Walking towards a brighter future: Bhabisara’s story

Stories | July 22, 2026

When Bhabisara was very young, her family noticed that one of her legs was shorter than the other. 

At first, they hoped it was something she would grow out of. But as she learned to walk, they began to worry. Bhabisara often lost her balance and fell, and walking became increasingly difficult.

Determined to find answers, her parents travelled to India for work and saved what money they could in the hope of finding treatment for their daughter. Despite limited options and growing financial pressures, they continued searching for a way to help her.

A doctor suggested surgery, but there were no guarantees. Faced with uncertainty and fearing further complications, the family returned home still searching for a solution. 

A little girl who kept falling

As the years passed, Bhabisara’s world risked becoming smaller. Starting school at age five should have opened new opportunities, but her mobility difficulties made regular attendance challenging. Even so, Bhabisara wanted to learn alongside other children her age. At the same time, the family’s financial pressures continued to grow. 

Then an unexpected conversation changed everything.

During a visit to the community, a rehabilitation facilitator from the CBM supported Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children (HRDC) heard about a young girl who was struggling to walk. After meeting Bhabisara and her family and carrying out an assessment, she explained that support might be possible. 

For Bhabisara’s grandparents, who had cared for her through years of uncertainty, it was the first real sign that the future they hoped for might be possible.

Soon afterwards, Bhabisara attended a mobile disability screening camp, where doctors assessed her condition and recommended surgery at the HRDC.

The chance to move forward

The surgery marked the beginning of a long recovery. She spent several weeks in a hip spica cast and later received physiotherapy training so that her rehabilitation could continue at home. Supported by her family, Bhabisara continued her exercises at home and gradually grew stronger. 

There were no instant results. Progress came slowly through months of daily exercises, persistence and patience. With encouragement from her family, Bhabisara continued practising and gradually grew stronger. 

Alongside her rehabilitation, she received a scholarship through a CBM supported partner, and the support helped her continue her education and remain engaged in school. 

Through support from the local disability network, the family began raising goats, creating an additional source of income and helping strengthen the household’s financial stability. 

Despite the challenges her family has experienced, she has continued her studies and remained focused on her future.

Today, the difference is clear.

Bhabisara walks with confidence. She attends school regularly and spends time with her friends. The simple things that once presented obstacles are now part of everyday life. 

For her family, seeing her walk to school, learn alongside her classmates and participate more fully in her community is a reminder of what can happen when children with disabilities receive the support they need. 

Without access to assessment, surgery, rehabilitation and ongoing support, the opportunities available to Bhabisara may have looked very different. Instead, she has been able to continue learning, building her confidence and pursuing the future she wants for herself. 

Her story is a reminder that every child deserves that same chance. 

CBM Australia acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and thanks our implementing partner Support Activities for Poor Producers of Nepal. 

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