Dudh Kumari Gurung

April 2025

Namaskar!

I hope this message finds you well. Today, I write with a heart full of gratitude and reflection. Every day brings a new opportunity for learning — something that once seemed distant but now feels wonderfully real. Today was no exception, as we dove deep into a topic that touched me profoundly: Child Rights.

Our discussion opened my eyes in ways I hadn’t anticipated. As the session unfolded, I found myself confronting a truth I could no longer ignore: how often I speak to my children without gentleness, and how often I fail to truly listen when they speak. It was a humbling realization. The rights of children are not just lofty ideals written in documents; they are living, breathing responsibilities that begin with how we engage with them every single day.

Our trainer, Sunita, spoke passionately and knowledgeably, weaving a powerful story around the life of Eglantyne Jebb — the pioneering advocate who first championed child rights. She transported us back to the aftermath of World War I (I realized later it was World War I, not II), a time when children across Europe suffered immensely. It was Eglantyne’s relentless compassion that ignited a global movement to recognize children as individuals with their own rights, deserving of protection, development, and dignity.

But this change did not come easily. Sunita reminded us that the path to securing child rights was long and filled with struggle. What struck me most was Eglantyne’s unwavering belief: “Every war, every disaster, every crisis, ultimately breaks the children the hardest.” Her courage laid the foundation for the rights we now pledge to uphold.

Today, we learned that there are 54 articles dedicated to child rights, enshrined in the UN Convention. To help us internalize these vast commitments, Sunita simplified them into four core pillars:

• Survival: Every child has the right to live and thrive.
• Protection: Every child must be shielded from harm, abuse, and exploitation.
• Development: Every child deserves education, health, and emotional well-being.
• Participation: Every child has the right to be heard and to take part in decisions that affect them.

Each pillar is not just a principle but a call to action. A reminder that it is our duty to create spaces where children feel safe, respected, and empowered.

As I absorbed today’s lessons, a silent promise formed within me: to speak more gently, to listen more deeply, and to remember that every word and action shapes the world my children will inherit. Learning about child rights is not just about laws or frameworks — it is about changing ourselves first, so we can build a better world for them.

I am filled with hope and determination. This is just the beginning of a beautiful journey toward becoming a better listener, a better guide, and a more responsible adult for the children who trust me with their hearts.

Let’s not wait; let’s start today. The rights of children are not optional; they are essential. Therefore, we are all committed to changing our behaviors. Thank you for providing such an important topic.

March 2025

Namaskar! I am Dudhi Maya, and I hope you are enjoying my stories.

I had the opportunity to participate in a four-day training on livestock, which turned out to be incredibly meaningful and eye-opening for me. The training went beyond just learning about fodder and animal care – it also focused on expanding our livestock business, a topic we had previously touched upon during our business training. Revisiting this aspect made the learning even more impactful.

Before this training, I had very little knowledge about goat farming. I didn’t realize how many benefits it offers. Now, I understand that goat farming can be a stable source of income and sustainability. I also learned about different goat species and which ones are most beneficial for us. One of the most valuable lessons was how to choose a strong and healthy “Mother Goat” and “He-Goat” to ensure the production of good-quality kids. Additionally, I discovered a local method for measuring the weight of goats before selling them, which will help me get a fair price for my livestock.

The most significant learning for me was about shed management. I never knew that the structure of a goat shed plays such a crucial role in their health and growth. Previously, I used to keep two or three goats in a small, improper shed, not realizing how it affected their well-being. But through this training, I learned about the ideal shed conditions – what size it should be, how to maintain cleanliness, and why ventilation is so important. Now, I am determined to build a proper goat shed exactly as the trainer taught us.

Another important lesson was about goat nutrition. I learned about different types of grasses and easily available local foods that are best for goats. The trainer also taught us how to make a mineral block, which is an extremely nutritious supplement for goats. I tried making one at home, and to my delight, it has become my goats’ favorite food!

Beyond goat farming, the training also covered key agricultural techniques. We learned how to prepare soil before planting, the right amount of water needed for crops, and how to make manure from waste materials. I also learned how to care for vegetables and protect them if any issues arise.

These four days of livestock training have been life-changing for me and all the members of my group. It has helped me take meaningful steps toward my dream of running a successful goat farm. Before this, I was unaware of so many crucial aspects of livestock and farming. But now, I am applying my learning in my daily life – and I even share my knowledge with others who are not part of the WAWCAS Program, so they too can benefit.

