Passing on the legacy of helping

By Shreeram K C, Development Communications Officer, Plan Nepal

A man whose childhood education was given a huge boost by his Plan sponsorship is now providing lessons for a new generation of needy youngsters in Nepal.

Krishnahari Khatri, 34, from Kathmandu, is now providing free education to 42 children through 35 sponsors.

His aim is to carry on the aid Plan provided for him a quarter of a century ago when sponsorship money from a Canadian named Viki funded the books, uniform and fees which allowed him to complete his high school studies. His sponsor frequently sent letters, which were translated and read out to him by Plan staff, and would often enquire about his education.

Plan had also helped his family with their goat farming business, helped provide his mother with quilt-making training, and supported the construction of sanitary facilities in their home.

Krishnahari studied engineering and learned French to qualify for a degree; he spent three months in France before returning to Kathmandu to manage a tourism company.

But he never forgot the helping hand Plan had given him. As well as going on to set up his own tourism business, Krishnahari formed an organization to help children in need — the Dhurbatara Child Development Society.

He said: "I was inspired to work in a way of sponsor and sponsored child because of my association with Plan. I started work by establishing Dhurbatara Child Development Society as per my level of understanding at that time."

As well as providing the fees, uniform and books Plan had once provided for him, his organization also helped improve school buildings and establish libraries in villages.

With his wife, he now runs his own school with just under 10 percent of the 200 students having been given a full scholarship. He said: "I want to expand my school up to high school level and give an access to education to those who are as underprivileged and helpless as I was in my childhood.

"My father could not get better job as he was uneducated but he always used to say us to study. I failed one class but became the top student always after that. Plan gave me an access to education and it is the greatest help for me."

Krishnahari's mother Seti Khatri, 60, is also very happy as a result of her son's hard work. She said: "I want to extend my sincere gratitude and thanks to Plan for helping my son in his study."


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