Hard work instead of education

Fifteen-year-old Nima Tamang is originally from Ramechhap. He came to Kathmandu eight months ago and started selling khapse (a Tibetan pastry) in Baudha. He lives with his employer in Baudha, where they produce Khapse. Nima said his two other friends also sell khapse with him. He makes around Rs 1,000-Rs 1,500 a day. Nima shared that his employer had brought him and his two other friends from Ramechhap to Kathmandu to work. He gets food and accommodation from his employer, and sends home Rs 6,000 each month for his family. Nima supports his parents, three sisters aged 10, seven and six, and a brother aged five. Being the eldest child, he feels the responsibilities on his shoulders even at such young age. He said he has never been to school. When asked if he liked to study, he timidly answered no. His aim in life is to keep selling Khapse to a point when he earns enough money to open his own Khapse factory. He works five days a week and enjoys the weekends roaming around Baudha with his friends. During work days, he sells Khapse from 6 am to 7 pm.