CVP: Former Child Bride Graduates and Learns Japanese
Forced into child marriage at 15, Ritika overcame shame and hardship with support from her family and our Captivating Village Program.
Bimala is one of the girls we support through the Captivating Village Program (CVP) in Nepal. Bimala’s mother told a powerful story about the importance of education and a mother’s love during one of the sharing sessions we had with the CVP parents. She believes that education is not just a privilege but a necessity for every child, regardless of gender. Her words are filled with hope, emphasizing that education opens up many opportunities. She explains how education helps uphold women’s rights and fight against gender discrimination. Her message is clear: education gives women skills, knowledge, talent, and confidence. It turns them into strong members of society, capable of much more than just being mothers or caregivers. Educated women can also be skilled workers and active contributors to their communities.
According to the 2022 National Human Rights Report, an estimated number of 40,300 Nepalis (mostly women and girls) were trafficked over the past two years. In addition to these staggering statistics, around 1.9 million people are at risk for trafficking. Bimala’s mother understands this fact all too well. She understands that nearly half the population is women, and empowering them is crucial. An educated woman can improve her household, uplift her family, and bring about positive change in her village. Female education is essential for progress, helping create a brighter, more equal future.
She promises to educate her daughter and support her dreams, with help from our dedicated team in Nepal. This support makes it easier to provide the education her daughter needs. As she sees her daughter grow and learn, she feels proud and fulfilled. The change is not just academic but also personal, as her daughter develops character and potential. Bimala’s mother’s story is about love, determination, and striving for a better future. It shows that educating a child empowers a family and strengthens a community.
HELP US CREATE MORE IMPACT
In 2023, the Captivating Village Program initiative reached 18 villages in Nepal. Every time $5,000 in funding is secured from a generous donor (or group of donors), another village program can be planned and implemented. Our team then keeps you updated on the difference you are making possible. Interested in learning more? Contact our CEO directly, andrewc@captivating.org, for more details. He’d love to hear from you.
Our Partners
Forced into child marriage at 15, Ritika overcame shame and hardship with support from her family and our Captivating Village Program.
We conducted a needs assessment in Panchkhal and uncovered challenges in the community, including a troubling rise in suicide rates linked to child marriage.
Some girls cannot pursue education, but it does not mean that learning stops there. Our Captivating Village Program (CVP) aims to provide out-of-school girls with a vital opportunity to continue their education in alternative learning environments.
Every year, hundreds of students in Nepal are compelled to leave school due to their family conditions. According to statistics, 4.8% of students in Nepal still leave school each year.
When we first met Neeta a few months ago in Nepal, she lacked confidence and had low self-esteem.
We started a Women’s Reproductive and Child Health Camp around different areas in Gaurishankar Rural Municipality in October, and November 2023, and April this year.