A former schoolteacher who moved from the mountains of Nepal to the South Wales Valleys is in the running for a major award – just over a year after arriving in the UK.
Tajina Garbuja, who works as a kitchen assistant at The Hollies Care Home in Pontypridd, is a finalist at this year’s prestigious Wales Care Awards.
She has been shortlisted in the Exceptional Newcomer category, sponsored by the Educ8 Group.
The event is being organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise exceptional work of the unsung frontline heroes in the social care sector.
The presentation ceremony, sponsored by Meddyg Care, is being held at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel on Friday, October 17.
“It means a lot to be nominated. I never expected something like this to happen to me, especially after only being in Wales for such a short time,” said Tajina, who moved to Wales from Nepal in 2024.
“I feel so happy and proud that people see the work I do and think it is worth celebrating. I just try to be kind and helpful every day, and I enjoy being part of the team.
“My family back in Nepal are over the moon. They could not believe it when I told them, and now they are counting down the days to the ceremony.”
Originally from Darmija, Myagdi – a rural community in western Nepal surrounded by rolling hills and dramatic mountains – Tajina worked as a primary schoolteacher before relocating to Wales with her husband Diyal Serpuja Magar, who secured a job in care.
Now living in Cardiff, she says the green valleys of Pontypridd remind her of home. But the transition wasn’t without its challenges.
“At first, it was difficult to understand the accent,” she admits. “I was nervous and kept my head down. But people were so kind and helpful. I’ve learned so much, and now I feel more confident.
Tajina started her care journey working at the Holy Spirit Home before joining The Hollies, part of SilverCrest Care Group.
Her duties include food preparation, serving meals, and helping the domestic team when needed.
Despite working behind the scenes, her gentle nature and strong work ethic quickly made her one of the most loved members of staff.
Although her current role doesn’t require formal registration with Social Care Wales, Tajina is already taking steps toward a future in hands-on care – with hopes of one day training as a nurse.
Deputy Manager Daniell Davies, who nominated her for the award, said: “Just as precious as it is to watch a caterpillar transform into a butterfly, like our Hollies logo, it has been the same watching Tajina blossom from a shy girl into a confident team member.
“While her main responsibilities are in the kitchen, Tajina often steps in to support the domestic team and now contributes to daily staff meetings, offering ideas to improve the experience for residents.
“The nervous, timid lady we met on day one has grown into a confident and capable member of the team. She is a joy to be around and a credit to the home.”
“She always goes the extra mile,” Daniell added. “Once, she was asked to cover a shift the same day as a family event. She didn’t hesitate – she just asked her husband to handle the gathering and came in to work. She didn’t even tell us that she had a prior event, she genuinely sees helping as an honour.”
Tajina’s impact has been felt across the home – not just by staff, but by the residents too.
One resident said: “I love Tajina. She is so beautiful and warm. When I was ill, she gave me a hug, chatted with me, and checked on me all day.”
Another resident, Howard Collings said: “She was so shy at the start and was nervous about speaking to us but I understand that was a language barrier, but now she is like a brand-new person and she is so friendly and chatty and one of the kindest and inspiring people I have met. I love hearing about her home in Nepal and the food she likes to cook.”
“I just wanted to help,” she said modestly. “I didn’t think anyone would notice. But I’m really happy and grateful. I love my job and now I look forward to stepping into a role as carer.”
Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “Care Forum Wales has been working tirelessly for more than 30 years to promote the social care sector.
“We established the Wales Care Awards to show our appreciation to the workforce and the wider sector for the remarkable and vitally important contribution everybody makes, day in day out.
“The event underlines the importance of the social care sector. It is the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically.
“Our mission is to be the voice of social care in Wales to advocate on the sector’s behalf, holding truth to power in order to secure a fair deal to recognise the dedication of our front line heroes and heroines across our nation.
“If you don’t value the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.
“Every single one of our finalists is a winner and will be presented with a gold, silver or bronze award.”
