My name is Nisha Pariyar,and I want to share my story of resilience, survival, and transformation. I wasborn in the Morang district of Eastern Nepal, into a family of seven. My earlylife was marred by constant quarrels and instability due to my father'sstruggles with alcohol and the crushing weight of our economic situation. Itbecame too much for my mother to bear, and one day, she left us—marryingsomeone else and abandoning me and my siblings. From that moment on, we wereessentially orphans, left to navigate life without her care and protection.
Though my grandparentsstepped in to raise me, the absence of my mother haunted me. I yearned for heraffection and support. In an attempt to give me a better future, my uncle tookme to Kathmandu, where we settled in the slums, living with my grandmother.Life in Kathmandu was no easier—our financial situation was dire, and it seemedthat stability and comfort were out of reach. Although my uncle and grandmotherloved me deeply, their love alone couldn’t solve our daily struggles.
However, through theefforts of Change Action Nepal, my life took a turn. They enabled me to attendschool, enrolling me in Grade 5 at Guheswori Secondary School. I had access toeducation for the first time in years, and despite the hardships I continued toface, I found a sense of purpose in my studies.
Yet, life was still farfrom easy. The stigma surrounding my mother’s departure left a mark on me. Ioften felt misunderstood, impulsive, and judged. I struggled with fitting inand made some poor decisions along the way, even befriending the wrong crowdjust to meet my basic needs.
In the midst of thesechallenges, I found comfort in a boy from a nearby shop who worked inKathmandu. He was from India and seemed to offer the love and attention I hadbeen missing my whole life. He promised me everything I lacked—a better life, acaring family, and love. Believing in his words, I naively agreed to run awaywith him to Bihar, India, convinced that it was the escape I needed.
Unfortunately, our dream ofa new life was cut short when the police stopped us at the southern border,acting on information from Change Action Nepal. I was brought back toKathmandu, heartbroken and confused, but not abandoned. Change Action Nepalstayed by my side, continuing to support me in my education and personaldevelopment.
Despite my setbacks, Icompleted Grades 9 and 10, and I didn’t stop there. I enrolled in high schooland began taking a Social Mobilizer course, determined to turn my life around.Today, I am proud to say that I work as a Montessori teacher at the EarlyChildhood Development Center run by Change Action Nepal. This center is locatedin the same slums where I grew up, and now I get to give back to the verycommunity that raised me.
What I once saw as ahopeless future has transformed into one filled with opportunity and joy. I amdriven by a desire to continue my education and empower women who have facedsimilar challenges. Most importantly, I have found a new life—not justphysically, but spiritually, as I have embraced Christianity, which has broughtme peace and strength.
Thanks to the unwaveringsupport and intervention of Change Action Nepal, I am no longer the lost girl Ionce was. Today, I am a teacher, a mentor, and a woman filled with hope for thefuture. I am proof that with the right support, anyone can rise above theircircumstances, and I want to help others do the same.
