For instance, Bhanu Chaudhary. a former Kamlari from Pahalmanpur-2, Kailali has taken up Junior Technical Assistant (JTA) course in Animal science. As she had grown up watching veterinarians earning a good income by treating sick goats, cows and buffaloes, Chaudhary has been attracted to the profession knowing that it would provide her with a good source of income.

 “I will apply for a job in a related field or set up my own agro-vet shop in the district after finishing the course,” she said, adding that she wants to be financially independent and make a difference in society.

“Although I was often ridiculed by people who looked down upon me for being a former Kamlari, the same people now come to me seeking all kinds of advice,” she said. “Growing up as a Kamlari I had a difficult time educating myself. However, with a strong will to learn and get a good education, I somehow managed to pass out my SLC while I was still a Kamlari.”

After finishing intermediate level, Chaudhary said that she initially wanted to be a teacher. But as she was attracted to technical field, she opted for JTA course as it holds great employment prospects.

Likewise, Dil Kumari Chaudhary of Duruwa-6, who had been enslaved as a Kamlari when she was just eight years-old, has been pursuing JTA agricultural course.

She too had opted for the course due to better employment scope and to pay back the loan she took for the treatment of her sister, Sita, who had suffered third degree burns after being caught in a fire.

Similarly, Asha Chaudhary of Bagnaha-8, Bardiya was just 13 when she was forced to work as a bonded domestic labourer. Like Bhanu and Dil Kumari, she too has been pursuing a JTA course at the Rapti Technical Institute in Dang. She plans to start commercial farming on a leased land after taking a loan from a cooperative run by the Institute.

“The very people who scoffed at us saying what good can Kamlaris possibly achieve are now suprised looking at our progress,” said Asha with pride.

Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF),  a US-based nonprofit organisation that has been providing children in Nepal with education, housing and medical care, has helped many former Kamlaris, including the above three, to achieve their dreams of becoming financially independent.

NYF said it sponsored 164 freed Kamlaris for dozens of different careers such as electrician and cook in the western Terai region.