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Story of Young mother (name changed for privacy): A journey from Despair to Dignity

Family of the Month September

Beneficiaries:

Young mother (name changed for privacy): 21-year-old mother

 3-year-old daughter (admitted to day- Nursery)

Narrative:

Young mother (name changed for privacy)’s early years were marked by the love and support of a nurturing family in the neighbouring district, Tanahun. Born to a retired army father and a homemaker mother, Young mother (name changed for privacy)'s childhood was sheltered and secure, with her parents ensuring that their children received good education. The future seemed bright for young mother (name changed for privacy) as she grew up in this middle-class family.

However, at the tender age of 16, her life took an unforeseen turn. Young mother (name changed for privacy) met a boy through Facebook, and what began as innocent online chatting soon bloomed into what Young mother (name changed for privacy) believed was love. The boy’s sweet talks and promises led Young mother (name changed for privacy) into a dreamy world full of love and lots of happiness. The young and naive Young mother (name changed for privacy) agreed to meet the boy in-person.

Unawares of the risks involved but filled with the teenage thrill to be with the person she loved, Young mother (name changed for privacy) lied to her parents and travelled to Lumbini. It was truly a fateful night, the boy raped her, she cried all night but he comforted her with fake promises. She believed his words and silently endured the ordeal clinging to his promise of marriage.

The situation worsened when young mother (name changed for privacy) discovered she was pregnant. When she informed the boy, his behaviour changed drastically. He became distant, threatening and eventually disappeared leaving Young mother (name changed for privacy) to face this monumental challenge alone. Young mother (name changed for privacy), terrified of societal judgement and afraid of her family’s reaction, kept her pregnancy a secret. It wasn’t until five days before she went into premature labour that her mother found out.

Her parents, stunned by the shock, refused to take her back home from the hospital. Alone and desperate, Young mother (name changed for privacy) was taken into the temporary shelters of Kopila Nepal, one of our network partners. For two and half years Kopila Nepal took care of Young mother (name changed for privacy) and her child.

A New Beginning

Initially withdrawn and lost, Young mother (name changed for privacy) slowly began to regain her footing. The bond between mother and daughter has grown resilient, with Young mother (name changed for privacy) determined to create a better future for them both.

Despite these strides, Young mother (name changed for privacy)’s journey is far from over. The project at Kopila Nepal that had supported her phased out, leading to further struggles to meet the basic needs of her family, including food, education, and healthcare.

Bahini Educare Foundation’s Support

In light of these ongoing challenges and referral, Bahini Educare Foundation has decided to extend its Educare Family Support Program to Young mother (name changed for privacy) and her daughter starting August 2024. Our commitment to supporting Young mother (name changed for privacy) is a reflection of our broader mission: to prevent all forms of abuse, exploitation, and trafficking of girls and women in Nepal through our grass root programs.

Through the Educare Family Support Program, Young mother (name changed for privacy) will receive essential resources including nutritious food, educational support, medical care, and counselling. Our goal is to provide Young mother (name changed for privacy) and her daughter with the stability and dignity they deserve, ensuring that they can continue to thrive and build a future free from stigma, fear and hardship.

Conclusion

There exists a beacon of hope and resilience that shines brightly through the story of Young mother (name changed for privacy). Her journey from despair to dignity is not only a testament to her courage but also a reminder of the profound impact that our program and support can have in transforming lives. As we present Young mother (name changed for privacy) and her daughter as our Family of the Month, we reflect on their inspiring story and reaffirm our commitment to the mission of the Bahini Educare Foundation and the IMPACT it makes on our target groups.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this cause. Your support is not just a gesture of charity; it is a lifeline that transforms lives and uplifts the most vulnerable among us.

Together, we can create a world where every girl and woman in Nepal can live in safety, dignity, and hope.

It’s simple: It’s simply B-E-F.

Surendra, Raymond & TEAM

Bahini Educare Foundation