PRESS RELEASE
Sustainable Living Young Entrepreneurs Award Finalist
Creates First Free Educational Opportunity In Nepal
MaKayla Reed
NEPAL --
Surya Karki was named as one of seven finalists for the
Unilever Sustainable Living Young Entrepreneurs Awards for his
work with Maya Universe Academy.
Maya Universe Academy is the first completely free education institution in Nepal and is run by the community. In exchange for their children’s education, parents have the opportunity to either teach in one of the three schools or to work for the Maya Farms two days each month.
Karki never imagined he’d have much opportunity to further his education. With more than half of the children in Nepal quitting school to go to work abroad for low labour jobs before they reach a lower secondary school level, the educational system in Nepal is in trouble. “I used to be one of the kids that I was going to serve” said Karki.
Karki received the unique opportunity to leave his village to further his education. After returning in 2011, Karki helped to found Maya Universe Academy. Karki sees his involvement with Maya Universe Academy as a way to give back to his community for the opportunities that he has received.
The seven finalists were chosen from 510 entries that came from 90 countries. Karki said that his hope is to increase exposure and support for Maya Universe Academy. On becoming a finalist, Karki said “I can’t believe it personally. It is certainly time for my team to prove to the judges that they took the right decision.”
The winner of the Unilever Sustainable Living Young Entrepreneurs Awards will be announced on January 30, 2014 in London. The selected finalist will receive 50,000 in financial support and special mentoring. The remaining six finalists will receive 10,000 in support and mentoring.
Karki is a Davis United World College Scholar at College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine and is expected to graduate in 2016.
No comments:
Post a Comment