HYF's Happy Children

Karma Yudon Lama

Karma was born into a family of Nomads northeast of Muktinath in a wild and isolated settlement called Nari. Karma's parents have been Yak and sheep herders for much of their lives, having come from Tibet in 1959. As the oldest child in a family of 5 other children Yudon began to work as a cattle girl at the age of 5 and was destined to become a professional nomad.

In 1998 Karma's family suffered a terrible tragedy when an avalanche swept much of their Yak and sheep herd away as well as killing several of their family members. This left them in a desperate situation and ever since they have been earning a subsistence living by working on local farms etc.

Tashi Gurung met Karma and her family in 1999 whilst working as a field supervisor in the area. Seeing the helplessness of the family he decided to try and help them by offering to bring Yudon to Kathmandu and find a sponsor to put her into school. With an education at least she would not follow the same desperate path of her parents. Yudon was 7 years old when she was brought to Kathmandu and had to be given additional tutoring in order that she was able to catch up with her peers.

Karma is one of the brightest children among our 82 students and she regularly excels in her studies. Karma's story is very typical of the HCF children and is why your help and generosity is so important to us.

My life in Choki Traditional Art School
By Yeshi Wangdi, senior student at CTAS

I am Yeshi Wangdi, studying in my final year. This coming December, I will be graduating from this school. So I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have shared every special moment I have enjoyed in CTAS and also for your faith in us.

I joined this school in 1999 as the first batch. At that time there was only 13 students. We did not have tables, chairs or beds to sleep. There was no proper classroom, hostel or bathroom. Our school has started very small and I have never thought we would have  these facility in our school and certainly not before I graduate from here.

Most of us when we came here, we did not have proper bedding or clothes. We were totally depending on our parents. I went to school  till class 5 and then could not continue my study as my parents got divorced. I am the eldest among the four children. There was one time  when I thought my life is a waste.

Particularly when I see my friends going to school. I want to study hard and become somebody and less dependent where I don’t have to see my younger sister and brothers suffering. I want to help them…but never know how I will do that!
Fortunately, I have been given a chance in my life from this school. For a person coming from such background like me, this school is everything.

I worked very hard and by the time I was in 2d year I was able to make some money during my winter holidays. As years went by, I was able to help my parents as well as my brothers and sister in their education.

I consider myself very lucky now, as I have all the skills and knowledge that an expert painter should have. I am certain that I will be able to serve my country, friends and family in better ways than I was before.

We really thank all of you for the wonderful time we have enjoyed in CTAS.

I will be passing out from the school this winter but throughout my life I will always be grateful to you and to the school.

Thank you!

Yeshi Wangdi