Bright Futures: Bam’s story

Bam grew up in a small rural village in Nepal with his parents, three older sisters, and brother. His family worked hard to provide for one another, growing rice and vegetables to support the household. Despite their efforts, life was challenging, and Bam often experienced hunger as a child due to his family’s financial struggles.

Born hard of hearing, Bam’s life changed dramatically when he was eight years old. After falling from a tree and suffering a serious head injury, he lost most of his remaining hearing and injured his knee. Without access to appropriate support or education, Bam spent his childhood working in the rice fields alongside his family.

For the first fifteen years of his life, Bam had no formal language. He did not attend school, but he was known for his strong work ethic, kindness, and ability to work well with others. He enjoyed playing sports with friends and adults in his community, finding connection through shared activities rather than words.

Everything changed when Bam’s father learned about RHERI.

At fifteen years old, Bam moved to RHERI and, for the first time, gained access to education and Nepali Sign Language. He quickly embraced the opportunity. Learning sign language opened up an entirely new world of communication, friendship, and learning. Since then, Bam has flourished academically and socially, becoming fluent in Nepali Sign Language and excelling in his studies.

Today, Bam is known as an intelligent, hardworking, and thoughtful young man. He dreams of continuing his education beyond secondary school, and just passed his high school national exam with great results. He plays on the high school volleyball team (with hearing players and a hearing coach!) and is an exceptional competitor. Bam is also an incredible youth leader, who interprets for Dr Bobbie Legg when she visits Nepal, by translating written English into Nepali Sign Language. 

While Bam still carries difficult memories of the accident that caused his hearing loss and worries about the financial hardships his family continues to face, he remains focused on the future. His greatest hope is to one day secure meaningful employment and help support his family.

Bam shares a close and loving relationship with his parents and siblings, and he cherishes opportunities to visit them during festivals and school breaks. Their encouragement, combined with the support he receives at RHERI, has helped him build confidence in his abilities and believe in what is possible.

Bam’s journey is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of access to language, education, and community. With continued support, he has every opportunity to achieve his goals and build the bright future he dreams of, for himself and for his family.

You can help by making a donation to support the children at RHERI, share our newsletter sign-up form and by following us on social media.

SafeHavens is working with the RHERI Deaf Community Home to support the medical and educational needs of 44 deaf and hard-of-hearing children in rural Nepal.