Light’s House Foundation Nepal
History Book 2015 4
History Book 2015 Copyright © Light’s House Foundation Nepal
All Rights Reserved. First Edition: 4000 copy (July 2016) Text by:
Sameer Nakarmi & Tahlia Van De Beld Edited by:
Sarah Davison -Tracy Our support team for this booklet:
Anjila Shrestha Kuwar Rana, Liaison Director, LHFN Roshni Karki, Public Relation & Reporting Officer, LHFN Pradipti Bogati, Area Co-ordinator, UNICEF (NCV) Devisara (Hanna) Badi, Light’s House Board Member Ashok Shrestha, IT Department, LHFN Design by:
V Graphics Pvt. Ltd. www.vgraphics.com.np Printed at:
Trigun Printing Press, Lalitpur Photography by:
Saroj Maharjan, Creative D Studio _________________________ GPO Box: 10239,
Gokarneswor Municipality 13, Kathmandu, Nepal, +977 1 4916824 LHFN Nepal http:instagram.com/lhfnepal http://twitter.com/lhfnepal http://www.lhfnepal.org/
Children are currently residing from these Districts at Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Humla
Darchula
Mugu Bajura
Jumla Kalikot
Dolpa Mustang Jajarkot
Kailali
Manang
Rukum Surkhet Baglung
Gorkha
Kaski
Rolpa
Lamjung
at
Rasuwa
Par b
Gulmi
Syangja
Dang
Mid-Western Region
Nuwakot Dhading
Sindhupalchok
Dolakha
K B
Kapilbastu
Rupandehi
Western Region
Nawalparasi
Chitawan
Makwanpur
L
Solukhumbu
Taplejung
Ramechhap Okhaldhunga
Parsa
Districts (Children at LHFN)
Sindhuli Bara
Sindhulimadi
Rautahat Sarlahi
Center (Head) Office Regional Offices
Sankhuwasabha
Kavre
Ma
K Kathmandu B Bhaktapur L Lalitpur
Tanahu
Palpa
Central Region
um
Arghakhanchi
Khotang
ath
Pyuthan
Banke
Bhojpur
Dhankuta Siraha Sunsari
Morang
Eastern Region
SWC Regd. No.: 28441 PAN: 303957429 Place of Registration: Kathmandu, Nepal
Affiliations: Central District Office (CDO), Central Child Welfare Board (CCWB) & Social Welfare Council (SWC)
Ilam
Udayapur
Saptari
Govt. Regd. No.: 414/066/67 (2009 AD)
Pan cht har
Salyan
Far-Western Region
Ter h
Bardiya
Myagdi
ha
Dailekh
tari
Kanchanpur
nus
Achham
Doti
hot
Dadeldhura
Dha
Bajhang Baitadi
Headquarters: Jorpati-04, Kathmandu
10 hostels, Kathmandu
Regional Headquarters: Surkhet, West Nepal & Hetauda, Central Nepal
1 hostel, Surkhet 1 hostel, Hetauda 1 Infant Care Centre, Kathmandu 1 Organic Farm, Kathmandu
Jhapa
Letter from the honorable Prime Minister I extend my heart full congratulations to Light’s House Foundation Nepal, a non-governmental organization which has been working for the development of economically and socially marginalized children and women of the Badi community, for celebrating its 6th annual day. The crucial role of the organization in uplifting status and development of the marginalized Badi community in 22 districts of Mid Western and Far Western region is laudable. The organization has been rescuing Badi girls, who were trafficked into India with promises of better jobs because of their vulnerable economic status and lack of social awareness, and helping them to live dignified lives. I am hopeful that The Light House Foundation will work more effectively for the development of such children and give them proper directions for honored lives in coming days too. Lastly, I congratulate you for the successful celebration of 6th annual day of Light’s House Foundation and wish the organization to come up as a leading and role model for other social organizations.
K.P. Sharma Oli 23rd December, 2015
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Private Secretariat Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
Letter from the honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister, Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare I am delighted to know that Light’s House Foundation Nepal, a non-governmental organization, has been providing residential education and other facilities including health to 700 children from economically Badi community from Mid Western and Far Western Development Region. The organization’s skill development trainings to more than 500 unemployed people from various marginalized communities and rescue and rehabilitation of victims of natural disasters has made even more elated. The government will help those social organizations which work selflessly as per their aim. I want to congratulate this organization for completing its sixth year and coming up with Smarika magazine that includes various articles, and achievements of the organization in 2015.
C.P. Mainali Deputy Prime Minister and Minister, Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare
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Letter from the Social Welfare Council I am pleased to know that Light’s House Foundation Nepal, a non-governmental organization which has been working for the development of economically and socially marginalized children and women of the Badi community, for completing its sixth year and coming up with Smarika magazine that includes various articles, and achievements of the organization. This organization has been raising awareness in society by providing residential education and other facilities including health to 700 children from economically Badi community from Mid Western and Far Western Development Region and providing skill development trainings to more than 500 unemployed people from marginalized communities. I urge this organization to continue its work and contribute to the transformation of the society, to develop the education sector and work effectively in the sector of children in coming days too. Lastly, I congratulate Light’s House Foundation Nepal and all its staffs and members for completing six years and best wishes on the occasion of Happy New Year 2073.
