Rukmini Foundation Becomes A Teenager

The Rukmini Foundation team organized a grand celebration for its 13th birthday. The celebration aimed at celebrating the many accomplishments achieved in the last 13 years. Started with 10 students in the year 2011 at one school, we have now 100 students  in 15 different partner schools. The celebration was attended by 300 people, most of them were our current students, graduate students, GLOW Club members, mentors, Principals of partner schools, guests including the Mayor of Dakshinkali Municipality, Nepal Board members, and one US Board member.

The program was organized in a short period of time with the help of volunteer bahinis,  who helped to  make the program enjoyable for all by sharing their talents to entertain the audience;  and by showcasing our impactful activities through videos and photo presentations.

13 Lamps for 13 Years of Empowerment

The program was started by lighting 13 oil lamps (Diyo) by 13 girls signifying 13 years of empowerment. In what was a short program there were so many accomplishments to share. Keeping that in mind, major accomplishments were shown on the screen in front of the audience. Some of the presentations were Tailoring training to local women, DEEP program – computer training to local women, Rukmini team, Teachers, students and SEE students, Animal welfare program and Glow Club activities.

Program Presentation

Usha Adhikari shared some of the  major accomplishments of the Rukmini Foundation  She highlighted how shy girls turned into confident people working in various fields; how a group of students from our community were able to compete in an international Robotics competition in Washington DC and was placed 39th out of 160 countries; and, how a skill training program turned into business to a group of women, making them economically independent.

Karuna Sunar shared her experience on how getting training on tailoring gave her an opportunity to earn her living. She thinks women should learn some skills so that they can be independent  economically. Because financial independence is very important for a woman to take care of herself and her family.

Talent Presentation by Bahinis

New bahini Binita Pariyal performed a dance in front of the large audience. She learned dancing by herself because she does not have mobile or TV access in her home for practice.

Sirjana shared her journey from a bahini to become a Didi

Sirnana Waiba shared her personal journey from becoming a Rukmini scholar (Bahini) when she was a shy little girl studying in grade six.

Reflecting on her personal experiences, Sirjana  emphasizes that teenagers might not fully understand the purpose of such visits but slowly they will understand. She encouraged bahinis to attend Didi programs and other Rukmini programs where they will get valuable life skills to be successful in life. She says that her experience from a bahini made her a confident didi for so many bahinis and a mentor running Glow Clubs.

Tina (US Board Member of Rukmini Foundation): 

The celebration was made more special by having a US Board Member participating. Tina shared her positive experience visiting four schools, where she was impressed by the potential and energy of the students. She observed their sense of communal responsibility and support of each other during the lunch program, noting how they cleaned up after their meals and helped the younger students. She expressed her deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this experience.

To see more photos from this wonderful event, you can visit our Flickr Album here.