I am deeply grateful to WAWCAS for empowering me with this knowledge. This program has transformed not just my economic situation but also my confidence and social standing.

Thank you, WAWCAS, for bringing such positive change into my life!

February 2025

Namaste to all my readers.

I hope all my readers are doing well. I am doing well with my pig farming business, and today I want to share my insights and experiences from our savings meetings, as well as how group loans have supported us during challenging times.

Our savings meetings are held every second week of the month. At the beginning of our training, Sunita guided us on how to attend and host these meetings. Slowly, month by month, we began participating more actively and started doing all the calculations ourselves. Sunita encouraged everyone to increase optional and child savings because it would help us utilize group loans more effectively when needed.

This month, I requested a group loan for some personal needs. After calculating all the savings and disbursing loans for previous applications, there were only 3,000 rupees left. Although it was a small amount, it came at the perfect time for me. I felt so happy and blessed that my group members understood my situation and supported me during a difficult moment. This experience showed me how much we support one another in our group. I’m deeply grateful and thank everyone for their kindness.

Reflecting on our savings meetings, I remember how challenging it was at the start. After the 7-day training, many members didn’t contribute to optional or child savings. Now, nearly everyone is consistently saving for child education and adding to optional savings, which is a wonderful improvement.

During the first three to four months, we struggled with calculations and hosting the meetings smoothly. But over time, Sunita taught us about the importance of saving and helped us understand how to do all the necessary calculations. Now, we group members can confidently host meetings and manage the calculations ourselves. Sunita now mostly observes, while we take full responsibility for running the meetings.

The group loan system has been a game-changer for all of us. It has helped us overcome difficulties without having to rely on high-interest loans from cooperatives or relatives. Knowing that we have our group savings to fall back on gives us a sense of security and empowerment.

I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to be part of the WAWCAS Program. I am so thankful to Sunita and the WAWCAS Program for including me in this group.

Thank you for reading my story, and I hope it inspires others to understand the power of savings and group support.

January 2025

Namaskar,

Today, we participated in an Issue-Based Training (IBT) on Sanitation. Initially, when I heard the word “sanitation,” I wondered why we needed to discuss this topic here. Honestly, I had forgotten the importance of this issue, even though we briefly touched on it during the Social Situational Analysis (SSA). Some of us still don’t have proper toilets at home, so sanitation might seem like a small issue, but today I realized how vital it truly is.

We learned about four different types of sanitation:

1. Personal Hygiene
2. Home Hygiene
3. Business Hygiene
4. Community Hygiene

Each one of these areas needs our attention to ensure cleanliness and prevent diseases. It became clear that cleanliness isn’t just about appearance—it’s about protecting ourselves from illnesses, maintaining a fit mind and body, and creating a healthy environment for everyone around us.

1. Personal hygiene involves keeping ourselves clean, like cutting nails, brushing teeth, and maintaining body cleanliness.
2. Home hygiene reminded us of the importance of cleaning our kitchens, rooms, and surroundings to keep our families safe and healthy.
3. Business hygiene was something that stood out to many of us. Meera asked why we need to clean our business areas, like livestock sheds or shops. The answer was simple yet powerful: if our business area is dirty, not only will it be unpleasant for customers or others, but it will also impact the growth of our business. Cleanliness is essential for building trust and creating a positive impression.
4. Community hygiene emphasizes working together as a community to ensure clean surroundings for everyone’s benefit.

We also played a matching game where we paired items like big nails with a nail cutter, a broom with dust, a comb with hair, and teeth with a toothbrush. It was so much fun and an effective way to learn through play.

This session made me realize that what seems like a simple concept—cleanliness—has such a deep and far-reaching impact. Cleanliness protects us from diseases, enhances our environment, and promotes both personal and professional growth.

Thank you to the entire team for organizing this training. I am looking forward to the next business training and learning more practical ways to improve our lives and businesses.

Namaskar! Today, I want to share my journey into business. As a farmer, I’ve always been comfortable taking care of animals, but I had never dared dream of running my own business. That changed when I became a member of the WAWCAS group. Inspired and motivated, I made a firm decision to become a successful businesswoman.

I live near a forest, where neighbors are few and far between. This isolation inspired me to start a pig farming business—something that suited my surroundings and would allow me to use my resources wisely. During the training sessions, I learned so much, not just about creating a business plan but also about the intricacies of livestock management.

