Pari

14-year old Pari (pictured above)'s early life was shaped by hardship following the death of her father, leading her to work and beg from a young age to support her family. Things began to change when she met SathSath, Toybox’s partner in Kathmandu. With their support, Pari has enrolled in school, restored relationships with her family, and found hope for a brighter future. Here, in her own words, she shares her experience.

struggles on the street

“Our family was always connected to the streets but after my father passed away, we had more difficulty. I was required to work in other people's houses and beg from a young age to financially support my family.

“The streets gave me a sense of freedom. I loved hanging out with other street children as we found comfort in each other. But the streets are not a safe place for a girl, nor is working in other people’s home. We become easy targets for abuse and harassment. Not all people can be trusted.

Meeting SathSath

“Before coming to the project, I was hopeless, I thought my life would never change for the better. I was on the streets with no educational prospects. But through friends of my siblings, we connected to SathSath. We went along with them out of curiosity. Seeing other children my age, their friendships with each other and the fun educational activities there made me want to join in.

“At the project, I enjoy making new friends, learning new things, participating in different activities and knowing that I have good people to rely on.

“The counselling sessions have helped me to identify my traumas related to the verbal abuse I went through on the streets and at work. I felt neglected, not worthy of love and thought that my family did not care for me.

“SathSath have helped me overcome those experiences and restore my hope in life. The most significant thing I have learned is about happiness and self-love.”

Pictured below: (L) Pari with her older sister and mum. (R) A Counsellor from SathSath, visits Pari at home.

Looking ahead: dreams and role models

“ My study is my most important thing right now. On a typical I wake up early, help to do household chores then go to school. I have started attending additional classes so return home late. For the rest of the evening, I catch up with my friends and do my assignments. I hope to pass with flying colours. I would love to learn to sketch - especially portraits because I want to capture the faces of people I love.

"I value my education since it is the gateway to a different life and I am learning to value myself. In the future, I want to be a nurse. I can’t wait to be successful and support my family.

"My role model is Anuradha Koirala (the Governor of Bagmati Province). As a social worker, she has helped many poor people and saved girls from human trafficking. She is a powerful woman, and she inspires me a lot.

"My mother has been my most influential person in my life because she is strong and hard working. She struggled a lot for us and is raising as single mother which is not easy. My father passed away too soon, and I regret not spending a lot of time with him. My family are the most important people in my life right now.

"I am grateful for SathSath’s support for me and my family. With their help my life has improved a lot."

Pictured below: (L) Pari pictured at the Learning Centre with friends after school. (R) Pari attends a mental health workshop for children led by Toybox's partner SathSath.