Kumari is an 11 year old girl from the very far west of Nepal.  She was born in a rural village close to the Indian border, about 120km away from the nearest hospital.  Shortly after her birth, she became very sick and her subsequent development was severely affected.  At the age of 9, she started walking and still has not learnt to speak.  Her parents enrolled her in the local government school, but she made no progress.  In search of a ‘special’ school, Kumari travelled with her parents for two days on a local bus and arrived at Pokhara. At a tea shop, they learnt about Asha Clinic and Asha Hostel, where they are now staying.  Our health workers referred Kumari to the government hospital where she is receiving treatment for her hearing and also assessment for learning challenges she may face.

By networking, sharing, and working closely with other health organizations, Asha Health care with your kind and compassionate support is able to offer a second chance to young people with special needs in this difficult part of the world.