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Hi, my name is Surya Shahi, I was born in Humla, Nepal in 1995, and thanks to much generosity I had the opportunity to come to the United States to attend College as an International Student. My story has inspired many, unfortunately, it is not reflective of the larger student population in my native country — -where even the most capable student is shut out of education.

The earthquake that struck in April was devastating for every family across Nepal, thousands of lives were lost and our country sunk deeper as one of the poorest countries in the world, especially the district that I grew up in, Humla, which is now the poorest district in Nepal. There are no roads, transportation or electricity and my family and neighbors still struggle to find jobs, health services and of course, access to education.

I was blessed enough to escape this tough reality that many of my friends and family members still face because I was given an opportunity to pursue my education in international schools and now university in America because of my godparents who have supported me since I was five. Nevertheless, to me, it is heartbreaking that not all children can be as lucky as I am.

Someone I love dearly still struggles to find access to higher education, my sister Sapura Shahi. Through much sacrifice and support from my family, she recently passed her SLC (School Leaving Certificate,) she scored a B. Her work is all the more notable to me and my parents as for someone from a poor and disregarded district as Humla is, to pass the SLC is a huge accomplishment. I immediately expressed the joy for her when I heard the news. I was beyond happy and excited that she would be able to attend college, beating all odds by being the only girl from our village to make such stride.

Unfortunately, not all was good news; a week later I got a phone call from my parents who explained how they were unable to pay for my sister’s education. In my village, this would not be out of the normal, the circumstances and lack of money pressure young girls to forgo their chance at an education — forced to marry at a young age. The truth is that most will end up working in the fields, herding cattle, collecting firewood, cooking and performing an endless list of chores, daily.

I do not want all of my sister’s hard-work to be thrown away, it would devastate me to see her potential be wasted. Sapura dreams of continuing her education to become a nurse, she shares with me hopes of one day being able to help others. She is asking for a chance at a better life and I promised my sister that she will go to school and her dreams and hopes will become a reality

Research shows that increased access to education for girls equals progress on reducing gender-based violence, early marriage, and other harmful practices — -furthermore, education increases participation by women and girls in their community, decision making and makes for a happier and more fulfilling life.

Education can change the lives of people for good, especially the lives of young girls like my sister. I do believe that helping my sister obtain an education will send a strong statement to others and will create rippling effects, encouraging many to continue their education.

I promised my sister that I would help her realize her dream of an education and I can only do that with your help. Your donation will change my sister’s life and the lives of many around her. Please help me fulfill this promise by donating, together we can make my sister’s dream a reality.

PLEASE DONATE & SHARE. http://igg.me/at/SapuraDream