Namaskar, I am Sajida Khatun Gaddi, aged 24 belongs to Muslim community, from Maharjgunj Municipality, ward no. 8, Singra, Kapilbastu. We are a family of 7- my father, mother, two brothers, two sisters and myself. Farming is the profession of my father, and he loves to do social work. Whereas my mother takes care of the entire family and does household chores. My elder sister teaches in a government school and my brother is a driver in India.

Currently, I am pursuing my bachelor’s degree. I believe that having working experience along with an academic degree can lead us to meet our ultimate goal as soon as possible. This is the reason I have been balancing my both personal and professional life. I have accumulated three months of knowledge on silai -katai training by Gharelu Tatha Sana Uddhyog Office, Kapilvastu. Likewise, I have also got 3 months training in Nyaik Sarokar Sanstha on elimination of child marriage by Siddarhta Samajik Bikash Kendra. In addition to the list, I have experience of working as a surveyor for the census 2021, consultant of community based red panda conservation in Nepal. Having interest in drama, I have played street drama on child marriage and dowry system as well. Moreover, I have published a news article on sky burial practice and plastic pollution being a threat to rhinos. I have served in communities being a member of a local youth club too.

Recently, I have been advocating for an awareness program on the waste management system in the local community. As I developed contact with CLEAN UP NEPAL through district local partner DSDC, I have taken two-days TOT on ZWAS provided by CLEAN UP NEPAL. I learned 7 modules of ZWAS, including introduction of waste and waste practices, waste segregation, 3R- reduce, reuse, recycle, composting and gardening, open burning, waste and climate change. My interests gravitated toward social causes and making a difference in the community by taking part in the waste management program through various means. As a ZWAS trainer, I conducted training programs for the students of class 5 and 6 from May- October 2024 at Kalika Jana Madhyamik School and Shree Rastriya Madhyamik Bidhyalaya.

Furthermore, I took orientation on Safa Nepal mobile application on November 29, 2024 for 4 days. The training remained one of the proudest accomplishments as I am interested to work with the community people closely. These workshops and training from CLEAN UP NEPAL have helped me to boost my confidence to communicate in the mass effectively and enhanced my ability to use mobile phones and its various functions. Waste management and working in the environment sector remain one of the proudest accomplishments in my life.

“I am deeply grateful to CLEAN UP NEPAL and IM Swedish Development Partner for providing me with invaluable opportunities to grow personally and professionally. The training and support I received have not only enhanced my confidence but also empowered me to make a meaningful impact in my community. Thank you for inspiring and guiding me on this journey of environmental awareness and social change.”

• Sajida Khatun Gaddi