Over $24,000 Raised in New Jersey for Education of Marginalized Children in Nepal

More than $24,000 has been raised by the organization ARC for Nepal in New Jersey to support the education of marginalized children in Nepal.

ARC for Nepal hosted its annual fundraiser on Saturday in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, to support the children residing at ‘Samsara Ghar’, which is located in Payu Hatiya, Parbat District, Nepal. The event was attended by community leaders, elected officials, and generous donors.

ARC for Nepal founder Rajendra Shrestha announced that $24,226 was collected to provide shelter, education, and care for the orphaned, underprivileged, and marginalized children at Samsara Ghar. Shrestha stated this effort is a crucial step towards giving orphaned, underprivileged, and minority children in Nepal a secure, bright, and more dignified future.

ARC for Nepal is a U.S.-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the people of Nepal through education, cultural preservation, and social advancement. It has designated Samsara Ghar as its primary humanitarian project, which is operated in Nepal by the Rajendra Anjana Foundation.

During the fundraiser, Rajendra Shrestha, the founder and president of both organizations, described his arrival in the US 27 years ago with “little certainty but unwavering hope.” He recalled his early years working as a dishwasher, busboy, and waiter, all while nurturing a dream to one day serve the children of Nepal in a meaningful way.

Shrestha explained that the idea for Samsara Ghar emerged during a trip back to Nepal when he encountered children who lacked access to education, food security, or a safe home. Moved by their struggles, he and his family decided to convert his ancestral home into a children’s shelter. This story was also featured in a short documentary shown at the event.

Currently, Samsara Ghar provides a nurturing home for 10 children from marginalized communities across different regions of Nepal, including groups that face discrimination within Nepali society, Shrestha shared. The children live together as one family, sharing daily routines, education, artistic interests, and aspirations. He also noted that the house requires about $1,800 USD per month to sustain its current operations.

The organization is now constructing a larger facility that will be able to care for up to 50 children, complete with residences, a library, a playground, laboratories, and other essential amenities. The estimated cost for this project exceeds $800,000.

Co-founder Caroline Shrestha highlighted the profound purpose behind the expansion, stating that they are building not just a facility, but a home, creating opportunities, and building a brighter future. She expressed confidence that the children under the roof of Samsara Ghar will grow up to be good human beings. Caroline, who began her career as an IT professional in the USA, has personally committed to donating $23,000 annually to support Samsara Ghar.

Similarly, co-founder Anjana Shrestha shared her belief that every child has a unique and unmatched potential if given the chance to grow in a proper environment. “Many children never get the opportunity to grow properly due to poverty and lack of resources. I believe every child deserves the same love and care as my own daughter. That belief inspires me to work hard to support the education of children in Nepal,” she said.

Renu Sharma, a social activist from the same Parbat district where Samsara Ghar is located, expressed immense pride in seeing hope blossom in a place she calls home.

Jennifer Wylie, President of the Fair Lawn Sunrise Rotary Club, praised Samsara Ghar for embodying the Rotary principle of “Service Above Self.” She announced that the club is financially supporting the creation of a new library within Samsara Ghar, which will be formally named the “Fair Lawn Sunrise Rotary Library.”

Fair Lawn Deputy Mayor Josh H. Reinitz lauded Rajendra Shrestha as a pillar of the Fair Lawn business community and appreciated his social dedication. He noted that “looking back and caring for the place you came from is a special quality of a good person.”

Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar, Founder and President of ADWAN Nepal, shared her personal story of overcoming caste discrimination through education. She connected her life to the children of Samsara Ghar and commended the organization for uplifting Dalit and minority children who still face adversity in many parts of Nepali society.

Maryland Delegate Harry Bhandari spoke about the life-changing power of education, stating that it changes the children who will change the world in the future. He presented ARC for Nepal with a “Citation from the AAPI Caucus”, recognizing the organization’s unwavering commitment to empowering children and the community.

The event was made lively by vibrant Nepali and Newari cultural performances, including the traditional Dhime Dance by Kabina Maharjan and her team, the Thali Dance by Usha Gurung, a Nepali folk dance by Karina Karki, and a performance by 21-time Guinness World Record holder, parkour artist Dinesh Sunar.