Mira Rai, an 18-year-old from Thakre Rural Municipality in Dhading, is a determined and hardworking young woman. She is currently studying in Grade 12 at Janajagriti Secondary School and has been receiving support from Unnati for the past four years.
Mira is the eldest of five in her family. Her mother works at a petrol pump as a daily wage laborer, earning around Rs. 8,000 a month. Her father has been working abroad for the past two years. Mira’s younger siblings also study at Janajagriti School — her brother is in the Early Childhood Development (ECD) class and her sister is in Grade 5. Mira regularly helps them with their homework.
Mira began receiving support from Unnati in Grade 8. Since then, Unnati has provided her with school supplies like notebooks, pens, uniforms, shoes, and socks, which helped ease the financial pressure on her family and allowed her to continue her education.
Recently, Mira also joined a beautician training program. She dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and hopes to open her own beauty parlor in her village within the next five years.
Unnati didn’t just support Mira’s education — they also helped improve her family’s income. The family received 20 chicks and a small chicken house, which earned them about Rs. 8,000. They later built a shelter for animal farming and bought two pigs to generate more income.
Mira is grateful for Unnati’s ongoing support. “With their help, I’ve been able to continue my education and become a role model for my siblings,” she said. Her story shows how long-term support can truly change lives.