Sabita was just a baby when she came to Kopila Valley Children’s Home. What an event of journeys in her life!  Her story is full of innocence, challenges, and conquering her childhood. Her story takes you on a journey and touches your heart. Her eyes reflect the joy of finding home, family, and love. She has grown into a young, beautiful, and intelligent lady who is currently embracing career and college in Kathmandu. 

Read her full story below.

“Do you want to stay with Krishna Dai (big brother) or your Hajurbuwa (grandfather)?” Maggie’s gentle voice echoed in my ears, her words laced with significance I couldn’t comprehend at the tender age of three. Little did I know then, this seemingly innocent question would shape the course of my life and alter the dynamics of my family forever. In that moment, standing between the comforting presence of my grandfather and the unknown path with my brother, I made a choice guided by the simple instincts of childhood. I clung to the familiarity of my Hajurbuwa, unaware of the weight of the decision and the implications it carried.

Days passed, and the truth slowly unraveled before me like a cruel twist of fate. My brother would no longer be in our lives, would only be a visitor. The harsh reality of our circumstances, coupled by financial struggles and the absence of our father, forced us into separate paths, tearing apart the fabric of our bond.

My Hajurbuwa was elderly and uneducated. He was barely scraping by to feed me. Yet, despite his unconditional love, I sensed the strain of our circumstances wearing him down. A year or two drifted by, marked by the quiet struggle of survival, until another opportunity presented itself—a chance to reunite with my brother in  Kopila Valley Children’s Home. This time, faced with the prospect of a new beginning, I made a choice fueled not by mere instinct, but by the longing for a brighter future. In that moment of departure, as I bid farewell to the only home I had ever known, my heart swelled with gratitude for the love that had sustained me, and with anticipation for the possibilities that lay ahead.

I embarked on my new journey in life with a tumult of emotions swirling within me; fear, nervousness, and excitement all mingled together. I got not only the basic necessities of life – food, clothing, shelter, and education – but also the invaluable treasure of a mother’s love, which had been absent in my life. Moreover, fate had granted me another unexpected gift; the reunion with my older brother.  I was maybe four years old when I came here. Everyone welcomed me as if they’ve known me all their lives. 

I felt home instantly! 

As the afternoon heat waned and the sun dipped beneath the horizon, casting the sky in hues of peach and yellow, my world began to brim with warmth and light.  Around the table, we savored  meals together, forging bonds that transcended mere blood ties. Our days were filled with endless games and shared experiences, weaving pure  joy. 

At school, I was learning, developing, and creating endless possibilities for myself. Kopila Valley School groomed me intellectually, shaped me in health, and made me see my goals clearer.

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES-RIGHT WHERE I AM

My recent journey takes me back to the past. I remember I was afraid of the dark ever since I was a child. Now, I am out in the world, and dark is the last thing that’s on my mind. Life is a beaming light! 

In 2020, I transitioned out from the Children’s Home and graduated in 2023 from Kopila Valley School in Management. I know that I have endless possibilities where I am, all I need to do is seize them, and I am doing pretty good. I am pursuing BBA (Bachelors Of Business Administration) in King’s College in Kathmandu. It’s been almost a year since I started my College and I recently joined a CG (Chaudhari Group) company as an intern.  It is a prominent company with investments spanning various sectors like food and beverages, education, hospitality, and real estate.

I believe when you’re young and capable, you can do so much! My very core reason why I wanted to start working immediately is to build a foundation for my future self. Also, my older siblings who are out in the world pursuing their dreams have inspired me. 

Being in Kathmandu on my own has made me understand this life better. I hope in doing so, I get as far as I can. My journey as a young adult has just begun; as much as it scares me, I am also looking forward to living it.

Happiness, sadness, challenges, hurdles come and go, so choices matter. They stay with you. This is life for me.  

We are thrilled to have one of our very own Kopila Valley School graduates write this guest blogger series and share alumni stories! Anjali Karki graduated in 2019 and is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism along with a journalism career. We can’t wait to see what each of these world-changers does next. Follow us on social media with the series hashtag (#NarrateYourKopilaStory) for more about these young adults and their adventures.