Mitrataa Foundation - Change a life

Sujata is one of 4 children who live with their parents on a small hillside village near Banepa, just outside the Kathmandu Valley. Sujata is the youngest of 3 daughters and she has a younger brother. Both of Sujata's sisters attended a local government school sporadically when they were not required to help with work in the fields at home. Sujata was headed in the same direction until her lucky break came – her brother was born. It is often the case in traditional Nepali families the parents will sacrifice much to give their son the best chance for his (and their) future. So when he was old enough Sujata's brother, Kishor, was sent to boarding school in Kathmandu. Sujata's parents however, did not want to leave their precious son on his own in the city so having saved for this all their lives, they sent Sujata to school with him.

This was the chance of a lifetime for Sujata but it was unfortunately short lived. Only after 2 years of school, Kishor and Sujata's father lost his job as a result of the increasing problems caused by the Maoist insurgency which at that time was severely crippling Nepal. The kids were going to have to leave school and return to their village unless something was done quickly. Bec and Adam had known the family and their story ever since their first trip to Nepal, so they decided to take care of Kishor's education expenses. The Foundation was able to find sponsors for a scholarship for Sujata and so both kids were able to continue their studies.

As of the 2008 school year Kishor and Sujata have transferred to the model school and are continuing to thrive. Sujata says that she wants to study medicine when she finishes school so that she can become a doctor and return to help the people in her village. When asked what her life would be like now if she had not received a scholarship she hesitates, “oh, I don't know. I suppose I might have to go to the government school near my village but you know it is not very good, they do not teach English and they have no resources. There is no future for the kids there. I want to help my people but I can't do that without a proper education.”

Sujata's story is just one of many that highlight the amazing things that can happen if these kids are just given a chance.