Overview
The Markku-Kirsti Fellowship is a prestigious award program established in honor of two dedicated individuals: Markku Voutilainen and Kirsti Kirjavainen. Both have been longstanding well-wishers, advisers, and collaborators with Samari Utthan Sewa (SUS). This fellowship celebrates their extensive contributions to uplifting Dalit and marginalised communities in Nepal, particularly through efforts aimed at combating caste-based discrimination.
Markku Voutilainen served as the development cooperation coordinator for Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission in Nepal. His pioneering efforts included initiating and personally overseeing the Uplift Project (UP) from 2005 to 2007. This empowerment and community development initiative targeted poor and oppressed communities, including Dalits and landless individuals, in the districts of Badarjhula (Chitwan) and Punarbas (Sarlahi). The Uplift Project was executed during a challenging period marked by conflict in Nepal, yet it yielded significant, results-oriented outcomes that addressed both immediate needs and long-term structural inequalities. SUS proudly acknowledges that the project laid the foundational groundwork for its establishment. Following its completion, inspired by the experiences gained, a dedicated team—led by Bimala Devi Gayak —along with former project staff, established SUS as an independent organization.
Kirsti Kirjavainen has dedicated over 35 years to service in Nepal through the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission, and United Mission to Nepal. Her work encompassed documenting human experiences and cultural narratives through photography. Kirjavainen continues to visit Nepal annually, maintaining her deep connection to the region. Her contributions extend beyond professional activities; she curated exhibitions featuring not just photographs, but also traditional costumes and cultural objects, highlighting the resilience and heritage of Nepalese Dalit communities. Through her lenses and stories, Kirjavainen has amplified the struggles and triumphs of Dalits and other oppressed groups.
The fellowship serves as a biennial recognition of Dalit women who have fought for the rights and dignity of Dalits, recognizing their leadership in social justice efforts. In addition to this biennial women’s fellowship, the program includes an annual student fellowship. This provides full scholarships to Dalit students who are in financial need, supporting their education and enabling them to contribute to societal change. SUS is actively open to partnerships aimed at nurturing a new generation of thinkers and leaders, to expand the initiative’s reach and impact.
Program Details
Biennial Women’s Fellowship: Awarded every two years to Dalit women demonstrating exceptional leadership in fighting caste-based discrimination and advocating for Dalit rights. It recognizes their courage in addressing systemic challenges head-on.
Annual Student Fellowship: Provided annually to deserving Dalit students, offering full scholarships to alleviate financial barriers and foster educational growth.
Collaborative Scope: SUS welcomes partnerships with global and local entities to scale this initiative, ensuring broader support for Dalit leaders and innovators.
Cultural and Inspirational Legacy: Drawing from Voutilainen’s focus on empirical, on-the-ground development and Kirjavainen’s artistic documentation of lived experiences, the fellowship bridges practical action with cultural storytelling to inspire future generations.