Narayan Prasad Kafle Member Secretary
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Letter from the President of Central Child Welfare Board - CCWB I am elated to know that Light’s House Foundation Nepal, a non-governmental organization which has been working for the development of economically and socially marginalized children and women of the Badi community, for completing its sixth year and coming up with Smarika magazine to highlight the contributions made to various communities in 2015. Children are not just our future but also a part of the present. Today’s children can become renowned persons in future. In this context, I want to provide my heartfelt congratulation to this organization for providing children, especially from Badi community and economically and socially backward communities, from various 22 districts from Mid Western and Far Western Development Region, residential education and other facilities including health. I am hopeful that this organization will continue to work and contribute to the welfare of the society like it is doing now by rescuing and rehabilitating victims of natural disasters and providing skill development trainings to unemployed and people from marginalized communities. Lastly, I feel that all stakeholders including government and non-governmental offices, all political parties, civil societies, journalists, industrialists, businesspersons, entrepreneurs, parents should rise above their interests when it comes to children’s problems and issues. All should unite to uplift the status of Nepali children in order to make them as capable as children from developed countries. I congratulate Light’s House Foundation Nepal in all its missions and in unifying all to make 22 districts from Western and Far Western Development Regions child friendly districts.
Dilli Ram Giri President 31st March, 2016
Light’s House Foundation Nepal
History of Light House Foundation | Nepal
A letter from our Founder President “My family and I have been passionately committed to continue working among our country’s struggling children for many years. The story of Light’s House Foundation began simply in 1998, when my family began taking care of six at-risk children in our home. It was a full house, as our small home was filled with 14 people and great joy. I was fueled with great passion to expand this work for the flourishing of our nation’s children, but knew it would take many hands to create and carry the work. It is of great importance to me to take this opportunity to acknowledge the vital role many friends have played in my life and in our organization since it began 18 years ago. My sister, Sangeeta, was the first to join the endeavor in 2000 and she has been an essential part of our work since that time. When visiting Australia in 2003, I met and shared my vision for helping the children of Nepal with Jason and Kylie-Maree Jarratt, they became excited to join the expanding work in Nepal. With their support, we were able to increase the scope of our work supporting the well-being and education of vulnerable children in their homes and started a weekly feeding program for street children. At this time, we were delighted to be connected with Sven 2007 {Germany} and 10
Phillip 2008 {Singapore}, who generously partnered with us to establish the first children’s home in Kathmandu in 2008 In the early years of our work, we were struck by the great transformation we saw in the lives of children, and we were deeply motivated to support more children and their families. In collaboration with our friends, Kylie and Jason, and the organization, Global Compassion UK, we were thrilled to open our second children’s home in the western region of Nepal in 2007 and officially decide on the name of our organization: Light’s House Foundation.
A momentous connection happened at this time that would forever change the course of my life and the focus of our organization. During the course of my frequent visits to this region to supervise the establishment of our children’s home, I encountered the Badi community. As I listened to their stories, I began to understand a tragic history of devaluation, abuse, sexual slavery and trafficking of women that broke my heart and ignited a hope for justice among this people group. I personally connected with their stories, as I came from the Dalit people, also a low-caste and devalued community. I was moved greatly by a memory from the year 2000, when I watched a documentary the story of the Badi people. And, yet, many years later, as I spent time among the Badi, it seemed to me that their struggles were the same and little, if any, beneficial change had taken place. I could not look away from their plight and made a commitment then and there to do something with and for these people. I knew, yet again, that this big vision could not be accomplished alone. When Håkan Gabrielsson, founder of Touching Asia, came to visit Nepal in February 2009, we traveled to several Badi villages. At Christmas the same year 2009 we began our third children’s home, this time for 34 Badi girls together with Touching Asia. Our decision to work together among these people opened the door for a great work and partnership infused with power, trust, and deep-spirited friendship. While visiting my dear friends, Kylie and Jason in Australia, they introduced me to Grahame Kerr, CEO of CCM Australia, in 2007. At the first meeting he gave advice but was too busy to visit us. We again met in 2008 and he and his wife Robyn, came to visit after Christmas in 2008, and joined our team of enthusiastic supporters and friends. Our
team was destined to grow even more, when at the end of 2009, Håkan shared our work among the Badi with Mikael Alfven, founder of Love Nepal, who honored us with a visit in 2010, joined by his friend, Steven. They, too, were moved by the needs and opportunities of the Badi and were added to our growing circle of people committed to this people group. Love Nepal has been generously funding several of the hostels in Kathmandu. In September 2011, Grahame and Sameer Nakarmi (LHFN board member) travelled for three days in West Nepal informing families of the opportunity for Badi girls to come to our hostels to be cared for and receive an education and the Tushal hostel commenced. Early in 2012, news came of the opportunity to rescue girls that had been in brothels in India and in September a team from Australia collected 8 girls from Surkhet and flew them to Kathmandu. This was the beginning of the safe house program initially funded by Transform the Nations (TTN) and generously supported by Love Nepal and NCC and the Vocational Training Centre was registered and set up by Transform the Nations on the ground floor of Transformation Guesthouse where the ladies attended daily. This home has provided a place of healing, counseling, community and training for girls and women who have been rescued from brothels and other vulnerable environments.
