By Gokarna Dayal
Baitdai, Feb. 21: Help started pouring in for three destitute children Sabita Nepali, 10, Sunita Nepali, 9, and Ramita Nepali, 5 from Sigas Rural Municiaplity-8, Nwadeu of Baitadi following Gorkhapatra's coverage on their trials and tribulations.
The house where the children are currently living is in a derelict state. It barely keeps them warm during the chilly winter nights. For the most part of the day, the girls spend their time outdoors, basking in the daylight or sitting by the burning fire.
With limited financial means, they have been deprived of formal education. The family's problem started to further decline after the untimely demise of their father. Even meeting the everyday basic needs has become an uphill battle. Their late father used to make ends meet sewing clothes but ever since his demise, their mother has been shouldering the responsibility of the entire family.
In a conversation with the Gorkhapatra, the eldest of the three sisters, Sabita, talked about how her mother wandered across the village and outside begging for alms and food for her starving siblings back home. In Sabita's words, at times when their mother isn't home for extended period of time, her younger sisters had to resort to eating soil due to starvation.
Touched by their touching story, several good Samaritans have stepped up to provide aids.
Lazimpat-based Indira Malla and Shree Malla together contributed Rs. 21,000 for the three sisters.
Similarly, over Rs. 150,000 of fund has been raised through a Facebook campaign led by social activist Bhim Upadhaya. So far, 41 people have donated to the campaign. "Rs. 150,000 has been collected from Facebook for the girls who are in dire need of support," said Upadhaya. According to him, the relief fund will be deposited in a bank account, which will be opened in the name of the sisters.
Moreover, Swadeshi Microfinance Bank Baitadi, Patan has provided clothes and food items worth Rs. 28,000 to the children.
Ramesh Prasad Bhatta, head of the Education Department of Sigas village, said that an initiative has been taken to open a bank account to deposit the assistance received.
Expressing their collective gratitude towards those who provided assistance to the family, nine-year-old Ramita said that she felt as if god had come to their aid.
After receiving the assistance, the girls have even begun contemplating going to school.