One key lesson I took to heart during training was that desired changes are possible if we commit ourselves fully. This thought gave me the courage to embark on this journey. Yet, being my first business, I couldn’t help but feel a bit scared. What if it fails? What if I face losses? These thoughts often crossed my mind.

I shared my concerns with the trainers, and Meera, one of our trainers, reassured me. She told us that if any problems arise, we can reach out for help, and our Technical Assistant (TA) will be there to guide us. This assurance brought me immense relief and confidence.

I decided to start small. I’ve built a strong shed for my pigs—a small but solid beginning. As I look ahead, I dream of seeing my business grow steadily. I know it will take time, but I’m hopeful that, with patience and dedication, my efforts will pay off.

One day, I believe my pig farming business will flourish, and I will be able to resolve my financial challenges. This dream is no longer just a distant hope; it’s a path I’ve chosen to walk with determination.

November 2024

Namaskar, I am Dudh Kumari Gurung from the 7 Days Training Hall. Today marks the last day of the 7 Days Training , and I am filled with joy. I truly feel like I have become a more complete person. As human beings, we must seek knowledge, and today, I have taken a significant step toward that.

Growing up in a remote village in Lamjung, I never had the chance to explore the world beyond my surroundings. It was a journey of discovery for me, as I came to understand that women have their own rights. I have learned about our struggles and the strength we possess to overcome them.

During the training, I discovered the power of group dynamics and the strength that comes from seeking support from others. I learned to reduce unnecessary expenses and gained valuable insights into my strengths and weaknesses. I was truly amazed by how much I could learn in just seven days.

As an illiterate woman who struggles with the Nepali language, I found it remarkable that our trainer, Sunita Gurung, taught us in our own language. Her ability to explain concepts clearly filled me with joy and gratitude, reminding me that with the right support, we can overcome any challenge. It was not only easy for me it was easy for most of the group members because we are in the same ethnicity.

Through this training, I strongly feel that my life has been changed a lot. We learn how to manage time, how to make business plans, and very importantly to visualize where we want to be in three years from now. To speak honestly, I never think about where I want to be.

In the beginning, when we first heard about the 7 full days of training, I was unsure whether I would be able to stay that long and absorb so much information. However, time flew by, and now I feel that the training should continue for a few more days. We received seed money of 25,000 rupees, and I am committed to starting my business according to my plan.

October 2024

Hello, my name is Dudh Kumari Gurung. I am 38 years old and I live in Dordi-7, Lamjung. I have one son and one daughter. My husband works locally, and we have been managing our livelihood through farming until now. Despite working tirelessly in agriculture, we are struggling to make ends meet, even to afford two meals a day. There isn’t much work available in the village either, and sometimes my husband gets seasonal labor jobs. If not, we have to rely on farming to cover our household expenses. I, too, haven’t been involved in anything other than household and farm work.

Due to the lack of fertile land, no matter how hard we work, the yield is always low, so at the end of the day, it becomes tough to feed our families and educate our children. With no other sources of income, I once thought of sending my husband abroad for work. But the process seemed difficult, and the uncertainty of it all made me hesitant. As our children grow older, I’ve been more anxious about their future.

One day, I heard from a friend in the village that a program was coming to our area. She mentioned a meeting at the community center, and I was curious to know more, so I decided to attend. At the meeting, some women from the organization named Slisha and its program called WAWCAS explained thethe program. I learned that this program is aimed at empowering women like us who are struggling. I felt so happy! I had never gotten such an opportunity before. But now, I had this chance, and it made me incredibly excited.

Not only that, but they also offered small seed money to start up small businesses with some contribution, and women like me would be given seeds and materials to start our own businesses. This boosted my confidence and gave me hope. I returned home and told my husband everything. However, he was skeptical at first and questioned why I would join a group. I felt discouraged because I had already realized how much this opportunity could benefit us. I didn’t want to let this slip away.

Despite my initial disappointment, my husband gradually began to understand. Eventually, he agreed, and we decided to take part in this program, and with the seed money we received, we will start a business. The women in my village, including me, are very happy that such a beneficial program has come to us. Now my husband has decided not to go abroad, and instead, we are making plans to increase our income right here. Let’s see what the future holds, but I have hope that the results will be positive!

Dear Reader,

Hello and Namaskar,

I am Sunita Gurung, and I am excited to write the story of Dudh Kumari from Lamjung. I look forward to exploring the turning points in her journey. Every day, I am learning how women face various challenges, and it’s fascinating to see their resilience.

With warm regards,

Sunita Gurung

LPL Lamjung