It was in 2006 when Maggie Doyne travelled to Nepal as a teenager and changed her life’s course. She was devastated by the suffering of children and women in the war-torn part of the country that she decided to leave her life behind in the US and started volunteering in western Nepal. To date, Maggie has set up schools for children as well as trained women to be self sufficient. Today, along with her nonprofit care Kopila Valley Children’s Home and Kopila Valley School, she takes care of and educates hundreds of children.

Now, the 28-year-old American philanthropist has been nominated for this year’s CNN Hero for her inspirational selfless work. Her work has not gone unnoticed. Recognising her contribution to Nepali society , a petition has been put up on change.org urging the Nepali government to present her with an honorary citizenship.

Click here to sign the petition.