Growing up in Kapilvastu, Bandana ,19, and her siblings often faced disruption in their education as their parents struggled to pay school fees and buy educational materials. Despite these challenges, Bandana valued education deeply, worked hard in her studies and supported her siblings’ learning.

After completing grade 10, Bandana wanted to continue her studies; however, her family could not afford it. So, she began working as a primary-level teacher at a nearby private school.

Later, Bandana joined the Srijanshil Youth Club, where she participated in different trainings and actively engaged in youth-led activities such as awareness-raising campaigns on gender-based violence, school enrolment, school sanitation, and girls’ empowerment programmes.

Soon after, she secured her first job as an Early Childhood Development Facilitator, which became a turning point in her life. Now, Bandana earns NPR 15,000 (approx. USD 107) per month, contributing significantly to her family’s income. She also teaches 20 children under the age of four at the community learning centre. She also completed the basic training on making child-friendly classrooms and was awarded the first prize for her outstanding performance among 20 trainees. Bandana never gave up on her dream of continuing her education. She has now enrolled in a college to pursue her bachelor’s degree and plans to get a master’s degree as well.