Latika, 15 years old
Latika’s mother, Kalawati, was abandoned by her husband and subjected to abuse and neglect at the hands of his family. This caused her mental health to deteriorate drastically. She and her three-year-old daughter, Latika, were forced to live in a jungle cave in horrifying conditions for half a year. With the help of the district police, the Women and Children Service of Doti and the World Vision International branch in Doti, SETU Nepal rescued Kalawati and Latika. When they were finally rescued, both mother and child were malnourished, and unfortunately, they both tested positive for HIV. Kalawati was referred to a transit centre for mental health treatment. Latika was found to be suffering from a vaginal infection, possibly resulting from sexual abuse during their time in the jungle. Both mother and child were in urgent need of care.
SETU Nepal immediately provided shelter and healthcare for Latika, and arranged healthcare support for Kalawati. Although Kalawati later left the transit home, SETU Nepal worked tirelessly to maintain a strong bond between mother and daughter. Tragically, Kalawati passed away in 2017, when Latika was just seven years old.
Latika is now in Grade 9 at a government school and aspires to become a teacher. She excels academically and actively participates in extracurricular activities. Intelligent, curious and highly motivated, she gives her all to everything she does, from schoolwork to games and group activities.