In pursuit of happiness

An 18-year-old boarded a plane in New Jersey and set off to see the world. Four countries and 20,000 miles later, she set base in the midst of Nepal’s poverty-stricken villages with a heart full of love, and determination. Maggie Doyne has grown – and so has the institutions she’s built to help children reach their full potential. Emirates Woman took the opportunity to hear about her journey

- CECILIA D'SOUZA

What was your childhood like and what part did it play in your decision to work with children?

I had a great childhood growing up in New Jersey with my mum, dad and two sisters. My sisters and I babysat a lot and were the go-to babysitters in the area. I think my experience babysitting as a teenager led me to work with children. I was always really good with kids and had an easy time connecting with them. I didn’t always know that I would end up working with children as a humanitarian, but with my background, it makes a lot of sense.

Which of your endeavors are you most proud of?

We just finished building the greenest school in Nepal. I think this is one of our biggest endeavors yet. It took us five years and represents the future of education and sustainability. The new Kopila Valley Green School educates more than 400 students and employs more than 100 Nepalese teachers and administrators from the community. The school design itself features rammed earth structures, rainwater harvesting, solar cookers, green composting facilities and more.

What do you think of as your biggest achievement?

As an organization, our biggest achievement has been our ability to give kids a happy and loving childhood. One of my favourite things to do is sit around with the older kids and listen to them tell funny stories about their memories from growing up. The greatest gift is to give a child a truly meaningful childhood and happy memories. It’s critical to our mission. I feel that when children have happy childhoods, they grow up to contribute to the world in a positive way.

What’s been your most cherished experience?