“Our
success has really been based on partnership from the very beginning.”
That same year Grahame, founding Director and CEO of Transform the Nation and I were flying back from West Nepal and we read a newspaper article about an increasing problem of unwanted babies being left in the garbage or on the street throughout Nepal. Our hearts 11
Light’s House Foundation Nepal
“I am
responsible for what I spoke, but not for what you understood.”
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were broken and we resolve to do something for these babies. We decided to open a home to care for these babies and TTN raised funds to begin the Miriam Baby Centre. The Miriam Baby Centre began on the ground floor of Tusal Hostel and later moved to their own premises. With support from TTN, Love Nepal, and NCC this home is thriving and currently has 10 babies in its care with plans for expansion as the babies begin school. In 2010 while visiting Australia I was introduced to Mick Bentham from the Bentham foundation. He spoke with Grahame in Australia and a couple of months later, Mick visited Nepal and together we agreed that he would help us to establish a children’s home in Hetauda, especially for the Chepang Children. The Hostel, now houses and educates 58 marginalized and impoverished Chepang children and plans are underway to expand this work significantly and together with TTN are developing a school adjacent to the hostel site. We are grateful to and honor every one of our supporters who have played a vital role to bring the work to this stage whether they have given one dollar or a hundred thousand dollars. The flourishing of our organization is not due to any one person or organization, but the credit joyfully goes to an ever-widening circle of brothers and sisters around the world but we must always remember that all that we are and have, comes from God.
As I look back at the years of our unfolding work, I am proud of and amazed by the support of our government, compassionate staffs, partners, friends, and most of all, our beautiful children, who take their place at the center of this story. They are our heartbeat and their joy-filled hearts, eyes, and faces are why we do what we do. With a heart, full of love and hope, I thank you. Raju Sundas
A letter from our President Vijaya Lama 2015 was a turbulent year with many challenges for everyone in Nepal and our work has been no different. As the children, staffs and supporters have stood together we have been able to sustain and rise above the difficulties. I am grateful and honored to continue the Vision of our founder Raju Sundas to uplift the children of Nepal to stand on their own feet and contribute to the transformation of our country. This work has been a team effort sustained by dedicated National workers and International friends. It is my intention to carry on this Vision in the same spirit as it begun. It is my privilege to commend this brief history of Light’s House Foundation to you and hope that you will find it an inspiration. We believe the future of the Badi people and other marginalized people will be bright as we continue to join hands to lift them up and make representation on their behalf. We shall look back in years to come and be amazed how they have progressed from humble beginnings.
“If you want
to have a good partner be a good partner.�
Vijay Lama
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
VISION That all vulnerable, poverty-stricken, oppressed, and socially excluded children are given the opportunity to grow up in a safe and caring environment in which they are nurture, educated, encouraged, respected, and loved.
Welcome dance by our beautiful tiny tots who were all dressed like little angels. – Hostel 7 Children 14
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
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MISSION To improve the livelihood and well being of Nepali children who are at risk of trafficking, abuse, and neglect by providing holistic care including accommodation, education, nutrition, health care, and a supportive and secure environment for emotional development. Our focus is on supporting children who are at risk due to caste, many of whom are orphans, live on the street or have been abandoned as babies. The best way to multiply your happiness is to share it with each other. – Hostel’ Children (Miriam) 17
Light’s House Foundation Nepal
“No one looks stupid when they are having fun.” – Amy Poehler
GOALS To ensure Nepali children become educated, pro-active and valued members of the community. To reduce the prevalence of discrimination and encourage equality for all regardless of caste, gender or social economic status. Devisara (Hanna) and Sita has made a history with being the first girl to study in a Kathmandu college from their village. 18
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CORE VALUES The work of Light’s House Foundation is based around a number of core values that focus on child development being best supported in a community environment.
Victory rally with Brass Band for celebrating 1st position (Junior Girls) in the 4th National Open Cross Country Championship. – Sangeeta Badi, Hostel 1 & 3
The approach of the Foundation is therefore child focused, family based and community centred.
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Dedicated Office Staffs
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I love that I get to work everyday to help transform the lives of so many! It is remarkable to see these children, who come from such different and challenging backgrounds, create for themselves goals and a future that they want. I have often seen the ways in which their transformation powerfully expands into their families and villages.”
