Girls’ Stories: Anju and Karina
Karina’s Story:
I was 11 years old when I got picked up for the Scholarship. I was studying in grade 4 in Rising Rays Boarding School which was located in New Plaza, Kathmandu. My mom was a single mother since I got in school. She handled the burden of two children on her own as my father abandoned us and got married to another woman when I was six and my younger brother was four. It was mentally, emotionally, and financially tough for her to raise us both on her own. Our school’s principal, Mr. Kumar Bhattarai, was well know about our situation which is why he introduced me to ENG as a potential scholarship candidate.
I was too young to know the details of what it meant to get an ENG scholarship when I first got into the program. But gradually, I got to know about ENG as there used to be so many interaction programs as well as distribution programs where I got school uniforms, stationery items, and winter items annually. It felt so good as a child, as I got to wear a new school uniform every year unlike before. Moreover, it helped us financially as most of the family budget used to be spent on stationeries items, school uniforms, and other school fees.
With the interaction programs conducted with ENG, I got to make so many friends from foreign countries. I still remember those days when they used to come to our school, we used to give them a tour of our school. We also used to play games and share about our culture, native language and countries. Our school often conducted annual program with ENG where we used to show our cultural dance to them. As a child, it was hard for me to see my mom, struggling alone for our education, household chores and her small business. I come to realize now how much all of those interaction programs have assisted me emotionally back in the days. I remember all those days as the most fun days as there used to be special excitement when we hear the news of ENG team, coming to visit our school.
ENG has really helped me emotionally and financially to my family, as even after the end of secondary school level, as after that I became the direct member of ENG girls club. Till here, where I am right now, ENG has genuinely assisted me and even my family in many ways. Babita providing us with personal advice and suggestions, has personally helped me in improving my personality. With the different leadership programs conducted, I have developed leadership skills, presentation skills and communication skills within myself. Last but not the least, the monthly interactions programs conducted through the ENG Girls clubs have become a way for each of one us to build a sense of community as we get to share what has been bothering to us, take mature advice from seniors, and express our thoughts and feelings without the fear of judgement.
So, if anyone asks me, what ENG means to me, I will lack the words to answer the question as no word or paragraph would be enough to answer the question. it has not only paved the way for me but has become a crucial part of my life. I cannot start my story without mentioning ENG.
Anju’s Story: 
I am from Mandandeupur ward no 3, Kavre. It’s a beautiful small village located in the lap of nature. Currently, I am living at Kamalbinayak, Bhaktapur along with my 5 siblings. ENG picked me up for the scholarship when I was in grade 6, and for almost two decades I have been engaged with ENG. I belong to a joint family consisting of 12 family members’ living altogether. The main occupation and income of our family is Agriculture from which we were hardly fulfilling our basic needs. We were admitted to Samata School when I was in grade 3 as it has cheapest fee in the town. When I got selected for the scholarship, I was studying in grade 7. I still remember those moments that in our school during every exam, students who were left to pay dues were made stand outside the classroom when others were allowed to take the exam. We were allowed to enter exam hall only after 20/25 minutes had passed as a form of punishment and public embarrassment. I was one of the brightest students at school and always hold the first position but was still punished and not allowed to take the tests properly because I could not pay the fee. So, understanding my situation and according to the criteria, I was selected by ENG for the scholarship with which I am able to become the first member of the generation till date to graduate.
When I was young, I used to think I was the luckiest kid in school because every year I used to get the bag full of stationeries which was very essential for me. I used to share those with my siblings. After getting the scholarship, I never had to wait for the exam. At that time, I think it was because of the scholarship that I continued my studies. For my family, it helps a lot which is beyond our financial capacity. Recently, I have graduated with a bachelors in business administration and am working in a private company as an accountant. I am able to bear my own expenses. Now, I am preparing for my further studies too.
ENG helped me reach where I am today. Beside the scholarship I have gotten a platform to build my confidence and leadership. I also got emotional support as well from my ENG sisters. Beyond the scholarship, I am grateful for the sisterhood, guidance, and support I have received through the ENG Girl’s Club. ENG is like a rest stop for me where I could lay my sorrows and get relief by sharing my problems. Its also a second family for me. Giving back to ENG is one of my aims in life. I am always ready to help ENG from my side. I am a lifetime member of this organization where I can help by doing my best.