Kopila Women Changing the World (Part 2)
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
BlinkNow Women Changing the World, in Nepal and Beyond (Part 2)
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” - Mother Teresa
“The women of Kopila Valley are leaders, community ambassadors and change makers. They lead with their hearts and keep children, families, and community at the center of our work and all we do and stand for. They are builders, strategists, caregivers, and mobilizers. I love watching them shine and learning from them whether it’s around the table at a meeting, up on stage leading conferences and events, or quietly behind the scenes doing what needs to be done. I learn from them every single day and am so humbled and honored to work with them all. To the women of Kopila Valley! Every day is Women’s Day when you are around.” - Maggie
In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we have been celebrating some inspiring women on the BlinkNow/Kopila Valley team who are creating “many ripples.” Today we focus on a few of those who are leading in Kopila Valley, modeling leadership no matter their official title, and inspiring the girls in our school, clubs, and community.
We are very thankful to have these women investing their hearts and lives in the youth and women of Nepal. In addition to the work they do, they are setting an example for girls in the Kopila Valley School and around the world – women can make contributions everywhere.
There are so many that we couldn’t list them all, but here is a small sample.
- Prasamsa Karki, Children’s Home Assistant. Prasamsa loves children and feels so happy to be with the Kopila Valley children and spend time with them. She joined us just nine months ago. Prior to that, she was working for the National Reconstruction Authority (government) as an Assistant Engineer. She studied in an engineering course for 18 months but now has decided to pursue a Bachelor’s in Social Work degree. She admits that it is quite tough to manage work and study and class all together, but she is determined. “Here at Kopila I find that girls are very strong and independent, and it’s very different. They are multi-talented. Some are good at dancing, some at art, some at studying. I hope I can help them with emotional support. I want to be an emotional supporter of them.” She is so glad to be a part of Kopila, and the children make her feel very special. Providing care and safety for girls is an important step in overcoming gender bias and achieving equality.
- Manjula Shrestha, Futures Program Coordinator. Manjula joined Kopila Valley five years ago and currently helps graduates seek out their next steps for education and careers. She is helping young women (and men) to dream and see that any future career is possible. She heard about BlinkNow through a friend who has worked for Kopila’s principal. Manjula wanted to work for an organization that didn’t cater to rich kids. She grew up where she didn’t have to worry about anything, but she knew that education hadn’t reached every part of the country. She feels that giving something that someone doesn’t have is rewarding. She saw a photo of the bamboo school, and she applied. “It felt like a calling, and I got lucky and I got the job. These kids have been given an opportunity, and I get to help them move out from their circumstances. I am someone that pushes them a bit to move forward. Am I directing them the right way or not? That is always a challenge.”
- Krishna Kafle, Kitchen Auntie. Krishna didi (auntie) has worked for Kopila Valley School for 12 years, since the very beginning. She is a role model for the children at the school in her hard work and care for people. She likes everything about her role and is motivated by her desire to serve delicious food to the students. She has seen a lot of changes during her time, and the cooking system has changed. In the early days, there were just a few aunties serving the same foods every day. Now they cook a variety of foods with a menu planned for better nutrition. And the school population has grown dramatically. “Now we need a big, big pot. Before we didn’t need that.” Krishna’s son attended KVS and is now studying in a vocational IT program locally. Her daughter studies elsewhere. She has positive thoughts about Kopila and hopes it will continue to grow and grow.
- Pramila Sunar, Assistant Learning Lab Teacher. Pramila is a Kopila Valley alumni who joined class 5 as a student the first year that the school opened (2010). She started volunteering at Kopila Valley School 5 years ago while she was a college student working towards a Bachelor’s in Business Studies. During classroom observation, she impressed the KVS leadership team and was offered an assistant teaching position. Pramila loves kids and how they learn. She loves the connection with them. “I believe that women should never give up no matter how hard life is. They should strive to become independent and able to stand on their own.”
- Aanchal Dutt Chaulagai, English Language Teacher. Aanchal works with 6, 7 and 8 class students and is also helping the teachers improve their English. She joined Kopila 7 months ago. While in Delhi, she read an article about “a lady from Surkhet” that made her very curious. She used to come to Nepal once per year but never got a chance to meet Maggie. One day after Aanchal moved back to Surkhet and opened a bakery, Maggie came to her cake shop. After meeting “the new business woman in town,” Maggie invited Aanchal to give a speech to students about her career. After she talked to the students, Aanchal felt called to do something. “Just to be with the kids and see their smiles. It is my dream. Five years ago I dreamed of having my own school. For now, just to be here, just to see them smiling really means so much. These kids have been through so much.” She still dreams of having her own school someday. She never wanted to be an ordinary woman. When she was young, she used to stand with a microphone and speak English. If she eventually has her own school, it would be exactly like Kopila. “The students learn not just ABCs but also how to clean their dishes and about mental health and women’s empowerment and all of the life skills that are needed.” By her life and with her words, this woman is showing girls and women that many new opportunities are available to them.
- Sunita Bhandari, Sustainability Officer. Sunita joined Kopila Valley three years ago, and she plans student activities and models leadership for the girls and women all around her. She was very interested to work in the field of sustainability, and BlinkNow was using a systems approach at a ground level – so she could see how sustainability was incorporated into the real world. She wanted to have a real world experience. Sustainability has been her value from her childhood when she became close to nature. She wanted to be a part of the solution to environmental problems. She also feels like one of the very fortunate people from her village who got a good education, and she wants to share what she has learned. “Giving back to the community is always a good thing, the best thing.”
THANK YOU to the many women supporting BlinkNow’s mission to empower children and women in Nepal. We are so thankful to work together with you for a better world. All of the details of working for a better world can be challenging, but it matters and we see you.
To learn more about all of our amazing team members, visit www.blinknow.org/our-team.