Chandani Ansari, ECCA Counsellor, Jhapa district, East Nepal

(translated from Nepali by Ashmita Rai, Program Officer, ECCA)

Growing up in a Muslim community in a small village in Jhapa district (East Nepal), I never imagined that one day I would become a counselor in ECCA. This journey has not only transformed my life but has also allowed me to serve as a source of inspiration for others in my community, showing that resilience and hope can pave the way for change. It’s a remarkable journey that I am both proud of and grateful for.

The memory is still fresh in my mind; my journey with ECCA kicked off as a child club representative when I was in the 6th grade. My teacher, Indira Adhikari, reached out to update me about a training program, and without hesitating, I said yes! That moment set the stage for everything that followed. This first training experience truly enhanced my self-confidence. From that point on, I embarked on a meaningful journey, striving to give my best as both an individual and a child club representative.

As the president of the child club at my school, I have actively engaged in various training sessions organized by ECCA Nepal, all of which contributed to a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere for our club’s initiatives. My involvement in club activities and events allowed me to contribute significantly to our goals while taking on various roles and responsibilities. This engagement not only helped me develop essential skills but also provided valuable leadership opportunities and fostered a strong sense of belonging among us. Our efforts were recognized when our municipality honored us as the “Best Child Club of Mechinagar Municipality.”

In my journey, my time with the child club stands out as a chapter filled with unforgettable moments. One of the highlights was when I hosted radio program twice that showcased the voices of children, an opportunity I shared with the deputy mayor and dedicated social workers. The impact of that program was profound. A respected leader from my Muslim community approached me afterward, expressing his heartfelt appreciation with the words, "Thank you for bringing attention to the Muslim community".

Additionally, I had the honor of welcoming to my home a team from ECCA and TAKSVARKKI RY, partner organization from Finland. They came to create a video that documented a slice of my life’s story. During this time, I received wonderful support from the Muslim community, which further fueled my determination. In a society where girls were often expected to remain at home, marry young, and forgo education, my accomplishments became a significant source of pride for both my family and me, signifying a remarkable shift in perspectives. I will always cherish the moments when my teachers proudly introduced themselves as the teacher of Chandani.

After completing the Grade 10 exam, I participated in the Counselor Training Camp conducted by ECCA in 2019, which marked a pivotal moment in my life. I was then certified as the counselor of ECCA, but shortly after the training, I went through a challenging phase in my personal life that disconnected me from everything around me. However, I’ve learned that there’s always a glimmer of hope, even in the darkest times. That understanding reignited my determination to rebuild my confidence and set me on a journey of self-discovery.

In 2022, I once again took on the role of a counselor with ECCA. I had the privilege of training child club representatives from project schools in Jhapa, Morang, and Dhankuta districts. Through these children's eyes, I began to envision a different path for myself. The students from Dhankuta particularly moved me; though naturally shy, they showed incredible resilience. I was in awe of how they would rise with the sun, gather grass for their cattle, prepare meals, and then make the long trek (1-2 hours) to school. I learned that some of these children even left home with empty stomachs. Hearing their stories left a lasting impression on me. After school also, they would gather firewood, cook their meals, and yet, they managed to maintain the innocence of childhood amid such challenges. Their struggles put my challenges into perspective. During the training, I saw firsthand their joy in savoring every grain of food provided, delighting in the company of new friends and teachers; it served as a beautiful reminder of the power of hope.

I found similar stories among the children in Morang. Despite the hardships they faced, their dreams were ambitious and incredibly inspiring. It was fascinating to witness the vast differences within the same country, with each narrative rich in unique experiences and valuable lessons.

These interactions not only deepened my understanding of different communities but also inspired me to take action. I encountered both experience and opportunity, which fueled my passion for community engagement. I took the initiative to educate Muslim girls on menstrual hygiene management. The impact it created was applaudable. It even caught the attention of our respected community leader, Molbi Saheb, who came to my home to personally commend my effort and urged me to continue organizing similar programs in the future. This journey has genuinely shifted the mindset of many in my Muslim community, where topics like reproductive rights are frequently overlooked, and I feel a great sense of pride in contributing to this positive change.

In recent times, my journey has taken a significant turn as I, along with my fellow local counselors, began organizing programs in schools and communities in collaboration with various governmental and non-governmental organizations. To enhance our collective efforts, we formed an independent youth group called "Youth for Change." This marks an exciting new chapter for us. To keep everyone updated on our progress, we also launched our own Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571384852596.

Reflecting on my path, I discovered my true self once more. This journey towards a new perspective on life is transforming me into a role model, not just for the school children, but for the broader Muslim community as well. While my journey from being “a Chandani” to “the Chandani” is still unfolding, I will always hold a deep sense of gratitude towards ECCA Nepal for guiding me along the way.