Mr. Rajesh Tharu, after his SLC, had to forgo further studies due to the weak economic condition at home. To support his family, he started working as a helper at a local motorcycle workshop. His friend later advised him to take part in a training on JCB machine operation at Operator Training Centre, Nepalgunj conducted by MAW Skills Academy and Citizen Prabidhik Sikshyalaya.

After his graduation, he landed a job at Boudhanath Nirman Sewa as an operator. His new job helped him upgrade his living standard. He says he is content to become self-reliant and solid support to his family.

Sanjita Lama, a young female, in hopes of landing better life opportunities, came into our OTC Janakpur. With support from the local government, she has been enrolled in heavy equipment operator training. Lama is the first female in the training center, but not the last one. She has set an example to many women like her in Janakpur and beyond and has demonstrated skills-based training is a door open to all individuals. All you have to have is the courage to question and act against the status quo and get skilled to become employed.

Agriculture was the only source of income in my household. I was, thus, seeking for other possible income sources to be able to offer my family a better life. As a college dropout, unequipped with the right skills set, it was challenging for me to venture into any other field until I received a full scholarship provided by Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan – 20, for operator training at Citizen Prabidhik Shikshalaya, OTC Nepalgunj. After completing my training, I received an opportunity to work with Ramashankar Madhav Chand Itta Udhyog at Kohalpur, Banke as a full-time backhoe loader operator. My average monthly income is Rs. 30,000 with allowances, and the pay increases when stationed outside the brick kiln premises.

I immediately started working at Narpani, Arghakhanchi as a backhoe loader operator for PTR Adhikari Construction Pvt Ltd. after completing my training. I earn Rs. 41000 a month (including salary and allowances) which is double the income I previously received as a tractor operator. The up-skilling has improved my financial condition and has enabled me to provide better for my family.

Graduated in HEO Backhoe Loader Operator Training from MAW Skills Academy, Janakpur, I landed a job at Chhote Construction Pvt. Ltd. and have continued working since then. With Rs. 110/- per hour for operating a machine and a basic salary, I am now independent and employed in my home country. I am thankful to MAW Skills Academy, Janakpur, for skilling me for life. 

Pankaj Singh Bohora, 21, was born in Darchula, Mahakali-09. The eldest son of the family, Pankaj, was responsible for the family of five. Refraining from disclosing much of his personal experiences, he said, “I have faced and been through numerous obstacles. The reason why I want to earn money and support my family in the best way that I can.” Hardships motivated him to join MAW Skills Academy’s one-month-long heavy equipment operator training at UCEP-Nepal, Bhaktapur - an implementing partner of the Academy.

The skills developed in the training, as explained by Bohora, opens doors to prosperity and opportunities. For him, the opportunity came when he landed a job at Rajendra Nirman Sewa. Now he works at Siddhartha Suppliers at Darchula and earns Rs. 55,000/- to Rs. 60,000/- in a month when the machine is fully operated. Realizing the prospect the training has for youths like him, he remarks, “Youths should take part in skills training to become independent.”

I returned home after three years of painstaking work experience as a laborer in Saudi Arabia. I enrolled in the training to get skilled and work in my home country. I now work at Uttar Nirman Sewa in my hometown, in Rolpa.

Immediately after two months of completing the training, I got an opportunity to work as an assistant instructor in OTC, Bhaktapur. I am now independent, but more than that, I feel glad to share my knowledge with trainees just the way our instructors did during my trainee days.