Mr. Devendra Gautam, Sydney, Australia
Devendra Gautam was born in Lamidara, Chirang, located in southern part of Bhutan. Mr. Gautam was brought up in a middle class family. During his childhood, he spent most of his time with cattle and farm and being closer to his parents. Devoid of schools at a proximity and having to cover a long distance, Mr Gautam could start his schooling only at an age of seven. His dreams of education and achievements came to a standstill at young age as he had to flee from his village in 1990 due fear of persecution. Mr. Gautam is one among few Bhutanese youths who spent tough days for 2 years in jungles of Assam and West Bengal states of India. This to escape deportation to Bhutan by Indian police and army.
In the beginning of 1992, Mr. Gautam resorted for a safer place and came to Nepal and sought asylum there. During his 14 years of living in the Bhutanese refugee camps in Nepal, he remained pivotal fulfilling various responsibilities; got involved in fostering the refugee education and worked at a capacity of camp secretary of Sanischare refugee camp working for management, planning and improving efficiency of health care and social services.
Gautam Family, Sydney Australia
Mr. Gautam married Sheela and they have 2 children – Pravin and Heeran. In 2004, he left the refugee camp leaving behind his family for Germany. Once in Germany, mastering the German language, Mr. Gautam got engaged in academic activities making himself competent in German labour market. However, he had to opt for a new beginning again and migrated to Australia in 2014 to join his wife and children, who got resettled in Australia through the UNHCR and IOM. Mr. Gautam and his family members, despite dislocation, separation, hardships and challenges, have excelled and are living a happy life in Sydney.
With a deep understanding of value of education, Mr. Gautam feels privileged to offer an educational support to a deserving child, who lost her parent during the destructive earthquake of April 2015 in Nepal.
Barsha Simkhada, Dhading, Nepal
Barsha Simkhada is 3 years old and has just started her schooling. She lives with her uncle (Uttam Simkhada) in Gumdi VDC, Ward No. 8, Dhading district in Mid Development Region in Nepal. She has started her schooling in Panchya Kanya Primary School, Gumdi. The devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015 killed her mother Samju Simkhada and destroyed their house completely. The whereabouts of her father is not known. Barsha needs support for her education. She is extremely happy, feels fortunate to have a donor.