In a village a few hours outside of Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, Binda has transformed her life through determination, family bonds, and the support of Convoy of Hope.
Binda’s journey began with an early heartbreak. When she was just two years old, her mother passed away. Her father raised their family alone. Because of this, Binda only finished school up to grade five.
Years later, she got married. Though her husband works as a painter in Kathmandu, they struggled financially. Binda grew enough food in their garden to eat, but never more than that. But Binda had her children to think about, and she was determined to see them grow up and succeed on their own.
“I want my children to find good jobs after they finish their university,” she said. “I want them to be one of the role models for the younger generation.”
A significant turning point in Binda’s life came when she joined Convoy of Hope’s Agriculture program. She learned farming techniques like cultivating tomatoes; growing off-season cauliflower, peas, and onions; preparing compost, organic pesticides, and liquid fertilizers; and treating plant diseases. And Convoy’s Agriculture specialists were there to help her troubleshoot any problems she ran into.
“It was not just the training but the whole package,” Binda said.
These new skills have changed everything for her. Binda didn’t know about commercial farming, and she relied on her husband’s income for even small household needs. But now she earns her own income. She can provide the materials her daughter needs for school.
Additionally, Binda’s daughter receives nutritious meals every school day from Convoy’s Children’s Feeding program. Binda even volunteers with the other mothers to prepare the meals.
And Binda’s impact doesn’t stop with her own family. “This program has awakened the people of my village from the dark side to the bright future,” she said. Binda and other women in her village are now selling their produce in nearby towns and even as far away as Kathmandu.
“She is a role model for every woman in the village and a great example of empowered women,” said a Convoy of Hope team member in Nepal.
“A huge thank you from the bottom of my heart to the people behind this support,” Binda said. “This program has made a drastic change in my community.”
Binda is a shining example of how hope and hard work can break cycles of poverty and transform lives. “I hope that people learn that difficulties come in your life but love and bond of the families always helps to overcome the difficulties,” she said. “So, never ever lose hope in life because hope always brings happiness in life.”
