Nov 17th, 2025 marks an extraordinary and deeply emotional milestone in the life of Sarita Baniya a 23 years woman. With heartfelt support from Stichting Holland Building Nepal & Mr. George Kanis, Sarita successfully underwent her cochlear implant surgery — a procedure that brings new possibilities to a young woman who has lived her entire life in near silence.
Sarita’s story is one of remarkable resilience. Born fully visually impaired and gradually losing her hearing, she has faced challenges that most of us can barely imagine. Her world has been a place of limited sight and fading sound, yet she continued moving forward with quiet strength. Despite her circumstances, she has always shown a deep desire to learn, connect, and remain hopeful.
Her family background reflects both hardship and determination. Growing up in an economically constrained household, Sarita has been supported mainly by her elderly father, now in his 70s, who still pedals a rickshaw every day to provide for the family. Incredibly, four out of her six family members are also visually impaired, making their daily lives even more demanding. Yet, in the midst of these difficulties, the family has remained tightly bonded, facing each challenge with patience and courage.
The cochlear implant that was held in Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu marks a turning point that could reshape Sarita’s future. Her first hearing test is scheduled in three weeks after the surgery date, and this will be followed by a long, structured journey of auditory therapy lasting about four years. These years will help her gradually interpret sound, understand speech, and develop listening skills that were once beyond her reach.
This transformation goes far beyond hearing alone. Regaining access to sound can significantly strengthen her communication abilities, support her learning, boost her confidence, and open doors to new opportunities in education and skill development. For someone who has spent her entire life depending almost entirely on touch and limited visual cues, the chance to hear even simple everyday sounds — footsteps, voices, birds, family conversations — can bring profound emotional and practical change.
We extend our sincere gratitude to stichting Holland Building Nepal and Mr. George Kanis for making this life-changing step possible. Their generosity is not only restoring sound to Sarita’s life but also renewing her hopes, aspirations, and sense of possibility.
Sarita will still need support for her ongoing therapies, which are expected to last for the next four years. If you wish to contribute to this meaningful cause, please feel free to reach out to us.
