Syama’s goal was always to improve his community in Nepal. His quest led him to play many roles in his life: political leader, fisherman, debtor, expatriate, and now, successful tomato farmer. After years’ worth of trial and error, Syama joined Convoy of Hope’s Agriculture program and learned the skills to finally create the change he had always dreamt of.
Many years ago, Syama sought to change his community through political action. But when the time came for true positive change to take place, Syama found himself sorely disappointed.
“I didn’t find the changes that we were talking about during the insurgency period,” he said. “I left the party and started fish farming.”
“It was difficult for me to walk in the village,” he said. “At that time, I was frustrated and hopeless.”
Sadly, Syama’s new business venture dashed his dreams once more. When his fish farm failed, it left him deep in debt. Syama was financially ruined and ashamed to show his face in the community he so desperately hoped to improve.
“It was difficult for me to walk in the village,” he said. “At that time, I was frustrated and hopeless.”
Short of options, Syama spent the next eight years in Japan, working tirelessly to pay off his debts. Finally, he went back home to start over again. Upon his return, Syama joined Convoy of Hope’s Agriculture program in Nepal.
“Returning back to my country is the best thing of my life,” he said.
When he returned, Syama learned new skills through the program, helping him farm efficiently and run a successful business. He was thriving. His new business was so lucrative that he hired six others from his community. Now, he uses his business to give others better opportunities than he once had.
“We didn’t have to go overseas for employment. There is money everywhere in Nepal but we young Nepalese people didn’t see it. I’m working to bring positive change in modern agriculture.”
“Being able to create employment opportunity in my own village makes me feel proud and happy,” he said. “We can do [much] more in our own village. We didn’t have to go overseas for employment. There is money everywhere in Nepal but we young Nepalese people didn’t see it. I’m working to bring positive change in modern agriculture.”
These days, Syama is well-respected and inspires others in his community to provide well for themselves and their families. While many people are grateful for Syama for the opportunities he has given them, Syama is grateful for supporters like you.
“I want to thank every person behind this support,” he said. “Though you didn’t know us, your love for us has brought hope during our hopeless situation. Thank you once again.”
