Name : Gaumaya Gurung
Parents : Mr Kesar and Mrs Rupa Gurung.
Village : Kaldung, Gorkha
Education Master of Optometry,Aston University 2014
Employment : Optometrist at Vision Express and a freelance emcee
Volunteer Roles and Achievements 1. Founding President of Mukti UK: 2009 – to date
We have been fundraising since 2009 by organising awareness programmes, talent shows, film screenings and selling t-shirts and merchandise made by victims of human trafficking. So far, we have been able to facilitate Maiti Nepal Rescue Centre in New Delhi and the Training Centre in Nepal. In 2013, we organised a vigil against gender violence in Nepal and sent a letter
to the Nepal Prime Minister through the Nepali Ambassador.
2. ASTON 100: July 2013
I was selected for “The Student 100” poster campaign at Aston university for my contribution to build a counselling centre for ex-child conscript soldiers in Nepal. In 2012, I trekked to the Everest Base Camp and fund raised £2450 for children’s education and telemedicine. In 2013, as the secretary for NRNA UK Women Wing, we raised around £20,000 for Action Work Nepal to build a birthing centre at Miteri Maternity Hospital in Jumla. With the funds collected from friends and families, I donated hand-held ophthalmic instruments and reading glasses to Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology in Nepal.
3. Optometry Today Student Representative: 2012-‐2013
I had an opportunity to work with AOP student representatives from all eight optometry schools. We shared and learned ideas on how we could improve optic society at our universities and maximise student participations in AOP conferences. My report on 5th
AOP Eye Opener Conference was covered on Optometry Today.
4. Volunteer at Press Operations Team in Paralympics 2012
Out of 240,000 applicants who applied, I was one of the 70,000 volunteers selected for Olympics and Paralympics 2012. I was at North Greenwich - Wheelchair Basketball Venue. I learned to work under pressure, to document and report results to correct departments. To continue the sportsmanship as a Sports Secretary for Aston Optics Society, we hosted the 3rd annual sporting event, ‘Opfest 2012’ at the Aston University.
5. Miss UK Nepal 2011: 2011- 2012
In 2011, I won the beauty pageant ‘Miss UK Nepal’ and was awarded with Miss Talent
and ‘Miss Personality’ of the year. This platform helped me to improve and polish my public speaking and organisation skills. I was able to organise various charity events to sponsor two girls in Janjyoti School, Gorkha to continue with their higher secondary education. Through ‘Childreach’, we had an opportunity to help in the construction of eco-friendly classrooms at the Jyotidaya
Co-operative school. I participated on a HACK (Hike Against Cruelty to Kids) Walkathon organised by NSPCC for prevention of cruelty to children. In the following year, we organised the first charity walkathon called ‘Walk for Nepal’ in the Richmond Park, London. Being fond of adrenaline rush activities, I did the world’s fastest Skyzip and the world’s highest canyon swing. In 2014, I did a charity skydive for Shiksha Nepal to raise funds to provide 1,000 books to children in Jajarkot, Nepal.
6. Deputy Head girl of Wembley High Technology College: 2009-‐2010
As a team of student council, we organised Christmas parties and outings for disabled
members and elderly people at Sudbury Neighbourhood Centre. I also undertook and
achieved the Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver award 2008-2009. During that time, I had captained the Wembley girls basketball team.
7. Kith and Kids UK, July-‐November 2008
I was responsible for supporting children with learning disabilities or autism for five days on a Social Development Project and friendship outings once every few weeks. This experience helped me to be patient, empathic and to take creative approach to deal with children.
8. What is your driving factor and where do you get all this energy to participate in so many events?
My faith in God and the support from my dear ones have been immense. I have been blessed with a family who have whole heartedly trusted and supported my decisions along with good friends who have helped me to prosper. You see, we all need each other to grow and progress. Life is like, ‘All You Can Eat Buffet’ where you have lots of choice but you take pickings of your choice. With a will to learn and a heart to give, we all can be winners.
9. What are your general Interests?
Travelling, basketball, sewing, ice skating, rock climbing and making videos.
10. What is your aspiration for the future?
To study further and to gain wide range of experiences in the fields of optometry. In future. I aspire to work for the Nepali Government in the health and education sector.
11. Samaj role to youth?