The Journey Begins

Born in 2002 in Lungthung, Lelep, Chheten Kipa Sherpa grew up in a family of seven in a remote part of Taplejung.

Her family relied largely on cardamom farming for income, but limited land and low household earnings made it difficult to meet everyday expenses. Although her parents wanted to support her education, the cost of pursuing a health-related course was beyond what the family could afford.

Chheten had long hoped to work in the health sector. Despite challenges at home and limited time for study, she remained focused on completing her education and building a future in healthcare.

An Opportunity to Continue Her Education

After achieving strong results in her Secondary Education Examination, Chheten learned about the higher education scholarship supported by Himalayan Trust UK.

She applied for the scholarship in 2019 and was selected, giving her the financial support she needed to pursue a Community Medical Assistant course.

For Chheten, the scholarship opened a path that had previously seemed financially out of reach.

Turning a Dream into a Career

Chheten completed her CMA course in Jhapa in 2021.

After graduation, she worked for several months at a hospital in Taplejung before returning closer to her home community.

She was later selected to work at Olangchunggola Health Post, where she now serves as a health sub-in-charge.

Working in such a remote area comes with geographical and logistical challenges, but Chheten remains committed to providing health services to the community.

Creating Change Beyond Herself

Employment has given Chheten greater independence and improved her family’s financial situation.

She is now able to contribute to the education and living expenses of her younger siblings, extending the impact of her own educational opportunity to other members of her family.

Her journey is also becoming an example for other young people in the community who hope to continue their education and pursue professional careers.

Looking Ahead

Chheten hopes to continue serving communities through healthcare while encouraging other young people, especially those from remote and financially disadvantaged backgrounds, to pursue their ambitions.

For her, receiving the scholarship was not only an opportunity to study. It gave her the chance to become independent, support her family, and serve the community where she grew up.

In Her Words

“I wanted to work and serve in the health sector like Sirjana Limbu, a batchmate who graduated before me and majored in CMA, Kipa said. When I was struggling to find a method to realize my desire, I talked to Guru Ram Gurung, my mentor, about it. He informed me of the scholarship offered by Himalayan Trust UK.

I was interested in learning more about the scholarship application process, and program Manager, respected Rajendra Pant, always encouraged me to being a nice human and he strongly supported me in the process. After that, I fully concentrated on my scholarship application preparation. I was ecstatic and overwhelmed when I learned that I had been chosen.

I obtained employment with the government in my neighboring community after completing my CMA course. Now that so many young people are drawing inspiration from us, I feel proud of them and want to encourage them so they can discover how to pursue their dreams like I did. My heartfelt thanks to the Himalayan Trust UK for assisting students and promoting child education.”

Chheten Kipa Sherpa