When the results of Nepal’s national Secondary Education Examination (SEE) were released in 2026, Grade 10 student Kiran achieved something no student before him had accomplished. With an outstanding GPA of 3.70 (A+), he became the highest-scoring student in the history of Shree Karnali Secondary School in remote Humla, Nepal.
For Kiran, the achievement represents years of hard work, determination and a love of learning. It is also a powerful reminder of what is possible when young people in remote communities have access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive.
Growing up in the village of Chauganfaya in Humla district, Kiran always loved learning. The youngest of three children, he was raised in a hardworking family that relied on farming and a small tea shop for income. Like many families in this remote mountain region, earning a reliable income can be difficult. Long, harsh winters and challenging growing conditions mean that families often need to find additional ways to support themselves.
Despite these challenges, Kiran remained determined to succeed at school. His dedication quickly earned him a reputation as a hardworking and capable student. But like many children growing up in remote communities, financial barriers threatened to stand in the way of his education.
Kiran was in Grade 3 when Adara began supporting students at his school. Working alongside communities, schools and government, Adara helps children in remote areas access quality education from early learning through to secondary school and beyond. The goal is not only to help children attend school, but to help them learn, succeed and reach their full potential.
Over the years, Kiran benefited from educational support including learning materials, school supplies, upgraded school infrastructure and additional learning opportunities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools across Nepal faced disruptions, he was also able to continue learning through distance education classes delivered via radio.
“If Adara had not provided this kind of support in school and education, children like me wouldn’t have been able to study like this,” he says
“The provision of teachers when there is a shortage of teaching staff, and the arrangement of remedial classes in the mornings and evenings, have provided us with great convenience in reading and learning.”
For children growing up in remote communities like Humla, access to quality education can be life-changing. When students have the resources, support and encouragement they need to learn, they are better able to focus on their studies, build confidence and pursue their aspirations.
School became much more than lessons and exams for Kiran. Through Adara’s broader support for education in Humla, students had opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities including quizzes, debates, essay competitions, drawing, sports and cultural events.
Kiran embraced every opportunity. Whether competing individually or leading teams, he discovered new ways to apply his learning, build confidence and develop leadership skills.
“These opportunities increased my self-confidence and motivation,” he says. “They encouraged me to stay active in my studies and continuously try my best.”
Throughout his school years, Kiran consistently ranked at the top of his class. In 2023, he achieved first place across Simikot Rural Municipality in his Grade 8 examinations. But his biggest achievement was still to come.
In 2026, Kiran earned a GPA of 3.70 (A+) in Nepal’s Secondary Education Examination (SEE), becoming the highest-scoring student in the history of Shree Karnali Secondary School. The record-breaking result reflects years of perseverance and hard work, as well as the encouragement and support of his family, teachers and community.
Today, Kiran is proud of what he has achieved, but he remains focused on the future. “I hold the hope and confidence that in the future, I will become a capable, competent and self-reliant citizen who can contribute to society and the country,” he says.
For Kiran, his record-breaking result is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of what comes next. His story shows that when young people have access to quality education and the opportunity to learn, they can achieve extraordinary things. We can’t wait to see where Kiran’s journey takes him next.
