The Doctor Is (Almost) In
At 25, Dammara is in her final year of medical school with hopes of becoming a cardiologist. But her journey to get here has not been easy.
When Dammara was just two years old, her father passed away, and her mother began working as a daily wage laborer to support the family. Despite her mother's best efforts, the income wasn't enough to cover the children's education, and Dammara was at risk of being pulled out of school. Fortunately, when she was in second grade, a teacher recognized her situation and recommended her for the STOP Girl Trafficking (SGT) program.
SGT helps keep girls like Dammara — who are at risk of dropping out of school to work, entering child marriage, or facing other forms of exploitation — in the classroom, giving them the opportunity to build a better future for themselves. Teachers and volunteers identify vulnerable students and step in, providing them with a safety net when they need it most. Along with school supplies and uniforms, participants are given a supportive space to share their struggles and connect with other girls facing similar circumstances.
With help from SGT, Dammara thrived academically. Encouraged by mentors and classmates, she started to gain confidence and explore all the opportunities that were out there for her. For the first time in her life, she felt genuinely hopeful about her future.
After graduating, Dammara received the opportunity to complete a health assistant program — the first step towards achieving her dream of becoming a doctor. She poured everything she had into her studies, even when she had difficutly affording textbooks and basic living expenses. Her perseverance earned her a full government scholarship to Lumbini Medical College, making Dammara the first SGT alum to go to medical school.
Dammara’s strength and dedication continued to guide her through challenging years in the medical program. She often faced discrimination from her peers because of her background, but those experiences only reinforced her determination to graduate and serve patients who cannot afford medical care.
In a note to AHF, Dammara shared:
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