Core Team
Swastika Shrestha
Chief Executive Officer, Co-founder and Director of Training and Support
“Imagine if the world were to suddenly collapse and the world as you know it no longer existed. Education needs you to prepare yourself for this.” - This wisdom from my father led me to spend much of my youth developing my life and leadership skills. Eventually, I had the opportunity to facilitate life and leadership development amongst youth in Nepal as well as in the US. After completing my masters from the US, I worked with UNMIN, and consulted for IUCN, WFP, and UNDP. But my passion for working with youth led me to Teach For Nepal where my current role is to nurture leaders to transform classrooms, communities, and the nation.
Krishna Kumar K.C.
Chief of Staff
Over 24 years, I’ve taught in primary and secondary schools in different parts of Lalitpur and spent 10 years as a Head Teacher in Ashrang, one of the furthest VDCs in Lalitpur. I was there for 10 years and learned a lot about the district, and public education. The challenges faced by community schools are tremendous. There are infrastructural problems, policy challenges, the huge distance between students’ schools and homes, and the mindsets, on the part of teachers, head teachers, politicians, parents, and students. But I believe if teachers have energy, and the right mindset, other challenges can be overcome. I’m so proud to be a part of this movement, as we set new trends and raise the leadership skills of a new generation. They are working to build a truly new Nepal.
Khika Prasad Nepal
Community Liaison Manager
I taught at different schools since 2004 and later changed my teaching profession to enter the development field. Subsequently, I’ve worked at various organizations working in the development field for more than 12 years. I completed my Masters of Sociology from Tribhuvan University. Teach For Nepal is the best platform for me to work in my community through the Municipal Leads and Fellows. As a Community Liason Manager, I work closely with Fellows, Municipal leads and the community. I feel accomplished when I see Fellows working so hard in the schools and community and bringing a real change.
Amir Joshi
Communications Manager
A decade ago, upon witnessing a single teacher managing 25 students across five different classrooms simultaneously, I found myself pondering how I could instigate a transformative change. Upon completing my postgraduate studies overseas, I resolved to return to my homeland and explore avenues through which I could make a meaningful impact. Embracing the role of Communication Manager at Teach For Nepal, an organization dedicated to eradicating educational inequity in Nepal, I am progressively unraveling the answers, one Fellow at a time. With an extensive background in communications and public relations cultivated since my university years, I have been captivated by the education sector and the fervent hope that our nation will one day thrive through the power of education. In this endeavor, the intervention of educated youth is paramount. Narrating the remarkable stories of our Fellows, Alumni, and students is a source of profound gratification for me.
Ankush Upreti
Head of Recruitment Selection and Matriculation (TFN Alumni)
The transformative experience of the TFN Fellowship opened my eyes to the deep-rooted systemic injustices present in our education system. It ignited within me a profound understanding that youth leadership holds the key to driving meaningful change. Motivated by this realization, I am driven to continue my contribution to the movement. In my current role, I am passionately dedicated to identifying and nurturing aspiring young leaders who possess the burning desire to tackle our nation's educational crisis head-on. I firmly believe that these individuals have the potential to not only effect immediate change but also emerge as lifelong leaders, wielding their influence far beyond the boundaries of the educational sphere.
Jayanti Lama
Head of Training (TFN Alumni)
Having taught children for seven years, I realized the change was only possible by working with the little hearts and minds which drove me to apply for Fellowship and work in the remote part of Lalitpur for two years. The Fellowship journey helped me to know about my own culture and traditions at a deeper level. Being there, I came to know the true essence of life and how each person can help another to aspire even more. The passion for working with kids led me to my current position where I am training and supporting Fellows and reaching out to hundreds of children by helping them dream big. I believe the greatest power we have is the power to choose. So, I chose to work on this movement to end education inequity in Nepal being even more responsible and committed.
Madhav Prasad Devkota
Leadership Development Manager, Dang (TFN Alumni)
As a TFN Fellow, I wasn't just teaching Science to my students; I wanted them to learn many other things like personal hygiene, community’s sanitation, and balanced diet, among others. And as a Leadership Development Manager, I have become a role model, a source of inspiration to the Fellows and help guide our Fellows which would help them face all the challenges in their Fellowship.
