Our vision for every child, life in all its fullness

Every mother wishes her child to be healthy but for some mothers that wish does not come true.

Tulamaya, 59, from Ratmate, Jiri, is the mother of 3 sons and 7 daughters and one of her daughters Kanchi was born differently-abled. Kanchi suffers from physical and speech impairments. Her limbs do not function properly.

Kanchi studies in Jiri, where the lush green hills are favoured by tourists. Her school was badly affected by the earthquake.

Although most teenagers her age study in high school, she is currently enrolled in fifth grade. Despite her physical limitations she is determined to study. She writes with her feet and, according to her teacher, her handwriting is better than most of her classmates.

Initially, Tulamaya did not send Kanchi to school for several years, fearing she fight fall and get injured. Later she did go to school but left after a few years as her family could not afford the school expenses. Moreover, Kanchi felt uncomfortable among children much younger than her. 

After the earthquake, in an effort to support vulnerable students like Kanchi, World Vision provided her with a scholarship which will cover her school expense for nearly a year.

"After my daughter received the scholarship we bought note copies, pen, school uniform and she went back to school. The scholarship money will be spent only on my daughter's education," says Tulamaya.

The teachers at the school have also received training on child-friendly teaching learning (CFTL) from World Vision, and they take special care of Kanchi.

Even though Kanchi requires more time and effort to understand the school lessons, she does not give up. She also likes to play and during recess she is always found playing with her friends.

Her cousin Punam, 11, is in the same class, and she looks after Kanchi in the school. Without Punam it would be difficult for Kanchi to eat lunch or go to the bathroom. Punam explains, "She is my sister and it is my responsibility to look after her. I feel happy for her that she has received the scholarship."

Tulamaya often worries about her daughter's future. She explains, "Everyday I help her dress and comb her hair. I also help her in eating, bathing, and other daily activities. What will happen to my daughter when I die? Who will look after her? These thoughts trouble me all the time."

Kanchi's school principal, Indra Bahadur, 43, says, "Although she is not like other children she tries to study hard and her willpower is strong. She is a special child."

Kanchi's physical disorder is not the only tragedy in Tulamaya's life. Her youngest daughter Puspa died at the tender age of 4 when she found a hand bomb in the nearby jungle during the Maoist insurgency and mistook it for a toy. She was killed on the spot when the bomb exploded.

"She was a beautiful child," recollects Tulamaya with moist eyes. "No one should suffer such agony."

Indra Bahadur shares, "Many people, including tourists, have come to our school to interview Kanchi but no one has provided her any support till now except for World Vision. I am grateful that she has received this scholarship."

After the earthquake, World Vision provided scholarships to 100 needy students in Dolakha. World Vision has also provided CFTL trainings to over 450 teachers in 5 earthquake affected districts.