Educate and Empower Dalit Youth in Rural Nepal

In Tirhut, where NYF’s Caste Equality Project (CEP) is taking place, families are beginning to see the power of education and opportunity. When NYF first invites girls from the community to join vocational training at Olgapuri Vocational School in Kathmandu, many families are hesitant. In Nandini's case, her grandparents initially refuse to let her go because they believe leaving home will harm her honor and jeopardize her chances of marriage. With encouragement and reassurance from NYF staff, they eventually agree.

Fast forward a few months:
Nandini enrolled in NYF's six-month industrial tailoring course and, soon after graduating, secured a job at a Kathmandu clothing manufacturer. She began earning an income and recently sent part of her savings back to her grandparents. When her grandparents received this money in front of their neighbors, the moment inspired trust and sparked new conversations across the community.

Nandini's success is not an isolated case. Ten more girls from Tirhut had already traveled to Kathmandu for vocational training, and several had secured employment and sent money home to support their families.These opportunities are protecting girls from early marriage and proving that investing in their education benefits entire households. These brave young women are breaking barriers and inspiring others in their community to reimagine what is possible.

With your support, NYF can continue educating young girls and adults in Tirhut, allowing them to build their own futures with dignity and agency. By opening doors to skills training and economic opportunity, you are helping ensure that fewer girls face the pressure of early marriage — and that more families can imagine new possibilities for their daughters.

Links:

• Caste Equality Project
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• Another update from Saptari District