Anjila Shrestha Liaison Director of Light’s House Foundation Nepal
“
It is a great joy and honor to work among these Badi children. I feel I am one of them. I can share my love, my tears, and my happiness with them and being together fills my heart with great joy. Children are like plants, like seeds. We are working to water, nourish and built their future so that they will blossom with all of the potential that is in each one. Over the years, I’ve seen remarkable changes in their lives. They can so easily learn anything and it inspires me to see how much they are committed to learning and a new future. If they stand on their own feet, they can fight for their dignity. I am very proud of these girls and look forward to many more years of working among them to continue helping them to build their lives.”
Sangita Adhikari Coordinator
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Ms Roshni Karki
Ms Pabitra Tamang
Public Relation & Reporting Officer
Account Assistant
When I first started working here four years ago, I didn’t know what I wanted to do for my career. But, within just three months, the team saw my interests and gifts in accounting and on that day, began my real work - my calling. I love my work. What I do, I do from my heart. My colleagues have become my family. I am grateful. This is my destiny.”
Januka Magar Accountant
Mr Bibek Syantang Reporting Assistant
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
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It has been an inspiration and I greatly appreciate seeing your organization’s growth over the past six years in its commitment to caring for our country’s vulnerable children. I hope in the future to see more children and women receive the education, hope and opportunities that Light’s House Foundation offers. I want to say this to the children of your organization: ‘You have endured much. This nation is yours, so dream big. You each have an important role to play in the future of our beautiful country.’
Endorsements from the Government of Nepal
Together, let’s work in order that these children will have access to health and education and can, for the first time, believe that their dreams can come true.”
Chief Guest of the 6th Children Annual Day 2015.
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Eknath Dhakal Peace & Reconstruction Minister
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You have made an out-of-reach future possible for many children. Because of your organization, many children who were forgotten and rejected now smiling ear-to-ear. For this, I thank you. Your work does is not easy and is truly amazing.”
Karna Bahadur Thapa Former Minister of Industry & Present Parliament Member
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I have seen the fantastic work that you have started for the downtrodden children of Nepal. I wish for no Nepali to face discrimination, inequality, or abuse and therefore I stand, united with you in your fight. Let’s walk together to create a better Nepal with equality for all.”
Rameshwor Phuyal Parliament Member
Endorsements from the Government of Nepal
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
“
Endorsements from the Government of Nepal
“You have indeed been standing as a lighthouse, shining brightly in the darkest corners of our country.”
Goma Kunwar Parliament Member
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“Your organization has not only saved many underprivileged girls from being forced into child marriages and sex slavery, but they are now studying! This is something most girls have never had the opportunity to pursue in our community. I very much appreciate the work you have done to bring many children into the light and give them bright days to come. Let’s spread this love, as these children are future of our nation.”
Rama Devi Bhandari Child Right Officer (CRO) of Surkhet District
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Endorsements from the Board of Advisor
“Light’s House Foundation Nepal is a key witness organization in Nepal that works specifically with the abandoned and deprived communities. While there are hundreds of NGO’s working in Nepal; Light’s house Foundation is a leading NGO that works transparently in all areas; finance, administration and future goals and plans. As a legal advisor of the Foundation, I highly appreciate the hardships incurred for the work to proceed and succeed.”
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“Over a very short period of time, Light’s House Foundation has provided hundreds of deprived children from the rural parts of Nepal with shelter, food, education and medical all in accordance to the rules and regulations of Nepali legislation and in coordination with government bodies. I would like to thank and congratulate Light’s House Foundation Nepal for its outstanding work. My wish is that in the coming days, Light’s House Foundation Nepal will continue to provide opportunities to many more children to study and live in a clean and healthy environment.”
Endorsements from the Government of Nepal
Buddha Raj Ghising Advocate Gagan Thapa Parliament Member 27
THE FIRST 34 GIRLS FROM BADI VILLAGE |
Light’s House Foundation Nepal
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2
6
3
7
4
8
BEFORE
5
9
10
AFTER
1
2
6
3
7
4
8
5
9
10
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
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THE FIRST 34 GIRLS FROM BADI VILLAGE
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Success story of Krisha Badi sponsored student of LHFN
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“
I have been a student and grew up in one of these very children’s homes, myself; now I am a house parent. I love this work for so many reasons, one of which is that I know the thoughts and feelings of these children, because I was once one of them.”
Krisha is a 23 year old woman who is moving boldly towards her goal in working in media and becoming a journalist. This passion is made quite evident when she speaks in front of other people. She recently spoke in front of hundreds of people at the 6th Annual Children’s Day of LHFN, and her speech caused the whole audience to listen in awe. Her seven years with LHFN has brought a dramatic change not only to her but also to her whole family which to her is a dream come true. She is horrified when she thinks back at her past life on the river bank, living in dark small huts with hardly enough food to
eat and clothes to wear, and she recalls how hard it was to feed the hungry siblings. But today it is the suffering of those past years that spurs her on in becoming a journalist so that she will be able to fight for a brighter future, not only for her but for the whole Badi community.
