From Darkness to Hope
Chandani Kumari Sah is a young girl from Hajminiya Darbar in Ward No. 2 of Rajdevi Municipality, Rautahat. She used to live a happy and joyful life full of love and dreams. Her childhood was filled with warmth and the care of her parents. Even simple moments felt special because of their love. Their house was small, but it was always full of happiness. Chandani grew up believing that life would always be like that.
But life had different plans. About seven years ago, a big tragedy happened. Her father, Birendra Sah, died suddenly. This left the family with a lot of sadness and a lot of uncertainty. They were left without a strong support system and money became very hard to come by. Chandani’s mother, Asha Kumari Devi Sah, was left to take care of four children by herself. With very little money and no steady job, just surviving became a challenge every day.
Her mother started a small shop at home. She went to a market in India to buy goods and then sold them in their village. She sold daily home uses necessary items just to help feed the family. Chandani’s older brother also tried to help by opening a little hotel where he sold meat and snacks. Everyone in the family worked hard in their own way to keep going, all while holding onto hope in tough times.
Chandani was only in grade 5 when her life changed. Because of poverty, she had to stop going to school and give up on her dreams. Instead of studying, she started doing household work and helping her mother with the shop. Around the same time, her older sister was married off at just 15 years old. It was a painful choice, made out of need rather than choice. Chandani watched her mother struggle, and her quiet tears showed the sacrifices that were made. In that moment, Chandani decided to stand by her mother, even if it meant giving up her own future.
Even in the darkest times, small light came into her life. Chandani joined the Bhagwati Women Empowerment Center (WEC) as part of the “Empowering Her” project that RDC Nepal did with help from Oxfam in Nepal and KOICA.
This was a turning point for her. For the first time, she started to see possibilities again, instead of just limitations. At the center, she learned how to manage money, keep records, save, and make plans. These were not just skills; they were tools that helped rebuild her confidence. She started helping her mother run the shop better, bringing small but meaningful changes to their lives. With each step, she felt more confident in herself.
Then something amazing happened—she decided to dream again. Chandani gathered the courage to go back to school. She joined grade 10. Today, at just 17 years old, she is taking her SEE exams something that once seemed impossible.
With a gentle smile and hopeful eyes, Chandani says, “There was a time when I felt lost and hopeless. I couldn’t imagine a future for myself. But after joining WEC, everything changed. Now I feel strong and confident. I can support my family, run a small business, and most importantly, I am going back to school. Today, I believe I can create my own future.”
Chandani’s story is not just about struggle it is about strength, courage, and the power of opportunity. It shows the quiet strength of many girls who face pain and hardship. Her journey reminds us that even in dark times, hope can rise up if given the chance. Today, Chandani is not just a girl who faced challenges she is a symbol of strength. She shows that no dream is too big if you have courage and the right chance.
