Building the Next 15: Local Leaders Rally Behind Our Techknowledgy Center

Fifteen years is a major milestone. But an anniversary is not just a time to look back at what has been done; it is a time to look forward to what comes next. On October 10, 2026, Rukmini Foundation celebrated its 15th anniversary with 117 participants, including our Bahinis, teachers, former scholars, and—most importantly—the local leaders who help make our work possible.

The theme of the day was "Celebrating 15 Years Building the Next 15: Learning, Leading and Growing." And there was no better example of "building the next 15" than the excitement surrounding our newest project: the Techknowledgy Center.

A Vision for Skills, Community, and Growth

A major highlight of the morning was hearing from Mr. Niroj Shrestha. Niroj holds a very special place in our history, as he was the very first Executive Director of Rukmini Foundation in Nepal. Today, he serves as the Campus Chief of Shikharapur. He shared the journey of developing the campus’s computer lab, which now houses 25 computers and has provided free computer training to around 200 participants.

But the big announcement was the joint vision to establish the Techknowledgy Center. This center will be much more than just a computer room. It will be a community hub designed to help young people learn technology, develop practical skills, foster innovation, and build their own businesses. The goal is simple but powerful: young people should not have to leave their homes and families to find good opportunities. Whether a young person wants to learn to code, start a small business, or develop a new trade, the Techknowledgy Center will bring those opportunities directly to them.

And the vision does not stop at technology. The center will also host training for vital life skills, including mental health awareness, self-defense, and organic farming. By partnering with incredible friends like AllPeopleBeHappy, we can offer our community a wider range of practical, hands-on skills. Furthermore, the center will serve as a safe gathering place—a place people can turn to for support and connection during natural disasters or other challenges that, unfortunately, happen all too frequently.

The Power of Local Leadership

For a project like the Techknowledgy Center to succeed, it cannot exist in a vacuum. It needs the support, trust, and partnership of local government. That is why we were incredibly honored to have Mr. Mohan Basnet, the Mayor of Dakshinkali Municipality, join us for the celebration. His presence was a powerful endorsement of our plans.

Mayor Basnet spoke about the importance of collaboration between the municipality, community organizations, and local stakeholders. He emphasized that real change happens when we work together to address community needs, such as drinking water, disaster response, and education. He also expressed his deep appreciation for the Foundation's continued dedication to the community, especially our support during emergencies.

Having our local leaders bless and participate in this vision is a massive step forward. It means the Techknowledgy Center is not just a Rukmini Foundation project—it is a shared community mission.

A Joyful Celebration

The rest of the morning was filled with the joy and creativity that define our Foundation. The celebration began with 15 of our Bahinis lighting 15 Diyos (lamps), symbolizing hope and a bright future. Our former scholars, Sirjana Waiba and Saru Shrestha, shared their inspiring journeys, proving how education and technical skills can transform lives. The room was filled with music, poetry, and dance, including a beautiful traditional Manjushree dance by Purnima Shah Thakuri.

Perhaps the most touching moment was the Memory Wall, where Didis and Bahinis posted colorful notes sharing words like "Opportunity," "Independence," "Supportive," and "Hope for Girls."

Moving Forward Together

Fifteen years of progress is something to celebrate. But as Mayor Basnet’s presence reminded us, our future is built on collaboration. With the support of our local leaders, our dedicated teachers, and our amazing Bahinis, we are ready to build the next 15 years—starting with the doors of the Techknowledgy Center opening to a new generation of learners, creators, and leaders.

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About Sirjana Waiba

Sirjana first joined the foundation as a scholar starting in the 6th grade and became a mentor soon after the SEE examination. Seeing her interest and her abilities, she was hired as an intern at the Foundation and has served the role of a Didi (older sister/mentor) for the past few years. She inspires Bahinis by sharing her personal experiences and the inspiring stories of the Didis of her time. She speaks strongly against child marriage and inspires to be independent. She learned different activities involved in carrying out programs for girls and women empowerment. She is always ready to take on any assignments like field visits, writing reports, helping with office activities, etc. She continues to attend her classes in the morning and works full time at the Foundation. She is working with the G.LO.W. Club as a Girl Ambassador and writing a curriculum to run the Clubs in schools. She is building her capacity to run different programs, which she shares with her Bahinis. She is mentoring the Arunodaya G.L.O.W. club successfully. She is constantly learning new things from Bahinis and takes inspiration from them.

• 110 Voices Strong: End Child Marriage, Invest in Girls’ Rights - October 26, 2026
• Building the Next 15: Local Leaders Rally Behind Our Techknowledgy Center - October 26, 2026
• From Afraid to Ask to Ready to Try - September 22, 2026
• New Skills for a Changing Nepal - September 22, 2026
• Building Emotional Strength: Mental Health Awareness at Pharping - July 27, 2026