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Success story of Arjun & Susan Badi sponsored student of LHFN
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“
When I was living in my village, I had very little sense of future and purpose. Four years ago, I got an opportunity to come to Kathmandu to continue my studies. I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to create a new beginning. I wanted to go back to my village because it was easier. With
the support and love of the staffs, I am the first Badi to start a university degree overseas. My dream is to become a teacher and work among marginalized children. I still have struggles in my life, but one thing I know for certain is that all the hardships we face teach us who we really are.”
me they would kick me out of the school grounds.
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I was born in a very rural area in the northwest of Nepal, where my people, called Badi, still face severe discrimination. I used to follow my friends to school; however, when their classes started, I had to stay outside class and listen through the window because I was unable to pay the school fees. Whenever the teachers would see
When Light’s House Foundation gave me an opportunity to move to a children’s home in Kathmandu and be sponsored to study, it was a dream come true. I now feel I have a bright future. I want to become a journalist, write about my tribe, and change the concept that people have about the Badi community. I want to let people know that we are also humans and we have our own dignity and dreams.”
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Sita is a beautiful young lady who entered the hostel five years ago in a depressed condition thinking that her life was nothing but a meaningless ritual. Sita is from a very poor family background and her father was mentally ill and also a heart patient which was very upsetting for her. The concept of going to school was
a dream until she came to the home of LHFN. She is totally overwhelmed by this golden opportunity that has been given to her and her younger brother and sister, who are also being educated too. Sita is a responsible young girl who is always thinking about the well being of her family. Her future goal is to become a social worker but in the meantime she enjoys looking after and helping the younger children in their daily school work at her hostel.
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Hanna was brought up in an under privileged, poor and ostracized family, with pain and heartache being a daily occurrence in her life. The girls of her community continually had to live in fear due to the lustful desires and harassment of the men. Hanna was deceived into accepting her fate with no where to go for help, until
she was introduced to LHFN when she was only thirteen years old. She has now been with LHFN for the last eight years, and with a happy smiling face describes those years as her best. Hanna is now proud of being a woman when before she thought it was a curse, and she is also excited about what the future now holds for her. Her dream is to become a social worker so that she can help other destitute women in her own community.
Success story of Hanna & Sita Badi sponsored student of LHFN
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller
Token of appreciation honored by Mr. Eknath Dhakal; Peace and Reconstruction Minister to Mr. Mikael Alfven and Mrs. Ing Marie Alfven; president of Love Nepal during the 6th Annual Children Day Celebration 2016. 38
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Honoring the hard work and dedication
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Honoring all the Hostel Directors along with the staffs for their significant contribution and hard work for transforming the lives of girls.
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Our beautiful fairies performing a cultural dance with a great Joy. - Children of Hostel 4 and 1 & 3 42
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House Guardians of different Hostels
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Not only a hard work for building girls’ lives but even cherishing on their success. A special dance performance by our hostels’ staffs.
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
GUEST ARTIST
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Mesmerizing performance of the program by our special guest, Ms. Carola Haggquist, a famous Swedish singer.
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Renowned Nepali Artists performing during 6th Annual Children Day 2015
Deviram Parajuli Comedian Artist 48
Nirajan Bherma Magician
Rima Gurung Hoda Famous Singer
Chordophone Player Barta Nepali & Team
Chordophone Player Barta Nepali
Madal Player Barta Nepali & Team
Reshma Sunuwar Famous Singer
Palpasa Dangol Comedian Artist 49
Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Emcees & Media Personality of 6th Annual Children Day Celebration 2015
Supriya Tuladhar, a famous media personality and a Video Jockey (VJ) at Image Channel 50
Mahima Bhattarai, most happening personality of Nepalese Media Industries
Pradipti Bogati, Area Co-ordinator, UNICEF (NCV) and a special family member of Light’s House Foundation.
Srijana Shrestha, Journalist; Gender and Migration 51
Light’s House Foundation Nepal
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS, 6th Annual Children Day 2016
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Live performance by Reshma Sunuwar, popular Nepali Singer.
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Glimpses of the 6th Annual Children Day 2016
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Sharing happiness, memories and moments.
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
From Our Heart to Yours
I find pleasure and am enthusiastic as I work each day serving these children. I feel proud and never thought I would have an opportunity to work with such an incredible organization, which has become like family to me. It’s truly beyond my imagination.”
Sanu Kancha Syangtan Children’s Home, Surkhet 58
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I am very happy to be a part of the profound vision of this organization working in the baby care center for several years. I am blessed to do this work, cultivating the beginnings of a bright future for these little ones. I am not married and do not have children of my own, but I feel I am a mother to these little babies and I hope to do this work forever.”
