17/07/2026
Chhori's 13th Annual Day Celebration: A Journey of Healing, Reflection, and Togetherness
This year's 13th Annual Day of Chhori was much more than a celebration. It was an opportunity to reconnect with our purpose, strengthen our relationships, appreciate one another, and reflect on the impact we create together.
Rather than organizing a formal event with external guests, we chose to dedicate these two days to the people who make Chhori what it is—our board members, staff, and the girls and young women currently staying in our Social Service Centre. Our intention was to create a safe space where everyone could reconnect with themselves, with one another, and with the deeper purpose behind our work.
We began the Annual Day celebration with a guided meditation. Each participant held a heart-shaped card with the word "Chhori" in one hand and a handmade candle, crafted by survivors through Chhori Handicraft, in the other. During the meditation, everyone reflected on two simple but powerful questions:
What have I received from Chhori?
How am I sharing what I have received with others and my community?
It created a meaningful and emotional beginning, reminding us that every act of care, support, and empowerment continues to ripple far beyond our organization.
Day One: Healing, Self-Reflection, and Connection
The first day focused on healing, self-awareness, wellbeing, gratitude, and strengthening relationships within our team.
One of the most meaningful sessions was a guided meditation that invited participants to reconnect with themselves, the universe, and the positive energy around them. During the meditation, everyone identified two limiting beliefs they wanted to release and then visualized the person they wished to become. Many participants later shared that they genuinely experienced a sense of letting go of old beliefs and beginning to create a new version of themselves—one filled with greater confidence, hope, and purpose.
Another deeply touching activity invited everyone to write appreciation notes highlighting the strengths, qualities, and positive impact of each colleague. Reading these heartfelt messages brought tears to many eyes. It reminded us how powerful it can be to see ourselves through the kind words of others. We later presented these appreciation cards as a personal gift to every staff member during the Annual Day celebration.
Day Two: Celebrating Purpose and Impact
The second day became a true safe space for sharing stories, listening deeply, and reconnecting with our shared mission.
Instead of presenting project achievements through PowerPoint slides, our staff brought their work to life through live performances and role plays. Their presentations demonstrated how our projects are helping prevent child marriage, support girls' education, provide psychosocial care, create safe spaces, and empower girls and women to rebuild their lives.
One of the most powerful moments came when two survivors courageously shared their personal journeys of violence, exploitation, healing, and hope. Their stories deeply moved everyone in the room and reminded us why safe spaces, compassion, and long-term support are at the heart of Chhori's work.
As part of the celebration, we also recognized outstanding contributions within our team. This year's Best Staff Award was presented to Rekha Chaudhary, Field Officer of the Children Our Pride Project in Rautahat, in recognition of her remarkable commitment to preventing child marriage, supporting children's education, strengthening families, and promoting child protection within her community.
We also celebrated one another through a special appreciation session, where staff members acknowledged each other's efforts, strengths, and positive qualities. These messages reflected the culture of care, encouragement, and mutual respect that continues to shape our organization.
The celebration concluded with the cutting of our "Happy Chhori's 13th Annual Day" cake, followed by music, dancing, laughter, photographs, and joyful moments shared together.
Looking Back
These two days reminded us that Chhori is much more than an organization. It is a community built on healing, trust, courage, hope, and shared purpose.
Our staff are not simply implementing projects—they are walking alongside girls and women during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Our board members, staff, survivors, and partners each contribute to creating opportunities for healing, protection, leadership, and lasting social change.
As we celebrate thirteen years of Chhori, we are deeply grateful to all of our partners, donors, supporters, and friends who have believed in our vision. Your trust enables us to continue creating safe spaces where girls and young women can heal, discover their strengths, and build hopeful futures.
Thank you for walking this journey with us. Together, we continue to create lasting change.
