BAJURA, DECEMBER 8

Three siblings have been left in the lurch after the death of their parents, in Tithi Chaur of Himali Rural Municipality-4 in Bajura district.

Dolma Thapa (16), the eldest, has been caring for her younger brother Dorjo Thapa (13) and sister Samjhana Thapa (10) since their mother passes away two years ago. Their father had passed away nine years ago.

Both of them had died due to the lack of financial resources for treatment.

The siblings originally of Nuri in Budhinanda Municipality-3 in the district had migrated to Thithi Chaur in search of opportunities that would facilitate them to bring food to the table.

They are currently living in a shed adjacent to the Karnali River on the Karnali Corridor.

'We couldn't live in the village after our parents died since we didn't have enough money to support our livelihood, so we came here looking for a distant relative,' Dolma explained.

'At the very least, I can beg for money to raise my siblings here.'

The three siblings who had dropped out of school are now in Grades 8, 5, and 2 at Badhu Secondary School, respectively.

After two years of attending school without dress and being mocked frequently by the school mates, Peace-win -- a non-governmental organization, provided them with school uniforms one month ago.

'People in society and at school mock us and call us names,' Dolma added, her eyes welling up with tears.

'Now I live for my brother and sister's future.'

'During the weekends and holidays, I work as a labourer, but when there isn't enough food in the house, I skip school to look for work.'

'Some days we just go to school with an empty stomach and no stationery,' she lamented.

'During the festivals, everyone dresses up and eats delicious foods, but all we can do is watch and feel sad.'

The siblings live in a local's shed alongside the Karnali River, which can't even keep the chilly wind out at night, leaving them shivering the night through.

According to their distant relative Chhiring Thewa Thapa, the shed, for which they must pay Rs 600 per month, is old and in need of repair, and leaks water during rainy days.

'Sometimes we buy them food, and on other days they beg for it,' Chhiring added, bemoaning a lack of funds to assist the siblings. 'If we had money, we would have built them a nicer shed in place of the existing, perishing, one.'