Sadness to Smiles: How Sonia and Sophiya Found Hope and a New Home

Sonia and Sophiya studying at school in Solukhumbu.

Sonia and Sophiya are two young sisters from the mountain village of Phuleli, Solukhumbu, Nepal. Today, they are safe, smiling, and doing well in school — but their journey wasn’t always easy.

When their mother passed away, their father, a porter in the Everest region, struggled to earn enough to care for them. Forced to work abroad in Qatar, he left the girls behind, alone and without support.

Their future looked uncertain — until The Small World Nepal, a local nonprofit dedicated to girls’ education and empowerment, stepped in to help.

With the support of caring community members and teachers, Sonia and Sophiya joined Arhaus Children’s Home, The Small World’s safe haven for orphaned and vulnerable girls.

There, they found more than shelter — they found a family. The girls received education, nutritious meals, emotional care, and a chance to dream again.

Today, Sonia and Sophiya are thriving, showing how community-driven action can change lives in the Himalayan region of Nepal.

Growing, Learning, and Dreaming

Today, Sonia, age 7, and Sophiya, age 6, from Phuleli village in Solukhumbu, Nepal, are thriving. Both girls live at Arhaus Children’s Home, supported by The Small World Nepal, a local nonprofit dedicated to girls’ education and empowerment in the Himalayas.

Sonia, now in Grade 2, is one of the top students in her class and dreams of becoming a doctor one day. “I want to help people in need, just like The Small World helped me,” she says proudly.

Her younger sister Sophiya is also excelling in school and shares the same dream of becoming a doctor. Although she doesn’t remember her mother well, she says she feels deeply loved by her grandmother (Nini) and her father, who has now returned home to Nepal.

Their journey shows how education, care, and community support can transform the lives of children in rural Nepal — giving them the power to dream, learn, and lead.

🦷 Breaking Barriers: Meet Resha Sundash

We’re proud to share the story of Resha Sundash, a remarkable young woman from Solukhumbu, Nepal, and a true trailblazer from the Dalit community.

Resha is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree and is on track to become the first Dalit female dentist from her region — a historic milestone in the journey toward education equality and women’s empowerment in Nepal.

Her determination is breaking the cycle of discrimination and inspiring a new generation of girls to dream beyond social barriers. Through education and perseverance, Resha is proving that every girl, no matter her background, deserves the opportunity to lead and succeed.

Thank You for Being Part of This Journey

Sonia and Sophiya say thank you to The Small World and all the kind supporters who helped them find a new beginning.

And we thank you — our friends, volunteers, and donors — for making this life-changing work possible. With your continued support, Arhaus Children’s Home will remain a safe space where girls can heal, grow, and build bright futures.

Help Their Dreams Come True

There are many more girls like Sonia and Sophiya who are still waiting for safety, education, and hope.

If you weren’t here to support The Small World — and if The Small World hadn’t been there for Sonia and Sophiya — their story could have ended very differently.
Without this support, they would almost certainly be out of school today. Even worse, they might have been forced to work as domestic laborers, face abuse, or suffer from illness and neglect. Their lives could have been full of pain, fear, and hopelessness.

But because of you, Sonia and Sophiya now have a chance to grow up with dignity, peace of mind, and big dreams for the future.

Your support is not just changing lives — you are saving them.

Sonia and Sophiya were rescued and given a safe home and education at Arhaus Children’s Home. Today, they dream of becoming doctors. Resha Sundash, from Nepal’s marginalized Dalit community, is breaking barriers as the first Dalit female dental student. Their stories show how your support can change lives and break cycles of poverty and discrimination.

Please make a generous donation today to help us continue this mission — giving more girls a new life filled with hope and opportunity.