From Rural Nepal to Global Dreams: Empower Kritika’s Journey of Overcoming Odds

Namaste! I am Michael, a 78-year-old British army veteran, hosting this fundraiser for a remarkable student, Kritika, who needs your critical support. She has been the most inspiring alumni of Shamrock, a charity school that I have been fortunate to help support and run for the past 11 years. Shamrock offers education opportunities to talented but underprivileged children from rural Nepal. Let me share Kritika's inspiring story with you.

Kritika has been accepted into the world’s number one School of Foreign Service (SFS) at Georgetown University with an 87.5% scholarship to study for a STEM master's degree in Global Human Development. Out of 100s of applicants, she has received one of only 30 places because of her academic excellence and commitment to social development initiatives. But, she needs our help to meet the financial gap and make her SFS journey possible!

Kritika's journey is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and transformative power of education. Growing up, she faced the external strife of civil conflict of the late '90s and the internal family turmoil of poverty and traditional gender roles. Born into a culture where patriarchal norms hold sway and opportunities for girls are scarce, her dreams of education were seen as unaffordable.

Childhood, Kritika on the right with her sisters

Despite the odds, through resilience and perseverance, Kritika has repeatedly proved that no obstacle is insurmountable when fuelled by passion and purpose. After receiving a placement at Shamrock School, Kritika found an empowering education and a sanctuary. Shamrock's motto, "Never Give Up," became her guiding principle as she embarked on a journey of self-development and academic excellence. She started volunteering in communities affected by natural disasters and tutoring women and children. She emerged as a beacon of hope for countless others.

The beginning, Kritika in blue, early days at Shamrock

Her education at Shamrock laid the foundation for a trajectory of success. With scholarships earned through hard work and determination, Kritika completed high school and college with top grades by age 21 while also working to cover her living expenses. She became the 1st Shamrock student to attain such academic heights.

Kritika’s graduation day, an inspiration to Shamrock students

After graduating, Kritika gained years of work experience as the Women's Empowerment Project Leader with an international volunteer organisation, leading many successful grassroots empowerment and education projects in Nepal. With a resolute goal of making a meaningful impact in underserved societies, she spearheaded initiatives empowering countless Nepali women, children, and international volunteers.

Leading a gender studies workshop.

Kritika then pursued an MA in English, with a full scholarship, in Kathmandu. She graduated at the top of her class with a 3.99 GPA. She solidified her status as a trailblazer in her community by being the 1st Shamrock student to graduate with an MA. Also, while pursuing the degree and after graduating, she consistently volunteered in communities and at Shamrock, teaching, mentoring, and supervising children.

After more years of social work, Kritika is empowered to make a significant impact as a global human development practitioner under the rigorous tutelage of the prestigious School of Foreign Service (SFS) in DC.

The problems she now faces:

1. Financial

The tuition cost for a two-year course at Georgetown University is $123,274, deducting the total scholarship of $107,000, she still needs to find the following:

Should we, with your kind help and support, exceed Kritika's needs, she wants any surplus to be donated to Shamrock School.

2. Timing

The course is due to start in August 2024. Before then, Kritika must show she has the financial backing to complete the course. As you will understand, time is of the essence.

As an old pensioner, I sadly am not in a position to fund her educational costs, and due to their commitment to the current students, Shamrock School is also unable to assist her. So, we turn to you, wonderful people. Can you-will you help her?

How you can help

1. Give a donation if possible. As soon as possible.

Give a Dollar, Change a life. If one person gives a dollar and passes this on to two of their friends, who each give a dollar and pass the message on to two each of their friends, and so on, the ripple effect would soon reach critical mass, and we would achieve our goal.

2. Spread the word and share this message with all your contacts and social media outlets.

Our support is crucial; it is the catalyst that will transform her dream into a reality. Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in her life. Let us together make dreams come true.

As an aside, Washington, DC, is the powerhouse of global development. What opportunities to contribute to global change will a little girl from a rural village in one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world encounter circulating in such an esteemed company? It boggles the mind.

On behalf of Kritika, my fundraising team, and Shamrock, I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your consideration and possible support. Best wishes to you all.

P.S. You can find the details of Shamrock School here: shamrockschoolnepal It is well worth a read!