“ I am also ready to be connected and help the entire village to grow”
~Avinash Pandey
Avinash Pandey from Kathmandu has recently inherited the reins of a scholarship fund that was established by his father Dr. Pandey. This is his Family Volunteers for Peace (FVP) story that spans generations.
The Parmananda Memorial Scholarship program was established in memory of Dr. Pandey’s father, Avinash’s grandfather. Dr. Pandey was only 9 when his father died, but it opened his eyes to the importance of education. “I have believed education can help change the community,” said Dr. Pandey.
The scholarship program began almost 15 years ago. It supports students 5-18 years of age. Since its founding, it has helped nearly 50 students. It began by funding the construction of a classroom at Shree Harmichour Higher Secondary School, Gulmi, and expanded to fund scholarships and school supplies for students.
Avinash watched his father lead the scholarship but only recently has he come to understand the significance of the endeavor. “I knew about the scholarship program from my early childhood but, when I grew up, I started being aware about the story and the connection my dad wanted to build with the people. Now I am also ready to be connected and help the entire village to grow healthy and educated in a progressive economy.”
Avinash has now taken the lead in managing and expanding the program through an NGO ‘’Dirghayu Nepal”. He looks forward to expanding his father’s vision and legacy for the development of the school and community, and fostering a culture of peace through education.
Family Volunteers for Peace (FVP) is an initiative of Global Peace Women to build a culture of service around the world. We invite your family to volunteer together and share your story.
For question and to submit your stories email us: Global Peace Women-Family Volunteers for Peace Team (Younshim Park) family.volunteers@globapeacewomen.org
To read other stories, and find out more about Family Volunteers for Peace and its lead organization Global Peace Women visit the Family Volunteers for Peace page.