17-year-old Jefferson He has set up a fundraiser to secure the future of Harbingers’ Nepali Newsroom
Young Harbingers' students in the Mountain Children’s Home in Dandagaun, Kathmandu, Nepal.
November 29, 2024
Help me keep the voices of young Nepali journalists heard
At just 17 years old, I’ve had the privilege of leading Harbingers’ Magazine, an online current affairs platform created and edited by teenagers from around the world. This unique magazine is part of the Oxford School for the Future of Journalism (OXSFJ), a non-profit initiative that amplifies young voices and equips us with tools to become tomorrow’s storytellers.
Among our many inspiring projects is the Nepali Newsroom, which has been a cornerstone of my editorial journey. For the past two years, I’ve coordinated this initiative, working with ten students from the Mountain Children’s Home in Dandagaun, Kathmandu. Aged between 11 and 18, these students gather twice weekly to learn journalism, alongside lessons in English, dancing and singing.
They urgently need transportation due to the increase in road incidents, which make it dangerous for them to trek up and down the mountains to reach school
Bal Krishna Sah, Harbingers’ tutor at the Nepali Newsroom
During my annual visits to the Home, I’ve witnessed first-hand their remarkable growth in storytelling and media production. Their work reflects their resilience, creativity and perspective, offering a window into lives often overlooked by mainstream narratives.
Some of their published articles, such as ‘Why is the month of Shrawan so important for Nepalis?’ or ‘10 things you should know about Nepal’ showcase their talent and potential.
Building on this success, Harbingers’ Magazine is planning to launch a printed edition in Nepal. This endeavour aims to bring their stories to broader audiences, further empowering these young writers and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
Support the Nepali Newsroom
Unfortunately, the Mountain Children’s Home is currently facing significant challenges. The Home’s manager, Raj Kumar Sunar, explained that their primary donor, who had been supporting them since January 2024, is now dealing with personal difficulties and can no longer provide funding for the children’s food.
To tackle these pressing issues, I have launched a fundraising campaign focused on two key priorities.
You can donatetoday and be part of the change.
The Nepali Newsroom's second group of intermediate-level students, aged between 14-16.
The first is securing safe and reliable transportation for the children to attend school. The Mountain Children’s Home is situated in a national park, and the steep, hazardous mountain paths have become increasingly unsafe for the children. Tragically, a few children have lost their lives navigating these treacherous routes.
“They urgently need transportation due to the increase in road incidents, which make it dangerous for them to trek up and down the mountains to reach school,” Bal Krishna Sah, Harbingers’ tutor at the Nepali Newsroom, told me.
This campaign aims to raise funds for a vehicle to safely transport the children, eliminating this risk.
The second goal is to ensure the Home has access to essential food and drink supplies.
With your support, we can provide these essentials, ensuring the children have the sustenance they need to thrive.
Every contribution, no matter the size, can make a tangible difference in the lives of these remarkable young people.
By supporting this initiative, you’re not just helping to meet urgent needs; you’re investing in the next generation of storytellers, leaders and changemakers. Let’s work together to ensure their voices are heard and their futures are bright.
