Upon entering the GEMS club as a shy 8th grader, Priyan was hesitant and unsure. But over the next two years, she blossomed – participating in club initiatives, mentoring young peers, and absorbing lessons on leadership and community engagement. By Grade 10, Priyanshu's transformation was clear:
She had evolved into a natural leader, earning the respect and trust of her peers.
As a Peer Group Leader (PGL), she facilitated discussion, offered guidance and helped new members find their voices. GEMS influenced her future goals – now she envisions a career in helping others grow through education, mentorship and civic engagement.
Trained in Chapur under the British Council's GEMS program, Priyanshu quickly learned Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word – skills she now teaches to younger students every Saturday. This digital learning bridged a gap that her government school could not address. As Priyanshu shares: "In school, we don't get digital classes, so in GEMS, we were excited to come even on Saturdays because we could learn something new, something digital."
GEMS transformed Priyanshu, building her confidence and equipping her with the skills to facilitate sessions with patience and empathy. Beyond technical training, she gained awareness of gender equality, girls' rights, and the harms of the dowry systems. With growing confidence, she began speaking up more at home: "In the last two years, I have learned to speak up. Earlier, I couldn't."
Priyanshu now mentors Grade 5 girls, encouraging those who dropped out or lost interest by saying, "If you study, you can be successful and earn your own money." Some have already returned to school – proof of the ripple effect of her influence.
Even after the formal GEMS programme has ended, Priyanshu remains committed: "Even if I only get snacks, I will teach and learn. We don't need money, we want knowledge."
Priyanshu aims to become a Kharidar, a respected government administrative officer in Nepal. With full parental support, she intends to continue her studies after the SEE exam. In a village where early marriage is common, she boldly declares, "I don't want to get married any time soon. My dream is to study and become a Kharidar." She is also clear in challenging social norms: "Dowry is when the groom takes money from the bride's family – it's bad."
Priyanshu's journey – from a shy student to an empowered leader – is a compelling testament to the transformative power of education, mentorship, and opportunity.