“Education was my dream, but I had given up hope. The scholarship gave me a second chance, and I am determined to make the most of it.”

Raju Tamang, from a remote village in Sindhupalchok district, had to drop out of school after completing 8th grade. His family, struggling with poverty after the 2015 earthquake, could not afford to continue his education. Instead, Raju started working as a laborer to support his family.

In 2020, Akumaya Foundation's education team identified Raju as a bright student who had been forced to abandon his education due to financial constraints. Through our scholarship program, Raju was offered the opportunity to return to school.

The scholarship covered not only his school fees but also provided for uniforms, books, and other educational materials. Additionally, Raju received mentoring support to help him catch up on the academic content he had missed.

Despite the challenges of returning to school after a two-year gap, Raju showed remarkable determination. He studied diligently and quickly rose to the top of his class. His teachers noted his exceptional abilities in mathematics and science.

In 2022, Raju completed his School Leaving Certificate (SLC) examination with distinction. His outstanding performance earned him a place in a prestigious science college in Kathmandu, where he is now studying on a full scholarship.

"Education was my dream, but I had given up hope. The scholarship gave me a second chance, and I am determined to make the most of it. I want to become an engineer and help develop my community," says Raju.

Raju's story highlights the transformative power of education and the importance of providing opportunities for talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds. By investing in their education, we are not only changing individual lives but also contributing to the long-term development of communities.