Encouraging Youth Involvement in Nepali Culture: Strategies for Engagement and Empowerment

Jyojyolung (Jojo) Rai, Connecticut, America
B.A. in Operations and Supply Chain Management, Bentley University

As a first-generation immigrant, I’m constantly reminded of the complexities of being Nepali-American. Balancing school, parental expectations, and social life while figuring out my identity is no easy task.

Growing up, my parents placed a strong emphasis on my Nepali heritage—whether it was through language, writing, or cultural traditions. I would often come home to Nepali reading and writing assignments on top of my schoolwork or be expected to perform in cultural events for Nepali organizations. While these experiences strengthened my connection to my heritage, they often felt more like obligations.

Today, I see fewer and fewer kids staying connected to their culture and communities. Many blame this on the influence of technology and American culture. While these factors certainly play a role, they are also inevitable. We live in a digital era, and we live in the United States, so complete avoidance isn’t realistic.

However, that doesn’t mean parents and communities are powerless. To claim they have no influence at all would be a surrender of responsibility.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the cultural fluency and confidence I’ve gained, but I also recognize that the approach matters. There are ways to encourage cultural engagement that feel natural and meaningful—without making it a chore.

Here are some key strategies parents and communities can use to foster cultural connection in a way that resonates with today’s youth.

1. Introduce Culture Early On Introducing culture at an early age helps it naturally become part of a child’s identity. Younger children are more impressionable, and parents have more control over their environment, making this a prime opportunity to expose them to their heritage. Positive pressure during this stage—whether through encouragement, structured activities, or consistent cultural exposure—helps lay a strong cultural foundation.

However, as they grow, it’s important to adjust this approach. As children seek independence and develop their identity, give them the space to form their own connections and opinions.

2. Integrate Culture with Modern Interests As children grow and develop their interests, culture should evolve with them. Connecting culture to their existing hobbies—whether music, movies, fashion, or technology—makes it more engaging and relevant.

For example, introducing modern Nepali artists, watching Nepali films together, or discussing Nepali culture in the context of contemporary social issues or trends helps keep it dynamic. When culture feels connected to their everyday lives, it doesn’t seem outdated or irrelevant but instead becomes an enriching part of who they are. Making cultural engagement feel like a natural extension of their passions helps them stay involved.

3. Lead by Example Parents are the first role models for their children. If parents want their kids to understand or engage with their cultural heritage, they need to immerse themselves in it first. It’s not enough to simply encourage participation—it’s about showing a genuine commitment.

Parents should stay informed about cultural traditions, events, and community activities and actively participate in them. Whether it’s attending a Nepali New Year’s celebration, reading Nepali literature, or engaging in cultural discussions, parents must demonstrate that cultural engagement is not just an obligation but an enriching and fulfilling part of life. When children see their parents involved and invested in their heritage, they are much more likely to mirror that enthusiasm and involvement.

4. Foster Social Connection Through Culture Peers play a crucial role in youth involvement in culture. When children see their friends participating in cultural activities, they are more likely to stay engaged themselves.

Parents should encourage activities that are youth-centered, where kids can interact with others who share similar cultural backgrounds. Rather than focusing solely on adult-focused or traditional events, parents should push their children toward group activities where they can make friends and have fun while connecting with their culture. Whether it’s youth-led cultural events, group art projects, or community outings, these social experiences help build a sense of belonging and community around shared cultural values. When cultural engagement is tied to social experiences, it feels less like a duty and more like an enjoyable activity that builds lifelong memories and friendships.

5. Make It a Choice, Not a Duty As children mature, the pressure to participate can start to feel more like a burden than an opportunity. While encouraging cultural involvement is important when they’re younger, it’s essential to let them have the autonomy to decide how they engage with their culture as they grow.

Forcing participation or making it feel like a chore can push them away. Instead, parents should foster curiosity by creating an environment where culture is explored on their own terms. The more pressure they feel, the more resistance they may develop. Allowing them to explore at their own pace, in ways that feel authentic to them, leads to a deeper and more lasting connection with their heritage. This personal, intrinsic connection is far more likely to persist as they grow older.

6. Be Supportive and Appreciate Effort A supportive and non-judgmental environment is key to keeping kids engaged. If young people feel criticized for not knowing enough about their culture, they may become discouraged or resistant to learning altogether.

It’s important to create a space where asking questions and exploring cultural knowledge is encouraged rather than ridiculed. Celebrating small efforts—whether it’s learning a new word, trying out a new cultural activity, or participating in an event—helps build confidence and encourages continued engagement.

Negative experiences, such as criticizing a lack of knowledge or laughing at mistakes, can leave a lasting impression and create a negative association with culture. Instead, parents should nurture a positive atmosphere where it’s okay to make mistakes and take small steps toward deeper understanding. Recognizing and appreciating their efforts, regardless of how small, helps keep them motivated and encourages them to continue exploring their cultural heritage.

7. Create Opportunities for Youth to Lead and Offer the Same Respect and Professionalism as Adults Involvement and leadership go hand in hand. Giving young people opportunities to lead cultural activities helps them feel more invested in their heritage. Whether it’s organizing an event, leading a discussion, or creating content, having a say in how culture is shared gives them ownership and strengthens their engagement.

It’s also important to offer the same level of respect and professionalism as we would with adults. By taking their contributions seriously and recognizing their efforts, we help build their confidence and commitment. When young people feel respected and valued, they are more likely to take pride in their cultural identity and stay committed to leading and sharing that culture with others.

Final Thoughts Involving youth in cultural heritage is a delicate balance of encouragement, autonomy, and understanding. By integrating culture with modern interests, leading by example, fostering social connections, and giving young people the space to explore on their own terms, we can help them form a lasting connection with their heritage.

When done thoughtfully, cultural engagement becomes a choice rather than a chore, and it empowers the next generation to embrace their identity with pride.