In the village of Farsidol, Nepal, a 73-year-old woman begins her morning as she always does—preparing for the day’s chores and tending to her family of seven on her own. Her name is Maili, and her life has not been easy. Yet, she continues to care for her home and loved ones with patience and love.
Despite her hardships, she faces each day with quiet determination and the belief that life can still hold new beginnings. Maili sought out a new experience for herself—at 73 years old and weakening eyesight she began her journey to learn to read and write.
An Openness to Learn
When Maili first heard about the post-literacy class in her community, she was unsure whether to join. She had never gone to school as a child, and she worried she might not be able to keep up with the rest of the class. Nevertheless, she decided to show up for herself and had the courage to take the first step—joining the class.
The post-literacy class is focused on strengthening and broadening women’s opportunities to help support the growth of their communities. Each class begins with warm-up activities, a lesson, and real-world scenarios that allow for the students to have relevant experience practicing their reading and writing skills.
From the very first session, Maili became a model of dedication. She attended class six days a week and was proving her age, or her weakening eyesight, did not hold her back. With time and patience, Maili began to recognize letters and numbers. She learned to write her own name—a simple act that filled her with immense pride.
Maili’s persistence has inspired many women in her village who once believed learning was beyond their reach.
Consistency is Key
During an appreciation ceremony, the Ward chairman personally recognized her courage and expressed his support for the post-literacy class after seeing her commitment. In Nepal, the Ward plays a key role in local governance under Nepal’s federal system to bring government services to people. For example, deliver public services like water supply, participate in local development planning, and support educational programs.
For Maili, learning has become more than reading and writing. She is eager to continue her journey to learn and continues her practice daily. Her story reminds everyone that education is not limited by age or circumstance—it’s fueled by the desire to grow.
“At first, I thought I could not do it,” she says with a smile. “But by coming regularly, I learned to write my name and read letters. This makes me very happy.”
Sustainability is a Collective Effort
Maili’s transformation is not an isolated story—it is the result of Community-Led Development (CLD) in action. Through CLD, local people identify their own needs, design their own solutions, and lead their own progress.
In Maili’s community, it was her village who decided that adult literacy would open doors for women who had never been given the chance to study. With the support of Outreach International’s facilitators, they organized the post-literacy program themselves, ensuring that everyone—no matter their age—could participate.
This process reflects one of Outreach International’s five pillars of community-led development: Capacity Strengthening.
Through capacity strengthening, local community organizations build the confidence, leadership, and skills needed to plan and sustain their own projects. Facilitators guide communities in the early stages, helping them learn how to organize, solve problems, and take ownership of their future. Over time, these groups grow strong and independent—capable of leading without outside help.
Maili’s achievement is living proof of this pillar in action. The post-literacy class was not brought in from outside; it was built by the community, for the community.
Strong Communities Begin with Individuals
Maili’s life shows how community-led development empowers people to take control of their futures—it takes everyone. Her journey from uncertainty to confidence reflects what happens when individuals are given both opportunity and trust.
In the same village as Maili, a woman named Krishna Maya has her own story of hope that has unfolded and earned a leadership position in the community. Another woman in their community, Pratima is gaining confidence through building and managing her own business.
Through CLD and capacity strengthening, Outreach International helps people discover that the power to change their lives has been within them all along.
When people like Maili, Krishna Maya, and Pratima are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead, entire communities thrive.
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Written and edited by Chris Conti
How to Help
Change happens when people are empowered to lead. Maili’s story is one of many unfolding in communities across the globe. With your support, Outreach International can continue to strengthen communities, nurture confidence, and create lifelong learners who inspire others.
