Empower 400 Girls and Boys to be Leaders in Nepal

We recently completed our School Leadership Program with one of the most anticipated events of the year: the SLP graduation for 329 students! After four months of co-ed workshops across 14 middle schools which covered topics from time management to self-defense, the graduation was a time for the participants and LEADers alike to reflect on everything they’d learned. The students not only received their certificates at the graduation but also made speeches and participated in music and dance performances. Over 70% of the participants performed and for many of the students, it was their first time giving a speech or performing in public.

The graduation allowed our 29 LEADers (high school seniors participating in our year-long after-school LEAD Course) to celebrate the accomplishments of the students they had been supporting over the last four months and gave the students an opportunity to showcase their new-found confidence and thank the LEADers for all their hard work. It was also a time for the participants' parents, teachers, and friends to recognize the growth that happened during the program and see the students as future leaders and changemakers.

LEADer Sajju, who conducted the SLP at Bluebird School and whose sister was a LEADer in 2014, said the following in her speech at graduation, "I feel like I have achieved my dream today because three years ago, I saw my sister doing the same thing. While I was in the audience clapping for her, I wished that one day I would be there in her place giving a speech for my students and celebrating their graduation ceremony." While applying for the LEAD Course, Sajju mentioned that she's proud to be a woman because 'I am able to fight for my rights and inspire others', and that her hopes for the future included becoming a changemaker and working with NGOs to develop Nepal, citing, ‘Just one person can make a difference and I dream to become that one person that can make a difference around the world.' In training, mentoring and inspiring 27 students in her SLP, Sajju is well on her way to achieving that dream.

Nischal, who participated in the New Zenith SLP, made a speech at graduation where he talked about how our School Leadership Program enabled him to take charge of his life by setting goals. ‘On the very first day of the SLP, I learned about SMART goals. In this topic, I learned to take aim in life. I also learned that only taking aim is not enough to get success in life. But I learned that goals should be SMART which means Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound. I used to be confused about my aim in life, but after attending this session, I found my direction!’

It is thanks to your support that we are able to support emerging young leaders like Sajju and Nischal. Our LEAD Course and SLP not only teach practical skills but empower our participants to advocate for themselves and pursue their dreams.

Thank you for helping us build a better world where women leaders co-create the future!

Links:

• Check out photos from the SLP Graduations
• Take an inside look at the SLP weekly workshops