Selina B.K. Miriam Child Care Centre, Kathmandu
“Team work makes the dream work.” - unknown
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I was given this wonderful opportunity to raise orphaned and unprivileged children five years ago. It is my great joy to do this work, to receive such good teaching by our leaders, and to have been chosen to do this valuable work. With thankfulness I will try to be a good steward to this home until the end.”
Kushal Ghale Gurung Children’s Home 4, Kathmandu
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This organization has been working among the orphaned and rescued children for many years in various parts of Nepal. It is a dream come true and fills me with great joy, to look back and see five years of meaningful work among these incredible kids. Mahatma Gandhi’s wise words express my experience of service and devotion to these children: ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Nirpesh Kunwar Children’s Home 6, Kathmandu 59
Light’s House Foundation Nepal
From Our Heart to Yours
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Our nation has many challenges among underprivileged youth and we have been working with great love to care for these children with food, accommodation, and education. I feel honored and greatly enjoy my work as one of the parents to these incredible kids. This organization often encourages me and give me joy to carry on.”
Bhakta Subba Children’s Home 8, Kathmandu 60
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I am proud to be a part of this significant work. I find that my confidence has been increasing each day I work here, which fills me with peace and purpose, as I work for the kids in this home, helping to build their lives, day by day. I am honored to see the ways in which I am playing a significant role in this organization.”
Phurpa Sherpa Children’s Home 7, Kathmandu
Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting .� - Eagerly waiting for their their to perform, Hostels’ children.
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Re-defining life after horrendous past
Sirjana Badi
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Subashna Badi
Sarita Badi Sunita Badi
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.
Sarita Badi
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Sunita Badi
Prashamsa Badi Manisha Badi
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
“Don’t judge my choices without understanding my reasons.”
Kabita Badi “You are the reason for my big smile.”
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Care taker & Miriam child.
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Earthquake Relief
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Light’s House Foundation was quick to respond to the immense need of Nepal’s devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake this year. We immediately mobilized truckloads of rice and other essential items to be delivered to numerous rural locations, focusing particularly on areas from which many of our children come. All of our staff were involved in extraordinary relief effort, even though many of them and their families were struggling greatly from the quake at the same time. The team effort was a beautiful sight, as our staff compassionately and courageously served our nation.
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Earthquake Relief
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
A story about a brave boy, Monsoon
Monsoon is a three-year-old boy with an incredible story. When the earthquake struck, he was inside his home with his family. The walls started collapsing and all the exits were quickly blocked. He clung to his cousin as everything he had ever known came falling down around him. When the earth calmed, his cousin did a head count, “One, Two, Three, Four, Five.... Where’s number Six? Where’s uncle? Where’s Monsoon’s Papa?!’ They found him, buried in the rubble. They were now trapped with Monsoon’s beloved papa buried next to them. They yelled with all their might, but the house was too unstable for volunteers to remove the rubble; they would have to wait. As hours passed, the fear was immense, but so was their thirst. They noticed a small hole in the
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wall. In desperate need of water, they had no choice but to send Monsoon through the hole and go searching. Through the hole, Monsoon found their squat toilet buried. He dug until he found water. The water was dirty and brown, but it was water, thirst-quenching water! Monsoon continued to go back and forth, bringing his family water, for three full days until they were rescued. His bravery and determination saved the lives of his family. Monsoon now lives in one of our children’s homes.
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Historical Press Meeting The arrival of renowned Swedish singer and songwriter, Carola Haggsvist, proved to be a historic moment for Light’s House Foundation in December. When a press conference was arranged and was attended by the major news outlets of Nepal, it gave three of our extraordinary young women - Hanna, Krisha and Pabitra - an opportunity to share their stories of opposition and struggle growing up in Badi villages and the great joy and freedom they have found in the Light’s House family. As a result, many people in Nepal were able to hear about the vision and work of Light’s House for the first time.
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Global Freedom Tour
During this journey around the world, our remarkable young girls shared their stories of struggle, hope, courage and transformation. Many people around the world were inspired, educated, and changed, as a result. It was a fantastic immersion experience for our team to be travel to countries and be a part of our global community. 76
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Freedom from slavery freedom from bondage freedom from discrimination freedom from hopelessness.�
Divisara (Hanna) Badi went to see American football, Denver Colorado USA.
our girls are in United States of America
Vanguard University USA.
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
The Great Comeback Sweden
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On this 23 days trip of a lifetime, 17 of our girls were able to meet their sponsors who have supported them for many years, since their arrival to our children’s homes. Many of them had completed vocational training programs, and in Sweden, they received an opportunity to show off their new skills. It was a huge success! Hundreds of women lined up to receive manicures and pedicures from our young women,
which proved to be an enriching experience for all. Our girls were filled with pride, the Swedish women loved their beauty treatments, and everyone was deeply connected with them and their friends in Sweden. And, the fun continued: our team was also able to see snow and ride horses for the first time - a dream come true for many!
