A ROLE MODEL WOMAN
65 years old, Geeta Devi Kafle of "Janaklyan Women's Group", Mahottari district gave up the long held caste discrimination practice.
She has been a role model of the Khayarmara VDC of Mahottari district. Now she eats what so-called Dalit (Untouchable) people give her. She allows Dalits in her home. The women's group participated in the Cornerstones training and changed their philosophy toward the age-old caste discrimination practice.
In Nepali phenomenon the society is divided into caste groups with hierarchy. Those of the so-called higher caste (Brahmin, Chhetrri) discriminate against the lower caste (Dalits). The level of discrimination is inhumane to the effect that Dalits are considered untouchable and ostracized from the society.
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Success Stories
Dhan Kumari Lama
All it takes is a strong will to be better
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It’s a story told and retold many times. The places and names change but what remains the same is this story’s ability to touch hearts. Heifer’s projects have help many impoverished communities lead better and dignified lives through livestock and training, integrated to fulfill the community’s vision for a better future. It has helped many people live instead of just survive. But there is another side to this process. A side that does more than bring better nutrition and income into their homes, it brings hope. In the many hills and valleys that surround the capital city of Kathmandu, lies the village of Kakani. A scenic place that most well-to-do families from the capital city; know only as a good picnic spot. The everyday struggles of the people here are overlooked by many development efforts on behalf of the fact that it’s just 35 kilometers away from Kathmandu. But poverty does not evade those who are close to a resourceful capital city. It engulfs them too, like it does others.
Dhan Kumari Lama is only 16 years old and lives in Lamatol, Kakani. What would be considered a young girl in other parts of the world; she is a grown woman in this part. As the eldest daughter of 4 children, she had many responsibilities. But her father was wise enough to send Dhan Kumari to school. She juggled between her books, her younger siblings and household chores. She was quite bright and was under constant pressure from her teachers to do even better. While studying in the 6th grade she started losing consciousness, feeling weak and would just stare at nothing for hours. The family called upon the village Shaman who claimed she had been touched by the devil. Then started the nightly rituals of cleansing and purifying which led her to be more depressed. Some of the villagers advised her parents to consult a doctor in Kathmandu where Dhan Kumari was diagnosed with depression and was put under strong medication. She stopped going to school.
It had been 2 years since the episode but she was still considered mentally ill by her villagers, a tag hard to get rid of. Something happening in her village caught her attention and she told her father that she wanted to be a part of a group of women that was meeting for some project. The Jirethum Women’s Group had just formed in January 2009 and was having their initial savings and discussion meetings as a part of a Heifer’s project. They were also gathering to clean the village and participate in other social activities from time to time. The members were hesitant to have Dhan Kumari in their group. But the Bhoomisthan Women’s Group, one who had formed them as a pass-on group advised that they give this girl a chance. She could read and write and would prove an asset to the group, they said.
Dhan Kumari soon became totally involved in the group as the group’s secretary. She was indeed indispensable as she could read and write. She maintained the group savings fund records, keeping accurate books of money saved and loaned to members. Being involved in the trainings, the group meetings and social activities made Dhan Kumari yearn for more knowledge. When she expressed her desire to go back to school after 3 years, her father could barely contain the tears in his eyes. The group was equally excited and decided to encourage her with a scholarship from the group fund. Unanimously, the Jirethum Women’s Group decided to pay for Dhan Kumari’s tuition for a year. Members individually pitched in for some stationary support, a school uniform and new school shoes. Dhan Kumari was beyond words.
The news of Dhan Kumari rejoining school in the 7th grade reached the NGO implementing the project. CARDSN, the NGO, decided to sponsor for another year of schooling. “I left school in the 6th grade. There were various reasons to this the most important being the fact that I did not see any future in all the hard work. Doing my household and farm chores was more important then and money was also scarce. Being a part of a Heifer project and participating in all the trainings have brought back that hope I lost 3 years ago. My group members tell me I could do so much more for them and my community if I complete my education. I am going back to school this year. I have found a reason to dream again. My group has decided to pay for my school this year. I am hopeful that with hard work and determination I will find the resources complete school,” said Dhan Kumari. She has received more than the goats and the trainings form this project, she has found hope and those who hope the best for her.
Project No:22-0531-29
Project Name: Building Communities for Holistic Development in the Central Region
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