Urvashi, 9 years old
Nima, 15 years old
Nima and Urvahi have endured unimaginable loss and hardship. They have two other brothers and tragically lost their parents to HIV within a month. Their father passed away shortly before they were rescued. Their mother died from complications arising from opportunistic infections a few days later while she was resting by the roadside with Urvashi in her arms. Urvashi was still being breastfed when her mother died. The four siblings were rescued from the Dolakha district in 2018 and referred to Setu Nepal by the District Child Welfare Board. All of the children except the eldest were tested HIV-positive and received ART treatment and shelter. After a stabilisation phase, the boys were transferred to another organisation because Setu can only provide residential care for girls.
The girls have since found a loving family at SETU Nepal, among the staff and other children. Their transformation from grief-stricken orphans into joyful and motivated young girls is both moving and inspiring. Nima is particularly talented at drawing and is serious about her studies. She dreams of becoming a fashion designer one day. Urvashi is cheerful, curious and intelligent beyond her years and very talented at singing and dancing.