Kunsang’s Journey: Overcoming Loss and Thriving Through Early Education

At the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) of Shree Baghbhairab Secondary School, six-year-old Kunsang Gyaba is making remarkable progress in his education. Kunsang lives in Yuja Danda-1, Chaughare, with his parents, Sabita and Buddha Gyaba, who face economic difficulties and rely on agriculture and daily-wage labor to support their family needs. Despite these challenges, Kunsang started attending the ECDC at the age of three, with his older brother Ashish, who was in grade five at the time, accompanying him daily. Although he initially struggled to adjust to school, the consistent support from facilitators helped him feel comfortable and adapt to the learning environment.

Kunsang’s life took a devastating turn when his brother Ashish was diagnosed with blood cancer. The family’s attention shifted to hospital visits and treatments, leading Kunsang to stop attending school. Tragically, Ashish lost his battle with cancer a year ago, leaving the family heartbroken. This loss deeply affected Kunsang’s mother, who became overly cautious about his health and well-being, fearing for his safety at every turn.

This year, Kunsang has returned to the ECDC, demonstrating remarkable progress despite his family’s challenges. He now confidently recognizes and writes both the Nepali and English alphabets, counts numbers up to ten, and identifies various objects, all while introducing himself with ease. The READ Child III project has transformed the ECDC classroom with educational materials, organized learning corners, and trained facilitators. These improvements have fostered a dynamic, child-friendly environment that encourages children like Kunsang to explore, engage in activities, and develop essential skills. His mother, Sabita, makes a point to bring him to school daily, ensuring that he continues to thrive in this supportive setting.

Kunsang’s story illustrates the transformative impact of early childhood education within a nurturing environment. Through the READ Child Project, children facing personal and economic challenges are discovering hope and confidence in their education. Kunsang’s resilience and passion for learning demonstrate how targeted support can empower children to overcome difficulties and embrace a future filled with opportunities.