Freedom from “ slavery freedom from bondage freedom from discrimination freedom from hopelessness.�
Riding horses in Sweden.
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Various activities done by our girls while they were in Sweden.
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Australia freedom tour
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Freedom from “slavery freedom from bondage freedom from discrimination freedom from hopelessness.�
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Australia freedom tour
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Freedom from “slavery freedom from
bondage freedom from discrimination freedom from hopelessness.�
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Celebrating
Teej festival
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Handing over scooters to our girls for continuation of their higher studies by the representative of CCWB, Lalitpur
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Token of appreciation presented for their new journey in higher education. 89
Light’s House Foundation Nepal
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Celebrating Holi Colour Festival
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
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Whatever we are today is because of our
strong team
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Recreational moments of our big family
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal The beginning
Moved To Action
In February 2009 ,I visited Surkhet area in western Nepal for the first time together with Mr. Raju Sundas. I remember very well those days because they shook and touched me deeply. I had been thinking about the issue of human trafficking and social injustice for quite some time because of a couple of personal experiences I had in the nation of Myanmar. When Raju told me about the plight of the Badi women I was very keen to visit the area. That time in February, I met the extreme poverty, social misery and vulnerability the Badi people live in and I was shocked. I had been living and travelling in Asia for so many years being involved in charity work and seen so much poverty, but this situation just broke my heart. Because of caste, poverty, lack of education, tradition and cultural background, the destiny of Badi women for most parts were to be born into
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slavery and become victims of sexual abuse. The stories of rape, coercion, exploitation and the selling of young girls were so unbelievable that it was so difficult for me to believe. It was truly heartbreaking to realize that they were at the very bottom of the Nepali society and doomed to become prostitutes and sex objects from a very early age with no escape. We felt we had to do something and Raju suggested that we could start a hostel in Kathmandu and provide education for them. That is how the work against trafficking and sex-slavery was initiated and how the first Badi Girl’s Home was set up in Kathmandu. Thirty four girls were invited to come and live in a protected and safe environment where they could go to school and get an education. On that visit in February, I took photos of girls, which I have kept as a reminder of that small beginning.
At that time, I still lived with my family in Singapore and I went home and started to raise money for the setting up of the Girl’s Home. I talked with friends and sent out emails and newsletters and many were moved when they heard the story of the Badi women. Meanwhile, Raju and his staffs worked hard in Nepal preparing everything. At that time, I could not imagine how fast the work would come to grow and how Light’s house Foundation would develop. I am personally so blessed and fortunate to have been able to be a friend and partner with Light’s house and to have a small part in this adventure. It is not possible to know everything that is happening in the work since it has grown so much, and other partners have come on board to support and help. I salute and honor all of Light’s house Foundation’s national and international partners that work hard with raising funds for the work. But most of all I salute Raju Sundas, his wife and family and every single member of the coworkers and staffs. Raju is a true visionary who works copiously, creates contacts, open doors and get things done. Through his contacts and friends in many national and international NGOs, as well as in government bodies, he and his team is doing a tremendous job in Nepal. They are the real heroes. All international partners, big and small who are raising funds and assisting in various ways, we all have our roles, but those operating in the field are the true heroes. Raju had a vision of helping the Badi people fifteen years before I even met him 2008 the first time, but in the perfect time the work was started. It is so exciting to see how the work consists of both preventive measures for girls as young as five years from becoming victims, and of saving girls who are already sexually abused and slaves in brothels. The goal to create safe-homes where girls can experience security, love
and care, and where help can be provided with long-term education, vocational training and job creation for them is being fulfilled today by Light’s House Foundation’s pioneering work.
Breaking cycles - creating lasting change Nepal is an extremely poor nation and has become poorer than ever after the earthquake last year 2015. Thousands of women and girls are sold annually across the border to India in this sick industry. Why? Mainly because of poverty and hunger. Parents and relatives believe it is the only way for them to get an income and survive so they sell their daughters. It is a vicious cycle and many traffickers thrive on this nefarious trade. We believe that the only way to truly break the cycle for abused women and girls is to give education and provide skills and vocational training so they will have a chance to another life, and we are seeing the cycle breaking for many. Light’s House also sees parents being changed and transformed by what is happening with their daughters. Even in this short time of six years there has been a dramatic change, even so that the government of Nepal has noticed. Different government ministers have come to dedicate hostels and the school.
What about the future?
