Meet Rejina
Rejina during the early years of her sponsorship
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Rejina today, working toward her Bachelor's
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Rejina Moore graduated from one of HIO's learning centers, and has been sponsored by Roberly Bell and Jim Morris since 2009. She is now studying in her third year of a Bachelor’s in Social Work program, and lives with her mother, who also graduated from HIO's Be Part of Her Dream, Women's Empowerment Program.
Rejina attends classes from 6:30-10:30 am, and then goes to work after school. She teaches at Om Home, an NGO that serves children with disabilities, where she is beloved by children and staff. She even helped the caretaker of Om Home enroll her child at one of HIO's learning centers, beginning another generational cycle of upward mobility.
Rejina is proud of what she’s accomplishing, and frustrated by her poor living conditions. She, her mother and brother have gotten by in a tiny rented room with little light and few furnishings for years. She’s determined to make a better life and dreams of buying a house for her mother someday. She’s saving money from her salary to make her dreams a reality.
Rejina exemplifies the hardworking, spirit of our HIO rising stars, and the ways in which they grow to give-back, not only to their own HIO community but to others in Katmandu and in Nepal. The impact of HIO sponsorship grows far beyond the individual. We are so privileged and grateful to be able to support these dedicated young women in achieving their dreams.
Rejina attends classes from 6:30-10:30 am, and then goes to work after school. She teaches at Om Home, an NGO that serves children with disabilities, where she is beloved by children and staff. She even helped the caretaker of Om Home enroll her child at one of HIO's learning centers, beginning another generational cycle of upward mobility.
Rejina is proud of what she’s accomplishing, and frustrated by her poor living conditions. She, her mother and brother have gotten by in a tiny rented room with little light and few furnishings for years. She’s determined to make a better life and dreams of buying a house for her mother someday. She’s saving money from her salary to make her dreams a reality.
Rejina exemplifies the hardworking, spirit of our HIO rising stars, and the ways in which they grow to give-back, not only to their own HIO community but to others in Katmandu and in Nepal. The impact of HIO sponsorship grows far beyond the individual. We are so privileged and grateful to be able to support these dedicated young women in achieving their dreams.
Meet Hemu
Hemu, as a new student in BPOHD
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Hemu, as a HIO board member speaking at a BPOHD celebration
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Hemu Sunuwar joined HIO’s Be Part Of Her Dream education program in 2016 and did very well in her studies. Before joining BPOHD Hemu worked long hours as a day laborer on construction sites, shoveling cement and laying bricks. As a girl, Hemu had to leave school after 7th grade. Over the years, Hemu has demonstrated incredible grit, courage and determination to build a better life for herself and her family. Her daughter, Salomi also matriculated through the HIO sponsorship program.
Hemu spent five years in the BPOHD program, continuing her studies throughout the pandemic. She ultimately transitioned to a women’s adult education class where she earned her high school diploma last year. With HIO’s support, Hemu is now beginning a four-year Bachelor’s program to become a social worker. She proudly serves as a member of HIO’s sister board in Kathmandu.
An astonishing and hard-earned transformation for this remarkable woman!
Hemu spent five years in the BPOHD program, continuing her studies throughout the pandemic. She ultimately transitioned to a women’s adult education class where she earned her high school diploma last year. With HIO’s support, Hemu is now beginning a four-year Bachelor’s program to become a social worker. She proudly serves as a member of HIO’s sister board in Kathmandu.
An astonishing and hard-earned transformation for this remarkable woman!
Meet Taniya
Taniya in 2015, as a fifth grader
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Taniya (left), today
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Since the moment Taniya Shrestha joined our sponsorship program as a bright-eyed fifth grader in 2015, her inner spark was unmistakable. She’d just earned top marks on Nepal’s national exam leading to her acceptance at Budhanilkantha, the country’s most prestigious boarding school. That same year, her family's home in the eastern hills of Nepal was nearly destroyed by the country’s most devastating earthquakes. This experience planted the seeds of Taniya’s deep curiosity for science and her interest in preserving Nepali culture.
Over the years, our social work team has fondly described Taniya as a “chatterbox.” Behind her enthusiasm is a fierce love for her mother, who battles chronic kidney disease. Her stoic resilience is shaped by hardship, yet Taniya never lets adversity dim her spark. Although high school was challenging, she persevered with determination, earning respectable marks and stretching beyond her comfort zone to learn about her country’s most pressing humanitarian issues. Now, Taniya is preparing for entrance exams for a Bachelor’s program in public health or physical therapy, and pursuing her hobby of mountain biking.
In her own words:
"I’m still a teenager finding my way. Through it all, I haven’t forgotten my roots. I ride for the friends I left behind in my village. I speak for the girls who have never dared to dream. I study for a better future where my mother will be so proud."
Over the years, our social work team has fondly described Taniya as a “chatterbox.” Behind her enthusiasm is a fierce love for her mother, who battles chronic kidney disease. Her stoic resilience is shaped by hardship, yet Taniya never lets adversity dim her spark. Although high school was challenging, she persevered with determination, earning respectable marks and stretching beyond her comfort zone to learn about her country’s most pressing humanitarian issues. Now, Taniya is preparing for entrance exams for a Bachelor’s program in public health or physical therapy, and pursuing her hobby of mountain biking.
In her own words:
"I’m still a teenager finding my way. Through it all, I haven’t forgotten my roots. I ride for the friends I left behind in my village. I speak for the girls who have never dared to dream. I study for a better future where my mother will be so proud."