Shanta has dealt with challenges in life from a young age. As a child, Shanta says her father, a farmer, did not care about her education or offer any encouragement. Early on in life, she contracted polio, which left her physically disabled. Today, she walks with crutches.

Although her parents brought her to a hospital in Kathmandu, treatment for Shanta was not financially possible. Fortunately, they inquired about organizations for children with disabilities. At age 12, Shanta became a resident at a large home for disabled children. She says that living with other disabled students made her feel stable, stronger and more hopeful about the future.

“The new organization was really a dream land and good environment for me”, Shanta says. “Everyone in the world has some kind of dream. Some will be able to fulfill their dream, while some don’t. I too have a dream to be successful in my BBS study."

Shanta is the youngest in her family and the only one in college. Her goal is to complete a business studies degree and become a bank manager. That way, she says, she will be able to support and empower other people with disabilities.

“Then my family and society can learn that a disabled person can do something,” she says. “And other disabled women can take (a) lesson that we can pursue an education.”

During a recent interview, Shanta told us that her family, despite not supporting her education at first, is now very proud of her. And so are we!

Please consider giving to Shanta's scholarship to help her realize her educational dream. Much gratitude for all donations of any size supporting Shanta!

https://www.givebigseattle.org/bomkarlsson