey and hopes to continue loving and encouraging her as she becomes a doctor.