Abstract:

Nine-year-old Punam Tamang lives with her father and siblings in dismal social conditions in the city of Bhaktapur, Nepal. Her father works from sunrise to sundown to afford the school fees for the children, so during the day Punam assumes the role of head of the family. Punam's friends whose families cannot afford the school fees have to work in a stone quarry or brick-making factory to help their families get by. For Punam the poor five-grade school she attends is her symbol of hope - education represents her only opportunity to improve their situation, and this young Asian girl dreams of becoming a teacher and helping other children in situations like hers.