RADHIKA'S DIARY

Her goal is clear: to build independence, continue learning and shape a future of her own.

Radhika grew up in a mountain village in Mugu, where her family often did not have enough food and had to work hard to get by. Even so, she excelled at school and continued her education despite financial worries and illness within the family. Through Three Sisters Adventure Trekking and the training offered by EWN, she found a new opportunity: to develop as a female trekking guide. Read her story here:

My name is Radhika Budha and I am currently in class 11. I come from a large family with my grandparents, parents, three brothers, two sisters-in-law and myself. I was born in a remote village, where my childhood was shaped by the challenges of village life. From a young age I went to the government school in my village. In the afternoons I sat in the classroom; in the mornings and evenings I helped my mother with household chores. My village is in the Himalayan district of Mugu, where it was difficult to have enough food all year round, no matter how much agricultural work we did. My parents worked incredibly hard to support our family, yet it remained tough. Travelling from one place to another was also difficult because of the remote location.

In class 6 I came first in my class. Even so, the high costs of education made me sad. It hurt to see my parents struggle so much; they often fell ill, especially because of the cold, but despite their pain and all the challenges they made sure we could study. When I had to continue my studies in a new place, it was still hard to afford food unless money arrived from home. Despite these difficulties, I finished my schooling and passed class 12. During Dashain I returned home and started working, which taught me the real meaning of struggle. Shortly afterwards my grandfather became ill and we took him to Surkhet for treatment. He now lives there.

One of my uncles told me about Three Sisters Trekking, which sparked my interest. As I learned more, I discovered that women can also become trekking guides. Later, I heard about the Female Trekking Guide Training programme and decided to apply. I am now in Pokhara, taking part in the training.

I hope to learn a lot from this programme and to become independent in the future. I also want to continue my education.

"I am extremely grateful to everyone who has helped me get this far."