The greatest healing power in the world is the power of acceptance and love. It has the potential and power to heal, restore and renew what man cannot. I believe this is very evident in the work Light’s House Foundation is doing; through acceptance, love and care so many girls are being healed and restored and truly great and marvelous things are taking place. I can see how the work will continue to expand and thousands of more girls will be rescued and restored through Light’s House Foundation in the days to come. Badi people are regarded as the untouchables of the untouchables because of their identity of being sex-workers or prostitutes. When change and transformation takes place with them anything is possible. Best regards, Håkan Gabrielsson
If so much have been accomplished during the first six years, how much more will not take place the next six years, and then the years to come. If we dare to dream, and the girls can be allowed to dream, we will see girls who become engineers, teachers, pilots, doctors, lawyers, and have any other occupation they could not have before, because of their destiny of becoming prostitutes and sexually abused. 97
Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Learning together for Transformation
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Grahame Kerr, in his capacity as CEO of CCM visited Nepal with his wife Robyn for the first time in December 2008 and realized the need for better educational opportunities in Nepal and Educate Nepal was registered as an NGO. Prior to the second teacher training conference in September 2010 together with Agnes Kielly, Grahame visited Far-West Nepal and learned the plight of the Badi people who were living in extreme poverty in Surkhet and were the most marginalized people in the Nepalese society. They learned the normal cultural practice of young girls being systematically abused with many being sold into the brothels of India and were moved with compassion. On returning to Kathmandu they visited the first hostel, set up for Badi girls and decided that people needed to know the life’s experience of these girls and to challenge others to join with them to do something about
it. Transform the Nations was registered as a charity in Australia and a sponsorship program was set up. Funds to equip a new hostel for 80 girls were raised. Raju Sundas has been to Australia many times to help bring awareness. Many student and adult training teams have been coming to Nepal to gain first hand knowledge and to assist wherever they are able. Representatives from CCM, Transform the Nations and New Hope International participated in the opening ceremony of CCS1 in Mulpani in April 2011, where a gift of encouragement was also given to the Badi Action Group.. CCS1 is providing the Badi children with quality education free from discrimination. From previous experience in Eastern Europe, Grahame realized that the only successful way to provide a sustainable future was to work in an integrated approach, building community in partnership with one local organization. Due to the shared experience of journeying together on this difficult but rewarding road, a mutual respect for each other and a strong bond has developed between the Sundas family and the Kerr family and continues to this day. Grahame Kerr
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Rescue of 2 women
In September of 2015, we took part in the rescue in India of two trafficked women from Nepal. The promises that were made to them, the ways in which they were treated, their transport in and out of multiple countries, are all classic in the methodology of traffickers. In Nepal, they were initially spoken to by a man full of promises for a good work and life in Saudi Arabia. They decided to follow him with hopes to make more money for their families and began what they thought was a journey into a better life. They share a portion of their story with us here:
“It quickly became apparent that we had been deceived, as our ID’s were confiscated and we were taken by motorbike through border into India to Delhi, then, to Mumbai, where we were trapped in a tiny room with 25 o ther Nepali girls. We were so afraid and fought to no avail with those holding us captive. After 2 weeks, we were flown to Sri Lanka and, when we arrived to a place in the middle of the jungle, we found 70 Nepali girls who were also imprisoned and in the 100
same nightmare. All of us were terrified: we couldn’t speak the language, couldn’t call for help and no one knew where we were. After several weeks, we were flown to Saudi Arabia and then flown to New Delhi, India, to the home of the Saudi Arabian ambassador. We were forced to work 24 hours a day, were sexually abused by many men, violently beaten, and we ware given no food. When family left the home to go shopping, we tried to find bits of bread and drink water. The days were difficult and we feared for our lives. Then, one day, a miracle happened. A young girl from Darjeeling, India, came to work and was horrified by the ways in which she saw we were being treated. She was educated, strong and believed that we had been trafficked and held against our wills. Risking her life, she fled the home to tell an international anti- trafficking organization, Maiti India, about our plight.”
Maiti India then called our organization, we partnered to form a rescue team and we went to the apartment at two o’clock in the morning to rescue the women. The Saudi Arabian ambassador’s family beat the police, our rescue team and fought our attempts to enter into the house. It took police back up of 13 more police to be able to get to and rescue the two trafficked women. Today, we are providing counseling, a loving community and homes for these women. The case is still under investigation and we are seeking justice. We are hoping and committed to do what we can to find the other imprisoned women in Mumbai, India and in the Sri Lanka’s jungle. It strengthens our resolve to work for the freedom and flourishing of the girls and women in Nepal on as many fronts as we are able – education, prevention, rescue, rehabilitation and training. Together, with our growing network of support, we will continue our impassioned commitment to these children, women, and their communities.
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Recreational hall of Hostal 1 & 3
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Different hostels in Kathmandu
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
Board of Advisors
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Raju Sundas
Lazarus Thulung
Buddha Ghising
Dinesh Chataut
Hikmat Bahadur Badi
Educationist
Renowned Writer
Advocate
Physiotherapist, KU
Social Activites
Board Members Dinesh Kumar Sigdel
Mohan Khadgi
Sangita Adhikari
Sameer Nakarmi
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Member
Sameer Adhikari
Khrishna Gurung
Devi Sara Badi
Krisha Badi
Member
Member
Member
Member
Vijaya Lama President
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Light’s House Foundation Nepal
6th Annual General Meeting
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