Support Women-Run School in Nepali Village

It’s been a transformational year for Marpha Foundation!

This past Spring, I transitioned out of my role as Onsite Director and stepped into the remote position of Support Coordinator. After nearly seven years in Marpha, I was thrilled to see the NGO committee and local staff ready to run Marpha Foundation! 

The timing was impeccable. After discussing this transition in August 2019, I became pregnant in December 2019 and welcomed Joaquin Sonam into the world this past July in my home state of Oregon.

In my place, the tenacious Nanu Gurung stepped in as Interim Onsite Director for this year. After serving as Lead Kindergarten Teacher for three years, she was more than equipped to take on the role. In addition to overseeing every aspect of the Foundation, including our fellowship and residency programs, she also led after school English language classes with our recent kinder graduates. 

Nanu has also been instrumental in the recruitment, interview, and now training, of our new full-time Onsite Director Kripen Juwarchan. While Nanu is from Mustang district, she is not from Marpha Village. It was her strong belief and commitment to see a Marpha youth at the head of the Foundation’s leadership. 

Kripen is a Thakali (indigenous) youth who has migrated back to the village after years of education in urban centers. He understands culture as inextricably tied to place and recognizes the importance of being an ally for women and the historically marginalized Dalit community. 

I am thrilled to be able to share these changes with you and encourage you to continue to support the dedicated and brave work of our learning community. 

Thank you,
Jessica Kain
Founder, Support Coordinator
Marpha Foundation