Reflecting my Journey at Canopy Nepal - Sanjeev Bishwokarma, Graduate, Canopy Nepal Scholarship Program-FESSHIP

Sanjeev Bishwokarma, Picture: Canopy Nepal Archives

Hello All, I am Sanjeev Bishwokarma, a fresh graduate from the Canopy Nepal Scholarship Program-FESSHIP. I identify myself as a  tech enthusiast, which was my passion right from my childhood. As a young child from Jhapa, I loved learning new things and was always interested in doing something in the field of technology, now my passion as a tech enthusiast has become my career after completing my Bachelors of Science in Computing (Hons) at The British College, where I got transferred me from The Softwarica College of IT & E-Commerce after completing my diploma studies there. I still remember that one fine day after my high school, when I met some social workers from Australia who visited Nepal, realized my interest and passion towards technology, thereby supported me as a Friends of Nepal Adelaide Inc.(FONAI) Scholar, which was largely dealt by a focal person based in Nepal. As time passed, FONAI partnered with the Children’s Future Fund who covered my university fee.   

Later, a need of making scholarship more systematic and accessible to help many other students like me was realized by FONAI and it formally partnered with Canopy Nepal for the launch of the educational scholarship program, commonly known as FONAI Educational Scholarship Program in 2018. I remember the day when I met members from my new family, Canopy Nepal, who would be helping me with my studies hereafter. This new family, Canopy Nepal, made sure I always grew and had a communal feeling. All the other scholars, who I now consider my brothers and sisters, met every month on the first Saturday to share our monthly updates and plans, reflect on our progress and help each other. And it was not just it, I remember, the management team always made sure we were growing through the training and workshops of our choice/need which made us more confident, matured and professional while also ensuring that we were well refreshed through refreshment programs such as futsal, bowling, and dinner organized by them from time to time. All these activities made us feel at home around our family which really helped to boost morale and self-confidence. I feel the program is systematic and well managed by the management team.

Sanjeev with his fellow scholars in a futsal tournament organized by Canopy Nepal

After my graduation, I started taking different works related to technology and spreading my knowledge to young minds. Previously during my undergraduate studies, I completed a 6-month internship at Spiker Solutions where I got an opportunity to refine my web design skills. Utilizing my internship skills,  I developed a website for a Montessori called Little Hands School. Currently,  I have been working as a computer teacher at Baby Land English Secondary School where I share my technological knowledge with young children to inspire them in the field of technology. 

In the end, I would like to thank all those beautiful souls for doing this great work to help the needy and underprivileged children to pursue their careers. I really don’t know where I would be if I was not supported by all the beautiful souls to pursue the Bachelor’s degree as per my interest. I am very much grateful to FONAI, Canopy Nepal, and CFF for supporting me and I wish to make you all proud one day.

Sanjeev in his felicitation program organized by Canopy Nepal

Written By: Sanjeev B.K.

Edited By: Deekshak Bhattarai and Pransu Khakurel (Canopy Nepal)

Canopy Nepal is a team of visionary youths working in the field of education, skill and leadership development, diversity and inclusion. Canopy Nepal works in collaboration with like-minded individuals and organizations to achieve the targets of empowering the organizations’ beneficiaries with skills they need to bring about positive change in the community. Canopy Nepal aims at creating an environment where individuals have a choice to equip themselves with skills and abilities of lifetime importance. The organization intends to promote intercultural understanding among diverse groups by means of various programs

The Amazing Underdog -Sohan Adhikari, Bhanubhakta Memorial Higher Secondary School

Sohan with his facilitator Sanskar during Katha Bunau Session
Picture Canopy Nepal Archives

A boy named Deku was born on the 19th of September in the year 685. He was a heart cancer patient since birth but he had a legendary element within him which was a mystery to the world.

Deku was very intelligent but physically weak. He was being treated for heart cancer but it was unhealable. His family became poor as most of their money was spent on Deku’s treatment. His family did not have a house and were broke. Deku’s family left him alone as they thought of him as trouble. As he was physically weak, everybody called him Deku weakling. It became his nickname. One day, Bill Gates, the richest man on earth, adopted Deku. Bill Gates soon found that Deku had cancer. 

“Deku, why did you not tell me that you have cancer?” asked Bill Gates.

Deku nervously implied, “I thought you would leave me ifI  told you that I had cancer”.

“Why did you think that I would do that?” asked Bill Gates.

