Meet the Children

Sajani | Sajani is from a primitive ethnic group in Nepal that until recently lived a nomadic existence, surviving on roots and plants. Sajani's mother died from a fever after she consulted the local shamans for her treatment instead of seeking help from a doctor. Two years later, her father, who was a carpenter and day laborer, died of malaria.

Sajani and her brother went to live with her maternal aunt and uncle. The brother, who was 12 years old, was sent off to work as a laborer in another area. Sajani was found by a local women's group wandering around the forest alone, covered with sores, lice, skin infections and rashes. They approached the uncle for permission to allow Sajani to be placed in an orphanage, but at first neither he nor the other members of the community would agree. They did not want her to leave the community, and they did not believe in education of any kind.

Finally, the women's group was able to convince the uncle to allow Sajani to enter a children's shelter in west Nepal, not far from her community. She had never been exposed to the outside world. At first, she shied away from the other children and the staff, hunched down in a corner, sucking her thumb. Gradually, she came out of her shell and mixed with the other children.

On a trip to west Nepal, the women's group approached us and asked if we had room at K House for some children. Since we had room for two kids, Sajani and another girl came to live with us.

She is a very affectionate child, and when she first came, she would cling to anyone who was around or burrow in a lap, not wanting to let go. With time, she has become less clingy and more secure. She is tiny for her age (we estimate around six), and smart as a whip. She is very fond of English, and when someone speaks to her in Nepali, she answers in English. One day, she asked for a detailed explanation of what “Wow” means after she heard a foreigner exclaim about something.

She has a goofy streak that endears her to everyone – loves to dance and imitate those around her in a very funny way. All her sisters at K House love her and fight to be allowed to sleep with her. She's come a long way, and we think she will be one of the top students at K House ultimately.

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