(3/3) “Even though I left home for a better life, I took away the memories of my mother, the life she led in silence and the way she had died. Raising three brothers had already taught me about patience. By 20, I already felt that I had a very strong bonding with children. I had also become a good listener. In my husband house we had our share of struggles but gradually life was getting better. I visit my father once in every few months and my brothers have grown up to be able men. I had completed my IA (Intermediate in Arts) and I joined the community school here as a kindergarten teacher. It has been over a decade now. I look at these kids and see their purity and it eases all my troubles. I find my peace in the smiles and cries of these children. I know that I cannot teach them everything, but I can teach them about the importance of sharing with each other. Many of the teachers in government-run schools and community schools prioritise discipline and I know it is important but being strict instils fear and the child is not able to open up and share his/her problems with the teacher. So I encourage my children to share with me and with each other their happiness and sadness. For I know that if only my mother had shared with me her daily pain, she could have still been alive.” (Damar Kumari Gurung, Dhampus, Kaski) #elevateddreams in collaboration with Trek To Teach.