SAHANA'S DIARY
Her goal is clear: to build independence through training, continue to grow, and create a future in which she can support her family and help other girls move forward.
Sahana grew up in a family of thirteen in Humla, where education was far from guaranteed. Through dedication and determination she managed to finish school, even though she had to let go of her dream of a science degree due to financial constraints. With the support of people around her she found her way to EWN’s Female Trekking Guide Training in Pokhara. There, she is now building a future as an independent female trekking guide. Read her story here:
My name is Sahana Budha. My permanent home is in Humla, in the Karnali Province. I am 24 years old and my family consists of my parents, brothers and sisters and other relatives – together we are thirteen.
When I was in class 3, my father asked me if I wanted to go to town for my studies. That made me happy, but I was also afraid because I had no idea what life in town would be like. Many questions came to my mind. However, my father said that I would only go after class 6.
During class 4, my father asked if I wanted to take the class 5 exam early. I said yes with confidence. The exam centre was four hours away from my home. I sat the exam at the education office in Simkot, Humla, and then returned home. A month later the results came: I had passed. After that, I moved to the Himalayan Remote Hostel in Simkot to continue my studies. Soon afterwards I packed my things and went there. I lived in the hostel, where the teachers and staff took good care of me. They loved me, probably because I was one of the youngest. I always followed their advice and in return they gave me a lot of attention and support.
During holidays, my friends and I were allowed to go home on leave. In total, 24 students lived in the hostel and six of us shared one room. We shared our food and ate together. Eventually I passed my SLC (Grade 10). I still cherish the beautiful memories of my time there. Because I had many older sisters, I did not have to go through all the hardships; as the youngest, I was well looked after.
When I reached class 11, I had to leave my home district and move to another district to study. I was passionate about science and had decided that if I could not study science, I would not study at all. Even when I was ill, I did not give up on my education. I was often sick, but I kept going and finally passed class 12. I always had a strong desire to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Science, but due to my family’s financial problems I was unable to continue my studies. I realised that sometimes we have to let go of our dreams because of circumstances beyond our control. I also understood that I could not blame my parents; they had their own struggles, and it was my responsibility to support them.
When I first heard the term “trekking”, it was completely new to me. I wondered what it was, how it worked and whether women could also become trekking guides. Later, I learned more about it from my uncle and heard about a training programme for trekking guides. I called EWN and expressed my interest. They welcomed me, and now I am here in Pokhara to participate in the Female Trekking Guide Training programme.
I am very happy to be part of this training. I find it interesting and look forward to learning even more. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has helped me reach this point.
"In the future, I want to become a successful female trekking guide and stand on my own feet after completing this training."