Meet Sihvoo, a Kopila Valley graduate who is ready to embark on a journey of discovery. As he plunges himself into the depth of the future, he exudes a sense of determination and grace that draws his goals even closer. His story is so compelling that we need to dive right in.  

He is not your average person, not by a long shot. Born to parents who were refugees in India, Shivoo had an injury that caused permanent damage in his leg. His challenges began when he was still a child. While other children played soccer, participated in marathons, or played with mud and marbles, he stayed back home,  gaining hidden knowledge from all sorts of books. 

When Shivoo was 4 or 5, his parents moved back to Nepal since they secured a job in Kopila Valley Children’s Home. Maybe the change of course was best for him, because he found many opportunities to grow and excel. He was a smart kid from the beginning. From getting honorable grades at school to teaching everyone what it means to be someone with dreams even in tough circumstances, he is a rare overcomer. 

Shivoo graduated from Kopila Valley School in 2020. A great turning point in his life came when he had to choose what he wanted to do next. Deciding to move to a city away from his family posed a great challenge for him, he says. “I was in a state of perplexity. My parents, especially my mom, didn’t want me to move. But the time had come when I had to learn the ways of life on my own. I decided it was time.”

He is currently enrolled in IIMS (Institute of International Management Science) in Kathmandu, taking a course BCS (Bachelor’s in Computer Science). “Living on my own is not as easy as I thought it would be,” he confesses. “Especially for someone like me who has parents who are constantly worrying. I am discovering my abilities every day. Maybe if I were living with my parents, I wouldn’t have been able to. I have two younger siblings who are fond of me, and I love them immensely. I want to show them what their brother is capable of.” 

For sports and leisure time when he was aged 14-15, Shivoo spent his time playing video games. Due to his love for video games, he has always wanted to build one of his own. When asked what types of games he wants to build, he says, “I don’t know. I’m pretty sure a vision will come soon.” 

Shivoo’s disability doesn’t keep him from physical work. He loves cooking. He always pushes himself to be outdoorsy. He prepares his own meals and does his own laundry. He loves the physicality of getting things done. Despite the challenges life has bestowed on him, he has not lost hope – in fact, he is filled with dreams waiting to flow out into the universe. In a world that often forgets how to slow down, Shivoo, who struggles to take his steps, doesn’t see life as a race. In a body that’s not like the rest, he shows everyone that he is more than his shell. 

“We often assume – because this is what we’ve been taught – that to be taken seriously, we need to be strong and powerful like the tall oak in the forest. But there is another recipe: you need to be yourself. Don’t let your shortcomings limit your potential.” In the face of adversity, Shivoo shows us what it means to be an example of courage, unwavering in his strength and will, standing still. 

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.