How do you want to make a change? Youth from Nepal share their views.
8th grader, Ashmita, 14, is worried over peers who get bullied at school.
“They keep it as a secret. This can influence on their well-being and lead to depression. If someone is being bullied, they can tell it to any student council member. We help to solve the problem.”
Facts about Nepal
2/3 of the country is mountainous. The highest peak in the Himalayas, Mount Everest, is located in Nepal.
Nepal has a population of 29 million.
40 % of the population is under 20 years old.
123 different languages are spoken in the country. The most spoken languages are Nepali, Maithili and Bhojpuri.
Hemraj, 19, Nepal
”My goal is to be a changemaker. Youth face similar challenges everywhere in the world. First the challenges need to be recognized and then we can solve them together.”
Chandani, 17, Nepal
Chandani, 17, talks about the challenges to the school attendance of girls.
“There are menstrual taboos in Nepal. In the past when we didn’t have a room for resting and good toilet facilities in our school, the girls left home as soon as their periods started”
Schools in Nepal
Education is free in state elementary schools. School uniforms and supplies must be purchased yourself.
The voice of young people in decision-making has been limited. The involvement of young people has been promoted by establishing youth councils and various student councils in schools.
Barsha, 16, Nepal
Salin and Chandani have been student council members in their schools for four years. Salin tells that the teachers, students and parents all work together for a child-friendly environment. “For youth, it is very important to be themselves. If we want something then we should try to grab it, achieve it.”
Chandani wants to encourage everyone to participate in the society.
”One of the most important things in the student council is the possibility to share your problems with others. Everyone has the freedom to express themselves without being judged.”
”Because of harmful attitudes, girls’ rights are not fulfilled. Boys also experience discrimination. Discrimination will only end if the whole community participates in change.”
Ishika, 15, Nepal
Salin, 15, Nepal
Ishika tells how the students work hard to end discrimination.
”Discrimination takes many forms – for example, on the basis of gender or ethnicity. Discriminatory practices are justified by saying that they are traditions. Our student council increases people’s understanding of discrimination. We do street theater, we talk on the radio and we run campaigns.”
Do you want to know more?
Please read our information package in Finnish (pdf) on Nepal’s society and youth.
Ashmita, 14, Nepal