Safina Maharjan is 25 years old and has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and is passionate about helping children through education. She currently works as a Teachers Development Coordinator Aaanbookhaireni cluster. 
Safina started her journey as a teacher right after she left school by working at an orphanage school. Safina was exposed to the struggles of many children. One interaction was particularly poignant when a student, who had lost his mother at a young age, referred to Safina as “ mother”. This deeply moved her and made her realize how important it is to support these children and help them to build a better future for themselves. 
After leaving that job to continue her studies, Safina stayed connected to education by volunteering as a Child Learning Facilitator. She built strong bonds with the children in the community, who started to see her as an “elder sister.” This strengthened her desire to make a real difference in their lives, and it led her to join the Saathi Teachers Programme. Spending two years in this programme gave her valuable skills and experiences that shaped her as an educator.
Her belief in the power of good education comes from her own experience as a student. She struggled in school until class 6 and failed many exams. But when her mother enrolled her in a coaching class, the teacher’s support helped her to improve and become a much better student. This experience taught her that the quality of education depends on the teacher and how they connect with their students.
Now, as the Teacher Development Coordinator, her goal is to help other Saathi Teachers grow and build their confidence so that they can make a difference in children’s lives. Her time with Saathi has helped her grow not only as a teacher but also as a leader. She is excited to continue being a part of this programme and to contribute to the future of education.