Youth not leaders of tomorrow, but of today - GEFONT, Nepal 2023

“I have always been an activist and was part of the student union. When I joined KFC in Kathmandu, I looked to join the union, where most were very senior leaders, quite old. In the beginning this was difficult, because I felt so inexperienced but now I can say I am not only a member, but also a leader. We should not be considered the leaders of tomorrow, but already today.” 

Neel Kashi, Hotel Sector union 

Neel Kashi is a young worker and was not confident to speak in public. After his studies he joined KFC Hotel in Kathmandu. When he was in college, he was engaged in students' union work and very interested to learn about the union work in the hotel sector. He witnessed for instance a woman worker at KFC having issues with her working hours, was supported by the union, which negotiated for her. But since the union leaders were quite seniors, Neel was shy and lacked confidence. 

Neel participated in different campaigns from the union and also attended a training on labour rights and collective bargaining. He went to demonstrate in May Day Rallies and also different youth events organized by GEFONT. 

By his active participation in these different events, he started to understand the importance of unions in the workplace and and his confidence level went up. Now, he holds a leadership position in the hotel union and contributes to organising more young workers to join the union.