A Heartwarming Visit to Nepal: Bibi’s Journey with the Rukmini Foundation

We’re excited to share some highlights from a recent visit by Bibi, a representative from our wonderful partner, All People Be Happy Foundation (APBH), who came to see the work that we are doing in Nepal.

For two packed days, Bibi traveled with our team to meet the amazing students, dedicated teachers, and inspiring community members we work with every day. The energy was infectious, the welcomes were incredibly warm, and the stories were truly moving.

Here’s a little peek into her journey:

Games, Girls, and Great Food!

The visit kicked off with a trip to a few of our partner schools. Bibi was welcomed with open arms and even got to jump right into the action, playing games with the girls in our GLOW Clubs.

One powerful game taught the girls about setting boundaries and feeling empowered to say “no” when they’re uncomfortable. It was so beautiful to see them learning and laughing together.

A major highlight was sharing lunch with the students. It was incredible to see firsthand how this vital program provides the nutritious food these kids need to learn and grow. Seeing them happily eat together and clean their own plates was a moment of pure joy.

Inspiring Conversations & Future Farmers

Bibi also had the chance to sit down with our scholarship students and hear how the support of a “Rukmini didi” (sister) has impacted their lives, from helping with homework to supporting their entire family.

Later, we visited a women’s group in Talku that is preparing to start **tunnel farming** with support from APBH. This amazing project is all about promoting women’s empowerment through agriculture, and we can’t wait to see what they grow!

Laughter, Learning, and a Lesson in Miscommunication

The second day was just as eventful! At Panchakanya School, we heard how the mid-day meal program boosts attendance and supports kids who walk long distances to get an education.

The GLOW Club girls shared what they love most—especially the “Girl Talk Box,” a safe space to ask questions and learn about everything from menstrual hygiene to mental health. The school nurse moved us by sharing how our mental health training helped her support students during a stressful exam period.

We also shared a ton of laughter playing a hilarious game of “whisper,” where a message about it being “so cold” somehow ended up as “a person is on the hill!” It was a fun and perfect reminder of how easily messages can get mixed up.

A Principal’s Powerful Dedication

Perhaps one of the most touching moments was at Setidevi School. The principal, Mr. Basnet, had injured his leg that morning. Instead of going straight to the hospital, he waited to personally welcome us and express his deep gratitude for the meal program. His decades-long dedication to his students is the definition of true heroism.

Rukmini team with Bibi at Setidevi Secondary School, Sokhel meet with Principal Basnet.

A Hopeful Future

This tour was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. These visits showed us that while challenges like poverty and discrimination exist, hope is undeniable. Because of support from friends like you and our partners at APBH, we’re providing more than just meals and programs.

We’re able to provide confidence, health, opportunity, and a brighter future together. We want to thank Bibi for traveling all the way to Nepal to meet with us and we want to thank you (our supporters) for being on this journey with us.

With gratitude,
Dipa and The Rukmini Foundation Team