By Nepal Youth Foundation | Project Leader
Across Nepal, a quiet crisis has been unfolding for years. Limited job opportunities have pushed millions of young people to seek work abroad, often in unsafe and exploitative conditions. Today, an estimated 3.5 million Nepalis — about 14% of the population — are employed overseas, with many facing wage theft, trafficking, and inhumane working environments. Stories like Shital’s show how access to practical skills and training can offer a powerful alternative, helping young people build secure, fulfilling futures right here in Nepal.
Shital grew up in a very traditional home in southwestern Nepal. As a girl, her aspirations and well-being were given little priority. Money was tight, and any extra resources were saved for her brothers.
Even without support at home, Shital was a bright and motivated student. She scored well on the challenging Secondary Education Exam (SEE, or “Iron Gate”) at the end of the 10th grade. Only about 50% of students pass this rigorous exam — and the rate is even lower in rural areas like hers.
But just a few months into 11th grade, Shital’s dreams were crushed when her family forced her to drop out of school and marry a local man. She became completely financially dependent on her husband, who refused to pay for even the basic necessities for Shital or their baby son.
Everything changed when Shital learned that Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF) was bringing a village-based Electrical Training Course to her area in 2022. She quickly signed up, completely unfazed by being the only woman in a group of 23 trainees. The program provided her with technical skills — and just as importantly, the confidence and dignity she had long been denied.
Shital thrived in the course, laying the foundation for a remarkable personal and professional transformation. She now enjoys a place of high respect within her family, and her son is enrolled in a good school. And her personal mission has expanded.
After earning her electrician’s certification, Shital was immediately hired by a construction company in Kathmandu, where she worked for 10 months. When NYF expanded the Olgapuri Vocational School Electrical Program, we invited her to join our staff as an instructor.
Today, Shital is employed by NYF as an electrical trainer, helping other young adults access the same life-changing opportunities she once received. Most importantly, she is making an incredible impact by empowering youth to stay in Nepal and build their futures at home.
Shital shares this message with the NYF community:
“Not everyone can pursue higher education, but vocational training can change lives in just a few months. If the next generation combines education with practical skills, there are endless opportunities right here in Nepal. Youth do not have to migrate abroad and leave their families and communities to earn a living. Be true, disciplined, and work selflessly. Success will follow you. We don’t need to go abroad to find happiness — we can build our dreams right here at home.”
Shital’s journey is just one example of how your support of NYF’s Empower Women with Entrepreneurial Skills project is transforming lives. With your partnership, women across Nepal are gaining the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to become self-reliant, support their families, and strengthen their communities — all without leaving home.
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