Twelve-year-old Terina Gauchan sits quietly at her desk in the Swayambhu Community Learning Center (CLC), carefully tracing letters on a piece of paper. Her handwriting is neat, her focus unwavering. It’s hard to imagine that, just a few months ago, she barely spoke and was too afraid to look anyone in the eye.

For Rina Gauchan, Terina’s mother, the transformation feels almost unbelievable.

“I used to lock her inside the room before going to work,” Rina recalls softly. “She couldn’t speak properly, and I was scared she would get lost or hurt. I left the house key with a neighbor so they could help her when she needed to use the toilet. It broke my heart, but I didn’t know what else to do.”

Rina works as a daily wage earner in a garment factory, while Terina’s father, Tek B. Gauchan, drives a vehicle to support the family. With both parents working long hours, Terina spent most of her time alone indoors — isolated, anxious, and with little opportunity to learn or play.

A chance connection

One day, Maili Tamang, a participant of the Alternative Women’s Literacy Class at the Swayambhu CLC, noticed Terina and her mother in the neighborhood. Curious, she asked about the girl and later suggested enrolling her at the CLC.

Initially, the center staff were hesitant. “We weren’t sure if we could handle her special needs,” recalls Renu Lama, the CLC facilitator. “She couldn’t communicate well, was easily frightened, and avoided everyone. But I felt strongly that she deserved a chance.”

On July 29, 2024, with Maily’s encouragement and Renu’s persistence, Terina was finally enrolled at the center.

A difficult beginning

The first few days were challenging. Terina rarely spoke, even to her facilitator. She kept her head down, avoided other students, and seemed terrified of men. She didn’t know how to hold a pencil or write her name.

But Renu didn’t give up. “We decided to start slowly,” she explains. “We let her sit next to her mother at first. Then, as she began to feel safer, she joined the other children.” 

Gradually, with daily encouragement and patient guidance, Terina began to open up. The center became a place where she felt accepted — a space where her differences didn’t define her.

A heartwarming change

Three months later, the change in Terina is remarkable. She now arrives on time every day, greets her friends and teachers with “Good morning” or “Namaste,” and eagerly asks, “What’s today’s new word?” She has learned to write neatly, understands what others say even if she can’t speak clearly, and helps keep her classroom tidy—often picking up a broom or placing waste in the bin without being told. Terina also uses a tablet and the Akelius learning app at Swoyambhu CLC, which are provided by UNICEF, helping her improve her language and digital learning skills.

 “She still speaks unclearly,” Renu admits, smiling, “but her gestures say everything. She helps her friends, listens carefully, and shows great interest in learning. Seeing her progress makes me forget all the challenges we faced in the beginning.” 

A mother’s pride

For Rina, witnessing her daughter’s transformation fills her heart with immense joy and relief.
“I never imagined she would learn and grow in this way,” she shares with teary eyes. “Now, she goes to the center happily every day, greets everyone politely, writes beautifully, and even helps keep the classroom clean. I am truly proud and deeply grateful.”

With heartfelt emotion, Rina, Terina’s mother, extends her sincere gratitude to Samunnat Nepal, UNICEF, and Swoyambhu CLC for their continuous support and dedication. She believes that their efforts have not only changed her daughter’s learning journey but also given new hope and happiness to their family.

Challenges and perseverance

The journey, however, was not without challenges.
Initially, the institution was hesitant to admit Terina, as teaching her demanded additional time, care, and individualized attention. She occasionally faced teasing from her peers, which made the process even more difficult. Moreover, whenever Renu, her facilitator, had to take a day off, Terina’s classes were temporarily suspended, as no one else was equipped to address her specific learning needs.

Nevertheless, through unwavering patience, dedication, and perseverance, both the facilitator and Terina’s mother continued to support her, ensuring that she would not be left behind in her learning journey.

A story of inclusion and hope

Terina’s journey is a powerful reminder of what inclusive education can achieve. From a frightened, isolated girl who once sat silently in a locked room, she has blossomed into a confident and joyful learner, a child who now starts her day by greeting everyone around her.

Her story reflects the power of compassion, persistence, and community, and shows how, when given the right environment, every child can learn, grow, and shine.