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.
Ritu is one of the girls that we support through the Captivating Village Program (CVP) in Nepal. The Captivating Village Program aims to empower out-of-school girls in the villages around Nepal. The program includes offering scholarships, providing life skills training, assigning a staff member to oversee the girls’ well-being, conducting awareness sessions for parents and leaders, and improving the quality of education resources at the local school. This comprehensive plan seeks to address issues such as school dropout, child marriage, and poverty, ultimately transforming the lives of the girls and their families.
Ritu’s family hails from a humble background, where her mother works on a farm and her father works as a driver. Ritu struggled to attend school with her two older sisters because of their financial difficulties.
During a recent field visit, our team evaluated their situation, provided educational assistance, and raised awareness about the importance of education and human rights. The family expressed deep gratitude for the support received and emphasized the paramount importance they place on education.
Despite the obstacles, Ritu excels in taekwondo, achieving the top position in the President’s Running Shield competition and earning accolades in various school sports events. Her talent in sports was further highlighted when she won a cash prize of NPR 10,000 (USD 75) in an interschool taekwondo competition. Ritu’s accomplishments emphasize the positive impact of educational assistance and support in nurturing holistic development, showcasing her dedication and talent in academics and sports.
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.