Ruma Maharjan
Events Manager (TFN Alumni)
It was during the two years of my Fellowship that I realized the change we always talk about - the change that our country needs is possible. I was convinced that this can happen with equity in education. All forms of inequities and biases can be resolved only when every kid attains a quality education that enables them to reach their potential despite their backgrounds. I strongly believe in this and therefore I joined the TFN staff team soon after graduating as a Fellow. My previous experience as a recruiter and now as an Events Manager gives me sheer joy knowing that I play an important part in this movement of equity.
Sadhana Shrestha
Selection Manager
After completing my Master's Degree from Germany, I decided to move back with a dream of doing something purposeful in my own country. I joined Teach For Nepal knowing how impactfully it has been working towards ending the education inequity in Nepal. It gives me great satisfaction to know that the work I am doing and the energy that I have invested will make a difference. As a Selection Coordinator, I am determined to select those best-fit candidates who are passionate about making an impact in the classroom as well as in the community.
Swechha Pokharel, ACCA
Finance Manager
Having received continuous guidance and support from some of the most brilliant teachers and mentors, I have experienced that a teacher’s imprint on a student is not just limited to the precinct of a classroom or a few exam papers. My teachers have been my guiding light who have helped me navigate my personal and professional life with greater self-esteem and dignity. Many times, I simply emulated their qualities out of sheer admiration and in doing so, I know I have become a better person than I would have been without their presence. Their trust in my ability grounded me with the solid foundation of acceptance and perseverance. Joining TFN has further extended this feeling of gratitude as I witness many outstanding Fellows sacrifice their comfort while they venture into this challenging yet rewarding journey with a sense of urgency to remove education inequity.
Preeti Shrestha
Administration and HR Manager (TFN Alumni)
I wholeheartedly embrace the ethos that "Our life is what our thoughts make it," actively seeking the silver lining in every situation and endeavoring to uncover the inherent goodness within. With a background in HR, I've long been fascinated by the formation of perspectives and motivations, firmly convinced of education's ability to unleash human potential. This conviction prompted my involvement with Teach For Nepal as a fellow back in 2015. Since then, my dedication to the overarching "ONE DAY" VISION has only grown stronger, both during my tenure as an alumna and in my current role as an HR & Administrative Manager.
Asmita Guragain
Recruitment Coordinator (TFN Alumni)
My experience with Teach For Nepal has been a profound journey of personal growth and societal impact. From navigating the challenges of an under-resourced public school to confronting the disparities in higher education, each obstacle has fueled my determination to drive change. Inspired by the remarkable impact of Teach For Nepal's Fellowship program, I wholeheartedly embraced the mission to eradicate educational inequalities. Witnessing concrete progress within a mere two years reaffirmed my belief in the power of collective action and the potential for equitable education for all. Now, as a Recruitment Coordinator, I am passionately advocating for the urgent inclusion of dynamic young leaders in the public education system. Through this journey, I am not only shaping futures but also reshaping the narrative of possibility, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the chance to flourish.
Amir Khokhali
Admin Finance and IT Associate
When I was attending my last three years at school where TFN Fellows were teaching me, I never thought I would one day be working for the very organization that inspired me then. Had it not been for their motivation, I wouldn’t have dreamed about living in Kathmandu or pursuing my education here. I aim to use my experiences and education to change the perspective of people in my community—showing that even kids from villages if given the right opportunities, can turn challenges into achievements. I was a diligent student and actively participated in school clubs and extracurricular activities, which paved the way for a fellowship at Samanata Foundation for my high school studies. This opportunity enabled me to pursue science as my major at Pentagon International College. I am now pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer application at Janamaitri Multiple College. During my undergraduate studies, I have developed strong technical skills, including proficiency in troubleshooting hardware and software issues. Driven by my passion for education and technology, I decided to join TFN not only to assist but to learn and engage with a community dedicated to ensuring all children in Nepal receive an excellent education. My journey has come full circle, and I’m eager to contribute back to the organization that shaped my aspirations.
Sirjana Dhital
Office Assistant
I was born in the village of Chatredeurali in Dhading. There are 12 members in my family - my parents, and my nine siblings. About 12-years ago, I moved to Kathmandu to be closer to my brothers, who were living here. I’ve been working at Teach For Nepal since it started. I don’t understand everything about this movement, but I think it’s really good to see young people going to teach in rural government schools. Only the boys in my own family got to attend school. I believe all children should get the opportunity to learn and have a bright future.
