Home: Itahari, Sunsari, Koshi
Education: MA (English), Tribhuvan University (Central Department), Nepal
I am Bhawana Shrestha. I am from Sankhuwasabha, Chainpur but for my education my family shifted to Itahari and I grew up there. I am pursuing my Master’s degree in English at the Central Department of English, Tribhuwan University. I worked as a news anchor, program presenter and producer at Makalu Television, Biratnagar, and am also involved in many other social organizations.
I have a deep passion for journalism and working with marginalized people in our society. I have been working for the past three years, and I felt particularly happy when Meena Poudel, a social worker suffering from scoliosis, was awarded Woman of the Year 2011. She received her due attention because of my documentary about her biography. She was acknowledged on an international level and this gave me a real sense of happiness, and the feeling that there was something of importance in my life.
Similarly I was really happy when I was able to provide justice to several sexually harassed female children. Whenever I see happiness on their faces after they receive justice, I feel a true sense of joy myself. Working with the handicapped, with sexually harassed children, and other marginalized groups gives me motivation me to move forward. For my work, in 2011, Women Empowerment Group, Sunsari, awarded me the prize for the Best Reporter Concerning Women. I also won first prize in the National Human Rights Essay Competition.
Alongside journalism, I have been able to do well in my academics and received scholarships to study. I have been able to support my family, which is another point of pride.
Reaching the Teach for Nepal Learning Institute was not easy. First, I saw a call for the Fellowship while I was surfing the internet. The motives of TFN caught my eye, and I was very attracted to it. I was initially in a dilemma as to whether to apply or not, as I came from a background other than teaching. Later on I just thought -- Let’s try, it’s a better way of serving the country.
During my work as a journalist I learned that change happens when we first do our best for our children. I thought I’d take a chance and apply. Now I am happy that I am here, at the end of a very long process of selection.
Up until now I have received many types of trainings, and I have found this one to be completely different. It’s really intensive but very productive. Fellows from all around the country and from different backgrounds have worked efficiently to learn. Our CEO and Head of Training are also putting in all their effort toward helping us. I am really impressed by the values and motives, as well as the working culture and environment of TFN.
As every coin has two sides, my happiness is also combined with some nervousness. Sometimes I wonder; will people acknowledge what I am doing? Will those people for whom I want to work accept me? Will they help me to help them? These feelings come to my mind and I ask more questions to myself. TFN is just taking its first steps and there are many hurdles to come. Will I, along with TFN, be able to pass those hurdles and achieve our goals?
Regardless of this nervousness, I remain optimistic. I love nature. I love gardening, decorating, and painting. I love being with children. I think all of these will help me during the Fellowship.
