Mentorship often is not just guidance but a lifeline. For many girls facing adversity, a mentor’s presence can make the difference between giving up and moving forward. Sarita’s story is a powerful reflection of this. With the right mentorship and support, she overcame immense challenges and found the courage to continue her education. Her journey reminds us how transformative it is when someone provides resources and truly believes in you.

Sarita, a recent graduate of Kalidevi Secondary School, is one of our bright and determined scholars. Like many girls in Nepal, her path to education has not been easy. Her family has endured long-standing financial difficulties, making it difficult for her to continue her studies. For a time, the burden felt too heavy to bear.

“In the middle of 10th class, I almost decided to drop out of school,” Sarita recalls in a heartfelt video reflection. 

“Mentors from the foundation came to my house and provided me with so much support and motivation. They gave me school supplies, books, and more than anything, motivation and encouragement.”

Back in Grade 10, Sarita reached a breaking point. Her confidence was low, her future uncertain, and she saw no clear path forward. She was ready to walk away from her education — until one visit from the Rukmini Foundation team changed everything.

The mentors didn’t just ask how she was doing. They sat down with her. They listened. They reminded her she still had time and promised to walk beside her on her journey. That moment of presence and belief lit a fire of determination in her.

While the foundation had already been supporting Sarita with school fees, materials, and mentorship, that emotional connection made all the difference.

“Before, I used to feel like I was all alone. I had to collect my own supplies and books, and it was so overwhelming,” she shares. “I am so thankful that the foundation was there for me.”

Sarita went on to be one of just 7 out of 19 in her class to sit for the Secondary Education Examination (SEE). She often reflects on how different things might have been for her friends — many of whom dropped out — if they had received the same kind of support she did.

Today, Sarita proudly studies computer science, full of hope and confidence. Her journey proves what can happen when a young woman is not hidden behind despair but given the chance to be seen, heard, and supported.

Her story is one of academic success, emotional resilience, and community impact. The support from Rukmini Foundation didn’t just help Sarita; it uplifted her entire family, offering a source of strength in difficult times.

“When someone truly believes in you, everything changes.”

Sarita’s story is one of many, and yet it feels universal. Through your continued support, we can walk alongside more girls like Sarita — helping them rise, dream, and light the way to a brighter future.

About Arun Aryal

An assistant professor of Management Information Systems at California State University Los Angeles (CSULA), Arun teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on Information Systems and Analytics. Prior to CSULA, he worked as a Teaching Fellow for Georgia State University (GSU) where he was part of the team that designed GSU’s enterprise systems concentrations within the computer information systems major. He is the recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award (2014 & 2015) and his research focuses on the intersection of emerging technologies, analytics, and enterprise systems. He earned a Ph.D. in Computer Information Systems from Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University and has worked in the IT industry for about seven years prior to entering the academic world. For the foundation, Arun provides guidance on how to make the best use of technology to solve problems in developing countries, and also lends his teaching philosophies and ideals as we look to innovate around education for students in rural areas of Nepal.
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