“Because my parents left me for that reason.”

“Don't worry. I will give you a regeneration therapy and you will be fine.” Gates assured his adopted son.

Deku agreed.

Four year later, after Deku had recovered, he left to train as he was very weak physically after having gained the permission of Bill gates. 

“Dad I will leave to train and become stronger,” said Deku.

“Okay Deku,” said Bill gates.

Deku was training by himself for some months until he saw a huge tower.

“What’s that tower? Maybe I should climb it,” Deku thought. However, he  couldn't climb it on his first try. 

“Common! That’s too hard. I think I should first train a bit more and climb that,” he encouraged himself to train more.

“This time I am gonna climb it,” he resolved. And after 2 days of climbing, he reached the top.

“Come on! All this climb should not be for nothing,” thought Deku as he reached the top. But his train of thought was disrupted when he heard a mysterious voice from a huge chamber, “Welcome weakling! Or should I say Deku?”

Unable to locate the source of the sound, Deku shouted, “Who are you and how do you know my name? I didn't even tell you,” 

“Boy, I am Kami, the guardian of the earth. And you are the reincarnation of the legendary Yamato. He was a legendary fighter,” said Kami.

Deku questioned him in disbelief, “And why should I believe you?” 

“Because I know all about you. Your parents left you because you had cancer. Do you need any other proof?” asked Kami.

“No, I do not need anymore,” said Deku, his voice laced with nervousness and having no idea what to expect further.

In an evil tone, Kami demanded, “Deku, I think I want your life,” 

“Kami, are you serious?” replied Deku nervously, his voice cracking.

Just then a voice inside Deku’s head informed him,“Deku! Deku! Kami is an imposter. He sealed me inside you.”

“Who are you?” asked Deku to the voice inside his head.

“I am Yamato, the legendary fighter,” said Yamato. “ now hurry up and use my power which is inside you.”

“Okay.” Deku agreed, still very confused.

Deku could now magically manipulate energy to different shapes and attack foes.

Filled with intent to kill the boy,Kami attacked Deku.

As the battle began, Deku utilized the power of Yamato to be equal with Kami. Since Kami was a skilled fighter, while their battle was going on, it sent out a huge shock that shook the world. The media came to observe and report what was happening. They recorded the whole fight where Deku and Yamato fused in order to beat Kami. 

Kami was, at last, killed.

Everybody in the world came to know about the fight. They named the newly formed fusion of Deku and Yamato: the amazing underdog.

Written By: Sohan Adhikari (Katha Bunaun-V)
Facilitators: Monal Bhattarai and Sanskar Shrestha

Sohan is a sixth grader studying in Bhanubhakta Memorial Higher Secondary School and is a participant of Katha Bunaun V organized by Canopy Nepal in his school.

The Power of Dream - Sarita Gurung, Canopy Nepal Excellence Scholar-CANSHIP

Dreams, Picture courtesy: Next Avenue

Everyone says time and situation has changed the way you live. Similarly, Ram's life has also drastically changed by that particular incident. Ram comes from a poor family living in village. 

One day, the teacher asked student about their aim. Some said they wanted to become doctor, while others say, they wanted to be pilot, nurse and teachers. Unlike others, Ram said, " I want to become a successful business man and want to own five companies." Listening to this, the teacher laughed at him and said, "are you joking? You have no rights to see dreams like that. You cannot do anything, as you are poor." This statement of the teacher, filled Ram's eyes with tears and finds his dream challenging. He thought he has to work hard and prove his teacher wrong some day. The words strike in his heart, and he starts working very hard and starts studying sincerely. 

Years pass, an old man announces the name of a business owner of five companies. When the business man comes to the stage, he greets the old man with respect and says, "Sir, have you recognized me? I am your student, Ram." The old man replies, "I am glad to see you here. How did you become a successful businessman?" Ram replies, "One day, you told me that I was poor and can do nothing but see. I worked hard to change this very fate of mine and worked really hard, hard enough that I currently own five companies. Everyday, that incident would kill me, but with time I realized the words were not my weakness, they were my strengths. Thank you, I am here because your words inspired me to work hard and more sincerely. Thank you pulled me."

Moral: Everyone who has ability and are hardworking can get success. 

Written By: Sarita Gurung, Canopy Nepal Excellence Scholar (Guheshwari Boarding High School)

Edited By: Pransu Khakurel (Canopy Nepal)