Manju arrived in Adelaide in 2014 as a skilled migrant with her husband and son. Since her early days in Adelaide, she has been actively volunteering her time with local community organisations. After more than a decade-long experience in various organisations in Nepal, coming to a new country and again starting a new life was a big challenge for Manju. Manju strongly believes community volunteering has been a great experience for her in settling in a new country and culture.
Manju works closely with the Nepalese migrant community to represent their voices, needs, aspirations and contributions. She is the Founder Principal of Adelaide Nepali Vidhyalaya (School of Nepalese Language & Culture) and continues to serve as a volunteer teacher. Her past volunteering experiences include consumer representative at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and a member of the CALD Women’s Advisory Committee of PEACE Multicultural Services at Relationships Australia. She also volunteered with MCCSA’s Successful Communities Project in launching its Community Toolbox.
Manju is a graduate of the City of Marion’s Community Leadership Program 2015 and is actively involved in promoting community engagement in the local council’s activities. She is currently the National Women Coordinator of the Non-Resident Nepalese Association (NRNA) Australia and leads nationwide women empowerment activities within NRNA. She has previously served as State Women Coordinator and Public Officer of the Association’s South Australia branch.
In 2020, Manju was the recipient of an International Women’s Day Community Quiet Achiever Award, through the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia, and is an active member of its Women’s Council.