About Pushpa Basnet
Pushpa Basnet found her inspiration early in life. While participating in an internship program in a prison as an undergraduate student at St. Xavier College in Kathmandu, a 9-month old child reached up from behind her mother's skirt and held onto the hem of Pushpa's dress. Shocked to see a child in the prison, Pushpa learned that incarcerated women in Nepal are often faced with the unthinkable choice of sending their children to live on the streets or raising them in prison, without access to education, medical care, proper nutrition or warm clothing. At that moment, Pushpa began her courageous journey as an activist for the rights of innocent children living behind bars in Nepal. In 2005 Pushpa opened the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) and in 2005 Pushpa and her team built the Butterfly Home and created a warm, loving family environment for the children in their care. Although badly damaged by the massive earthquake of 2015, ECDC supporters rallied, found strength and funding, and reopened the Butterfly Home in 2016. Relentlessly investigating the challenges faced by pregnant women, mothers, and children in jails throughout Nepal, ECDC distributes nutritional supplements to pregnant and lactating women, nursing tops, newborn essentials, and toys, and implements a health insurance program for the children who continue to live in the prisons. ECDC is in process of building a Youth Hostel next to the Butterfly Home for their young charges to move into as they move on to college and jobs. Affectionately called Mamu by the 40+ children living at the Butterfly Home, Pushpa is determined to give these children a chance at a normal life and the opportunity to reach their potential. "These children have done nothing wrong. They are simply caught in something they do not understand... they deserve a better future." Among other honors, Pushpa was recognized as a CNN Hero in 2012 and as a CNN Super Hero in 2016. Pushpa's unconditional love of the children in her care has achieved the extraordinary: Knowing they are safe and cared for, these children are growing, learning, and thriving. And while they are learning to believe in themselves and to reach for the stars, in Pushpa's words, "I am the luckiest person in the world; I have gained so much more from these children than I could ever give them." Throughout history, extraordinary women with uncompromising courage and boundless energy have pushed us to open our eyes and inspired us to demand change: Pushpa Basnet, one of Nepal's most inspiring voices.
