By Aanchal Dutt Chaulagain, English Teacher

Bandana, one of our Grade 10 students, was recognized this year for the International Children’s Peace Prize! Bandana has faced a number of challenges in life, but she is thriving at Kopila Valley School, volunteering, and promoting kindness and mental health among her peers and community.

Bandana exemplifies resilience and determination in the face of challenging personal circumstances. Having lost her father at a very young age, Bandana, along with her younger brother, now resides with her grandparents in Surkhet. Her mother, working as a kitchen staff member in a school in Jumla, selflessly strives to provide for both her children and her parents.

Bandana began at Kopila Valley School in preschool, a pivotal step made possible by the school’s commitment to offering quality education without financial barriers. The school’s ethos of inclusivity and support has played a crucial role in shaping Bandana’s academic and personal development.

Known for her sweet, loving, and sincere nature, Bandana is a beacon of positivity at Kopila Valley School. Her helpful demeanor, perpetual smile, and inquisitive eyes showcase a young girl with a profound sense of empathy and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact in her community.

In nominating Bandana for the international peace prize, we recognized not only her academic achievements but also the indomitable spirit that defines her character. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of peace in the face of adversity.

Motivation and Advocacy

Bandana’s unwavering belief is simple yet profound, aligning with BlinkNow’s mission – every child deserves to be safe, educated, and loved. Bandana, having walked the path of uncertainty herself, passionately advocates for the rights of children to break free from the shadows of darkness that ignorance and deprivation can cast. She embodies the conviction that empowerment begins with education and that no child should be left behind on the journey toward knowledge, security, and affection. Through her own lived experiences, she understands the transformative power of education and the profound impact it can have on shaping destinies.

Action Steps

In a world dominated by digital distractions, Bandana rises at 4 every morning, defying societal norms, to impart the profound teachings of yoga and meditation. Her audience includes not only the staff of Kopila Valley School – the kitchen staff, security personnel, and transportation staff – but also resonates within the hearts of community women and children who eagerly participate in her transformative classes.

A stalwart member of the “Girls’ Club” at Kopila Valley School for the past two years, Bandana has become a catalyst for empowerment in the Karnali Region. Through captivating sessions, presentations, and impactful dramas, she addressed critical issues such as child marriage, gender equality, domestic violence, menstrual hygiene, and breast cancer. 

Her weekends are not mere breaks; they are a testament to her unwavering commitment. Volunteering with Save the Children team members, Bandana selflessly dedicates her time to provide educational, academic, and citizenship classes to children in Surkhet who are unable to afford formal schooling. Her actions not only nurture minds but also sow the seeds of hope and possibility.

In a further display of inclusivity and advocacy, Bandana actively collaborates with the LGBTQI community. Her belief in a future Surkhet characterized by love, compassion, and kindness to all is not just a dream but a tangible goal she actively pursues.

Beyond the local sphere, Bandana has joined the Advisory Council of She’s The First organization, demonstrating her commitment to broader movements for positive change. In her relentless pursuit of altruism, this remarkable girl leaves no stone unturned, showcasing a resilience and dedication that far surpasses her years.

Improving One Life at a Time

In a small community in the Karnali region, there was a 14-year-old boy who found himself succumbing to the shadows of depression. His withdrawal from school, loss of interest in activities, and deteriorating health were sources of immense concern for his parents, who sought medical and psychological interventions to no avail.

Bandana, recognizing the potential healing power of yoga and meditation, began her mission to bring light to this young boy’s life. Despite initial resistance, she persisted, encouraging his parents to bring him to her classes regularly. 

As the boy started participating in the yoga and meditation classes, a remarkable shift occurred. The once-muted voice began to resonate with newfound confidence. Bandana’s Saturday classes, designed to guide children in the right direction and boost their confidence, became a pivotal moment of joy for the young boy. 

Over time, the boy not only found solace in the yoga classes but also opened up to Bandana, revealing the struggles he had kept hidden. Bandana, with her empathetic nature, became a trusted confidante. 

Bandana urged him to attend the yoga classes daily, fostering a consistent routine that gradually helped him regain control over his emotions. Through the transformative power of yoga, meditation, and Bandana’s unwavering support, the boy not only found his voice but also rekindled connections with his parents.

Bandana shows us that, with compassion and dedication, we can uplift and transform lives, one child at a time.

Future Dreams

Empowered by a profound commitment to fostering positive change, Bandana envisions a future where the transformative power of psychology is accessible to every corner of Nepal. Inspired by the scarcity of psychologists in the region, has chosen this career path and aspires to become a beacon of hope and healing for those in need across Nepal. Bandana is driven by the belief that mental well-being is fundamental to the overall prosperity of a society.

Bandana quotes, “In the resilient spirit of Nepal, my message to the world is that no corner should be left untouched by the light of understanding and empathy. Let us build bridges of compassion, eroding the barriers of mental health stigma, so that every individual, regardless of their circumstance, can find solace and strength within themselves.”

Students like Bandana inspire us to do more to make a world we want to see. Thank you Bandana!