From Nepal to NSW

July 23, 2024

Pictured: Reunited 10,000kms from home … Rakshya Karki (left) and Prasamsa Khanal (right).

In a heartwarming twist of fate, two Nepalese primary school friends separated by both years and kilometres, have found themselves working side by side in regional NSW. 

Both seasoned healthcare professionals in their native homeland, Rakshya Karki and Prasamsa Khanal never imagined they would meet again, let alone at SCC’s Cootamundra Residential Care almost 10,000km from home. 

Strangers since their school days, the pair couldn't believe their unexpected reunion, with the odds of meeting considered about as remote as their newfound location. 

"We were both speechless when we saw each other here in such an unexpected place," Rakshya recalled with a smile.  

"The shock and joy of meeting after so long, and so far from home, was overwhelming." 

“We honestly had no idea we would meet at all let alone in Coota.  

“All our friends who have come to Australia have settled in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide and neither of us thought there were any Nepalese in Coota.  

“However, as it turns out there are now nine of us working with SCC and two more on the way.  

“We are both so very happy and thankful to the SCC team for such a great opportunity and for reuniting two friends after decades.” 

Rakshya, sponsored by SCC as a Registered Nurse, and Prasamsa, currently undergoing training to achieve Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration as an Internationally Qualified Nurse, have seamlessly integrated their expertise into the residential care home. 

The home has embraced their combined expertise and cultural background, recognising the unique perspectives they bring to resident care.  

Both have been instrumental in introducing elements of Nepalese culture to Coota, such as traditional music and storytelling, enriching the lives of the residents. 

Facility Manager Marianne Cook said the whole community had embraced the childhood friends as well as the other staff members of Nepalese descent.  

“Rakshya and Prasamsa bring our number of staff from Nepal to nine and we have two more coming which is great,” she said.  

“The community has really embraced them and welcomed them with open arms. 

“They are so caring and have settled in really well.”