My Experience with the Youth Sounding Board
Bam Bahadur BK
Like the stars that shine in the sky, the full moon that glows, the morning sun that rises, the river that flows endlessly, the tree that gives shade, the rain that pours like a shower, the wind that flows freely—I, Bam Bahadur B.K., am a strong youth leader with a disability, leading other young people with disabilities. I lost my eyesight at the age of two. I was born in a remote area—Ward No. 4, Turmakhand Rural Municipality in Achham District—where traditional beliefs, superstitions, and outdated customs still prevail. From that place, like a small seedling growing steadily, I began to take my first steps forward.
In the Nepali year 2068 B.S. (2011 A.D.), I moved to Mangalsen, the district headquarters of Achham, to study at Shodasha Secondary School. There, I spent seven years in a special class as a residential student. Some days were filled with tears, others with laughter, but the hard work and dedication I put into my student life began to yield results as I achieved top positions in school. I participated in nearly every school activity, which became a source of inspiration for me. These events made me more aware and courageous, helping pave my path to success.
In 2076 B.S. (2019 A.D.), I became the winner of Classic Speaking Idol and in 2021, the winner of Blind Rocks First Runner-Up. These achievements steered me toward policy-making and advocacy work. In 2077 B.S. (2020 A.D.), I decided to study law and continued my journey at Shree Tri Nagar Secondary School in Dhangadhi, Kailali District, in the Far-Western Province. Currently, I am pursuing a BALLB degree at Far-Western University. Due to my involvement in advocacy, leadership, and various activities, my network expanded rapidly. I remained actively engaged with various child clubs, youth organizations, youth councils, and NGOs.
In 2023, I was selected as a second cohort member of the Youth Sounding Board (YSB)—a key initiative by the European Union implemented across three provinces since 2022. I was chosen as a volunteer and representative from the Far-Western Province, tasked with driving impactful change in society. I found this platform to be extremely relevant and important, especially because it brought together youth from marginalized areas and promoted inclusivity.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to the European Union Youth Sounding Board for selecting me to represent the Far-Western Province for the second cohort. I got the opportunity to participate in YSB's orientation program on July 31, 2023, held at Hotel Park Village in Kathmandu. The following three-day program from October 1 to 3 was also very impactful. It was well-structured with the participation of 26 YSB members representing persons with disabilities, Dalits, and other marginalized communities. The program was attended by EU Ambassador Nona Deprez, EU staff, and representatives from five key organizations: Restless Development Nepal, EU International Partners, EU Nepal, Oxfam, Innovation Lab, and Helvetas Nepal.
On the first day, we engaged in leadership, networking, and coordination exercises through interactive games, all of which were disability-friendly. I never once felt left out. On the second day, we received in-depth knowledge about the European Union, took part in group photo sessions, and split into three thematic groups: Climate, Good Governance, and Gender Inclusion. On the third day, we shared responsibilities and headed to Nagpokhari for a cocktail party. We had traveled there by bus.
During the orientation, we also participated in networking sessions with representatives from various government and non-government organizations, allowing us to absorb diverse perspectives. The next day, we returned to our provinces from the Sampada Garden Hotel in Lazimpat, Kathmandu. With the support of the YSB Coordinator and the Steering Committee, I had access to various online activities including report writing, biography writing, cover letters, professional email crafting, action planning, and more.
Together with the first cohort, we also drafted a joint statement and bid farewell to Ambassador Nona Deprez. On October 4, 2023, we participated in a leadership and interaction program with the new ambassador. This platform deeply impressed me, especially because it gave youth from all three provinces a collective voice. It created space to consider, discuss, and advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities.
I overcame many challenges and societal barriers to get to this point, and YSB has played a vital role in helping me shape a vision for the future. I was particularly influenced by four elements: Networking, Coordination, Promotion, and Unity. These have given me fresh ideas, perspectives, and energy. Thanks to YSB, I’ve had the chance to be closely involved in the activities of local and provincial governments as well as UN agencies.
YSB is a platform that reaches the youth from places entangled in dowry practices, menstrual taboos, and geographical remoteness. I am truly grateful that this program is designed to empower youth in such areas. Moreover, the platform embodies inclusion, as it features the collective participation of youth from all three provinces of this small country, Nepal.
In my view, if we continue to design and implement such programs creatively, this platform can serve as a bridge to connect youth who are still trapped in remote areas. Youth are not only the backbone of the nation but also the vehicle for comprehensive development.