Support
Little Sisters Fund (LSF) is a nonprofit organization based in Kathmandu that helps provide long-term educational support and mentoring for at-risk girls in 22 districts in Nepal. The scholarship programs remove the first barrier to education, the cost, but the organization also takes a holistic approach to address other aspects of intergenerational poverty. They aim to create an environment that nourishes empowerment, independence, and leadership through the programs.
During my 8-week-long internship this summer, I assisted the Program Director, Health Manager, and Program Manager with ongoing projects. I also engaged with girls in the program during weekly school visits and letter-writing days.
My main projects in the office included digitizing and formatting profiles of new Little Sisters, organizing the library for easier student access, assisting the girls during letter-writing days with spelling and grammar, and helping develop future program activities. Specifically, I focused on developing program activities related to menstrual health, mental health, and climate change education. About once a week, I would attend a school visit with a few of the team members where we would check in with the girls, give a small counseling session, and distribute necessary supplies. For 3 weeks of my time here, the other intern and I would go to a school near the office twice a week to observe classes from kindergarten to 6th grade. During this time, I observed each class taking notes on positives and suggestions of the class to submit to the Vice Principal. We also led extracurricular activities such as relay games, music games, and stretching with some of the classes.
An insight which I will carry into future experiences is that connection doesn’t always begin with language. One memorable moment was at a school visit in the Nargakot area, where a shy girl was sitting in front of me. To break the ice, I first smiled at her, and then she made a funny face back, which made me laugh. We kept exchanging funny faces, and it showed me the power of a smile to help build genuine connections. The staff at LSF, the girls, and others I met along the way truly made this experience meaningful, and I hope to continue to foster these connections.
