Lahan, Madhesh Province | October 2026
What does opportunity mean to young people, and what prevents them from pursuing the futures they imagine for themselves? At a youth meetup in Lahan, these questions led to an open and thoughtful conversation about aspirations, challenges, and the realities that shape young people’s choices.
As part of Chiya, Chaso and Opportunity, Tanneri Chaso brought together young people to discuss the opportunities they see around them, the challenges they encounter, and the changes they want to see in their communities. The discussion offered a perspective that went beyond the usual concerns about limited job opportunities or political connections. For many participants, family expectations, social norms, and economic circumstances are equally significant barriers to pursuing their aspirations.
While political connections and personal networks can influence access to government-provided opportunities, young people also spoke about the obstacles they face within their own homes and communities. These challenges were particularly evident in the experiences of young women, who often have to navigate additional social expectations and restrictions.
Participants highlighted how early marriage, limited encouragement to pursue higher education, and a lack of family support for interests such as singing, art, and skill development can limit young women’s choices. Financial hardship further narrows their horizons, sometimes making it difficult even to imagine pursuing a dream. Young people who want to learn new technologies or develop practical skills often struggle to find the time, as they balance their studies with small jobs, such as private tutoring, to support themselves or meet their expenses.
Young men shared a different set of concerns. Many are preparing for public service examinations, but some expressed uncertainty about whether hard work and preparation alone would be enough to secure opportunities in a system where personal connections can influence outcomes.
For many participants, teaching emerged as a realistic career option in the present circumstances. At the same time, they expressed a desire to see more opportunities created locally, particularly in agriculture and education, so that young people can build their futures without feeling compelled to leave their communities in search of work.
What made the meetup meaningful was the willingness of participants to speak openly about these realities. Their reflections revealed that conversations about opportunity must go beyond the number of jobs available. They must also consider who can access those opportunities, who receives encouragement to pursue them, and what social and economic conditions make it possible for young people to move forward.
This is at the heart of Chiya, Chaso and Opportunity: creating an informal space where young people can share their experiences, question existing realities, and discuss the opportunities they want to see. By bringing these conversations into the open, Tanneri Chaso hopes to amplify youth perspectives and encourage a broader discussion about building a future where opportunities are not only available, but accessible to all.
