"I live with my aunt so my mother has one less mouth to feed, allowing her to take better care of my other siblings. While living with my aunt helps ease some of the burden on my mother, I miss her dearly and long to be back home. Now that I’ve been selected for IGOF, I am filled with hope and excitement. This opportunity means that my school fees and stationery will be covered, relieving my mother of these financial concerns. With these expenses taken care of, I am hopeful that I can return home and stay with my mother and siblings. Being together again would bring immense joy to all of us, and I look forward to supporting my family while continuing my education."

Sakuna Thami is an 8-year-old girl from Kalinchowk Rural Municipality, Ward No. 9. She has been selected as one of the two candidates for IGOF 2024. Sakuna lives with her mother and siblings in a challenging family situation. Her father, who has two wives, is seldom present in her life, leaving her mother as the sole breadwinner. Her mother works tirelessly in the fields to support the family, and despite her young age, Sakuna is remarkably aware of the difficulties her mother faces as a single parent. She demonstrates a deep sense of responsibility and maturity, eagerly helping her mother with various tasks around the house and in the fields.

Photo Description: Sakuna Thami's home at Kalinchowk Rural Municipality Ward No.9 .

To ease the financial burden on her family, Sakuna lives with her maternal aunt, who resides just 10 minutes away from their home. This arrangement allows her mother to focus on providing for the family while ensuring Sakuna receives the care and attention she needs. Sakuna’s enthusiasm and willingness to assist her mother are commendable. She participates in household chores and any other way she can, showing a level of understanding and empathy beyond her years. Her situation highlights the resilience and adaptability of young children in the face of adversity, and her selection for IGOF 2024 brings hope for better support and opportunities for her and her family.

Photo Description: Sakuna Thami receiving stationery items from the Principal of the school as the selected IGOF candidate.

Indigenous Girls Opportunity Fund(IGOF) is an initiative taken by National Indigenous Women Forum(NIWF) in 2023 with the aim of ensuring equal access to education for Indigenous Girls. IGOF is dedicated to providing educational assistance and other necessary assistance to the scholarship recipient girls to support them academically. This fund provides educational aid to the selected student candidates from marginalised and endangered Indigenous Communities from economically disadvantaged backgrounds giving special emphasis in their empowerment through education.

Photo Description: Shree Kalika Secondary School where Sakuna Thami studies.