Sarita Purkoti (BSW Graduate)

Second Cohort

I was born in Gaurigaun, Sisneri, Lalitpur in a small family. My mother enrolled me to a near by school at an early age and always encouraged me to study. I remember my first day of going to school when I held my mother’s finger all the way to school. My mother did odd jobs at home but I don’t remember my father working. We had a cow and small piece of land to cover our necessities.

I passed my SLC with flying colours but given the family circumstances I decided to join a doll factory and earn for my family. They would pay me 10,000 a month. I was so eager to join it and finance my family but my mother didn’t allow me for this. She encouraged me to study more which left me confused and disappointed. Once I was in a temple praying, when I turned back I saw my principal sir, he took me to the school. There a selection process for Samaanta Foundation fellowship was on its way. I was asked to participate. The happiest news for me came few days later – I was given Samaanta Foundation Fellowship. Me and my mother broken into tears after this news.

I came Kathmandu after receiving the fellowship. I remember how difficult it would be to cross roads, identifying hostels and places. I had seen planes landing only on TV, once I saw it with my own eyes in front of Tinkune and I was so scared to watch it.

She completed her high school with Samaanta fellowship from Sagarmatha College. Given her hard work and performance, Samaanta decided to continue supporting her through bachelor’s education where she was clear to join BSW. Sarita completed her Bachelor in Social Work from Thames College.She has been the victim of the caste based social discrimination from an early childhood. Determined to convert this pain into power she joined Social Work for her graduation studies.

Sarita is curently working in Sunsar Maya .Sunsar Maya is an organization that provides educational opportunities to better the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children in Nepal.