Paying It Forward - Remarkable Stories of Success

HIO’s underlying strength is the sisterhood of smart, dedicated, kind-hearted young women our educational interventions inspire

Dear Friends,

​This week we celebrate International Day of the Girl, a time when we’re reminded of the many challenges girls face in male-dominated societies. At HIO, we consider every day a day for our girls. Through your kindness, we support the bold steps our girls and young women are taking as they create a more just world. We celebrate their achievements and strive to uplift their voices.

Over the years, many HIO graduates have served as volunteers for our programs, hauling bags of rice and beans for our food distributions, helping younger HIO sisters with their homework, and offering them sisterly advice when they’re feeling down. A key component of our Reach for the Stars college counseling initiative is a requirement that young HIO women pay their gift of education forward after they’ve graduated. Our goal is that every young woman will recognize the great benefit of her own education and develop the internal motivation to give back. Each young woman’s contribution will be unique and all will make a significant impact.

Sashmita Raut, whose dental school education is sponsored by HIO, conducted dental screenings for over 100 of her younger HIO sisters, and confidently referred 29 girls for follow-up treatment.

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​Sashmita Raut is a rising HIO star. Now in her third year studying dentistry in Kathmandu, Sashmita works hard to maintain excellent grades while also making time to serve as a role model for her HIO sisters. Sashmita’s story of perseverance and hope is a wonderful reminder of how our mission to provide girls with access to education is so empowering.
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We have every confidence that Sashmita will continue giving back to her HIO community. Last week, she was selected to serve on our HIO board of directors in Nepal, playing a vital role in how our organization is managed on the ground. How wonderful! With HIO girls like Sashmita leading the way, our future is in very capable hands. Many thanks for all you do to encourage such incredible stories of success.
With deep gratitude - Laura and Ricky

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Sashmita's Story
Since I was little, my parents pushed me to value education because neither of them had opportunities to complete school. They faced many struggles in their personal and professional lives. When I was ten, I told my parents I wanted to become a doctor. I remember them looking really happy as I grew up, but they also shared a troubled look. Soon I figured out why. They were wondering how they could possibly afford all of the education that was required for medical training.

During my junior year of high school, I began working to save up for my education. In 11th grade, my principal noticed what a hard worker I am. He recommended me for a Hands in Outreach scholarship. Being awarded a scholarship from HIO was an incredible opportunity for me. I want to be a daughter who makes my parents so proud.

I have always wanted to help people in one way or another. I want to create a difference in other people’s lives. Health care is a basic, fundamental human right whether we are caring for a person’s heart or their teeth. I am determined to make sure no one is denied access to the health care they need.