The Joy of Learning

Author: Aliza Puri, She’s the First Youth Ambassador

My grandmother learnt the first letter at 65
I remember her strive
To write her name
Thinking about how signing her name instead of thumb prints
Would be a changed game
For her.
I remember her eye beaming with pride
As she tried
To remember the letter and what they look like
And what they sound like
And I couldn't be happier for her.

My mom was married off in 9th grade.
The exchange of her education with household responsibility was not a fair trade.
Reading and writing Nepali is no big deal
But English is the real deal.
My mother can't understand my English poems
But she will still watch the whole video
And it has become a norm
For her to ask me for a translation
"K vaneko yo video ma Aliza?"
What are you saying in this video, Aliza?
But she is learning and even though she doesn't like to believe
At the age of 50 she is growing.
She is learning to read English
The words probably sound rubbish to her
She recently learnt to post her comments in social media
And she needs no body's help
Sometimes she may comment
"Beuteful" instead of "beautiful"
Under my picture
But I know what she meant
And I am proud of her

For me,
I love learning Maths and Sciences,
I love to read poems and stories in Nepali and english
I am amazed by learning how our body works in perfect coordination
How the systems in the earth work
And how this universe work
Thanks to the education that I have received

I learnt about the stars and sky
And the ants and fly
and moons and sun
and our heart and our brain
and men and women
and the rock and mountain
and the river and sea
and also about you and me.

But I also learnt that maybe you aren't as blessed as me.
And that makes me feel a little bit guilty
I feel greedy
For not being able to share everything that I have learnt so far
I feel angry
That sometimes those who can
Choose not to.

I hope someday,
All of us would learn about this amazing world, and our amazing body,
And amazing people in this world.
I hope one day,
All of us would learn and grow
Not just academically
But also as person
We will learn to be kinder and braver
And world would really be this amazing place
That I believe it is.

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A girl with an education is unstoppable—but barriers like gender discrimination, poverty, and exploitation prevent many girls from reaching graduation. Our Youth Ambassadors created the Power of Poetry campaign to amplify girls' voices about this issue for Poetry Month and the Global Action Week for Education.

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Aliza Puri, 20, is a She's the First Youth Ambassador (and co-creator of the Power of Poetry campaign!). Currently studying medicine in Nepal, Aliza has been involved with She's the First since she was a student at our graduated partner Kopila Valley School! Aliza sees poetry as a creative outlet for her activism. Read her poem, "Dear World," a letter to the world from every girl who has been abused, who finds it hard to come forward and ask for justice because she is too scared and embarrassed—until she decides to fight for herself.

Education is a must

Author: Etishri Chaturvedi, She’s the First Girls Advisory Council Member

Education is a must,
None should protest.
The most powerful weapon is Education,
And without it you can't do anything in this nation.
Education is the best,
And While you Education you can't rest.
Education is our right,
And so it teaches not to fight.

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A girl with an education is unstoppable—but barriers like gender discrimination, poverty, and exploitation prevent many girls from reaching graduation. Our Youth Ambassadors created the Power of Poetry campaign to amplify girls' voices about this issue for Poetry Month and Global Action Week for Education.

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Etishri Chaturvedi, 17, is a student from India and a member of She’s the First’s Girls Advisory Council. She believes that when women and girls support each other, incredible things happen.

Cultural Heritage

Author: Punya

The roots of Hinduism run deep 
 and strong, 
A heritage of centuries, 
         a tale so long. 
       From the banks of the Ganges to the southern seas, 
    The essence of Hinduism shines with a brilliant gleam.
       In the halls of temples and the offerings made,
   In the chant of the mantras and the puja parade, 
   In the colorful festivals and the sacred dances, 
   Lies the heart of Hinduism, its cultural prances.
The myths and legends, the stories so grand, 
   Of gods and goddesses, holy and bland.     

     From the mighty Vishnu to the fierce Kali,                   
    The stories of Hinduism are woven so lively.
The moral teachings, 
   the philosophy divine, In the scriptures of Hinduism, so sublime. 
     From the Vedas to the Bhagavad Gita,   The wisdom of Hinduism shines so brighter.
        The art and architecture, the music and song, 
     The rich cultural heritage of Hinduism belongs. 
    From the Ajanta caves to the sculptures of Khajuraho, 
   The beauty of Hinduism is on full display, don't you know?
    So let us cherish and preserve this rich tale, Of Hinduism's heritage, 
    beyond time and scale. 
  For it is a part of our identity and pride, 
    A cultural heritage that we should keep by our side.

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A girl with an education is unstoppable—but barriers like gender discrimination, poverty, and exploitation prevent many girls from reaching graduation. Our Youth Ambassadors created the Power of Poetry campaign to amplify girls' voices about this issue for Poetry Month and Global Action Week for Education.

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Punya is a 17-year-old teen from India who is keen and passionate about public speaking, writing and reading. She is a self-proclaimed "eco-freak" as well.