The above quote aptly describes the journey of the children of Himalayan Children’s Charities and its founders Bruce and Susan Keenan. Twenty two years ago, Bruce and Susan had a vision to assist the orphaned, abandoned, and at risk children in Nepal by providing safe, loving housing in a close family environment, the best educational experiences available, and mentorship programs.  The Keenan’s have taken their years of successful businesses, their involvement in philanthropic organizations and have provided their experiences and the experiences of their peers to the children and young adults of HCC. The students have walked successfully beside the founders, mentors, sponsors, and supporters to become the future leaders and change makers in Nepal. 

Three years ago, I  became involved with Himalayan Children’s Charities as a volunteer. Through my journey I became aware of the need for sponsorship of these wonderful, passionate young students.  Very shortly thereafter I  became the grateful sponsor of a beautiful, now 18 year old young lady named Ganga, who  is an intelligent, compassionate, and thriving young artist. Ganga  is currently awaiting admission to Kathmandu University and is  pursuing a degree in Fine Arts.

Ganga, pencil on paper

I recently traveled to Nepal to visit the children and the HCC leadership. It was my first in-person meeting with Ganga and her fellow brothers and sisters.  It was truly a glorious and transformational  experience!  During my stay, I  had the great opportunity to be guided through the sights, villages, and towns of Kathmandu by Ganga and fellow student Jaman. Jaman is currently enrolled in the Medical College of Birgunj. He hopes to bring his medical knowledge not only to the residents of Kathmandu, but to the rural villages which have great medical need, as well. 

We enjoyed three full days of getting to know each other’s cultures and lives while immersing ourselves in the tradition and culture of Nepal. Toward the end of my journey we developed a close connection and bond. I witnessed Ganga, who I first met as a quiet, reserved young lady, just blossom into self-confidence.  Ganga, Jaman, and all of the students of Himalayan Children’s Charities have a love for life, education, and each other. I experienced a different level of appreciation of what HCC has provided for these students by experiencing it in person. The impact that Himalayan Children’s Charities has had on the lives of so many children in Kathmandu and the surrounding villages (Dhading and Benighat) are extraordinary.

Khushi Ghar, “happy house” in Nepali, is the group home that has housed, nurtured, loved, and educated  54 children over the past 22 years. Dinesh and Hira Sapkota have been the house parents for all of these years. I was welcomed with open arms and left humbled and grateful to have shared two weeks of experiencing their lives at work and play as one of the gang!  Dinesh, HIra, and all of the members of HCC Nepal have instilled a wonderful sense of family, love of self, work ethic, direction, and the importance of giving back to the Nepali community. They continually inspire the students to look toward and accomplish any of their goals, both personally and professionally.  The feeling was  one of pure joy when I was surrounded by the aura of Khushi Ghar and the students’ presence. It is clear that they have an insatiable appetite for learning, expanding, and exploring their worlds and their place in that world. Their love is contagious! Singing, dancing, and reveling in the enjoyment of being together as a family. Pure joy!!

As I reflect upon my experiences in Nepal with the HCC Family, the emotions that arise are of happiness and gratitude. I was changed by the experience in the most beautiful way, and now have a  lifelong bond with my second family a world away. 

I have tried to paint a brief picture of my experience in Nepal, however, words alone will never do it justice.  It my sincere hope that each current sponsor, or anyone interested in sponsorship will take this journey to meet the incredible students and staff that have made Himalayan Children’s Charities so successful in creating the future leaders in Nepal and surrounding areas.

Lovingly told by Carol Hoffman

If you would like to change the life of a student in Nepal, donate today

The post With Love, From Nepal appeared first on HCC Nepal.

This report from Lower Dhading was prepared and written by HCC student, Rina.

On June 30th, we went on a trip to Lower Dhading. The purpose of our trip was to visit and provide necessary things for the students, which was supported by HCC. All together there were five of us: Dinesh, DP, Mun Maya, Arya and me.

On the day of our visit, we all gathered in Khushi Ghar at five-thirty in the morning. We had packed up packages and bags with school supplies, as well as personal care items. Once they were arranged into the exterior seat of the car, we began our journey to Dhading.

On the way to Dhading, we had several different funny and interesting talks with each other. During our discussions, we also enjoyed the mesmerizing sceneries of mountains, hills and paddy fields. Around 8AM, we stopped near Khaja Ghar for breakfast, which consisted of paratha, boiled eggs, chana, and coffee for breakfast. As soon as we finished, we headed towards Baireni.

Our first meeting place was at Success Academy School in Baireni, Dhading. The students supported by HCC had all gathered there, with huge smiles across their faces; they were incredibly happy to see us. This made us feel warmly welcomed. Later on, we met with the students one by one asking them about their school, family, as well as their life in general. The questions were asked  Mun Maya and Dinesh, Arya noted down every different detail of the students, DP handed out the different bags and packages, and I was assigned the role of the photographer. Each student was given 6,000 NRS. This amount of money will aid them in buying basic necessities. Additionally we questioned some newer students, which would also be provided with scholarships, school supplies and personal care items.

When we finished our meeting with the students at Birene, we began our journey to Dhading Besi. On the way, we stopped by a hotel for lunch. The food there was incredibly delicious, especially the soup that consisted of local chicken; that was our favorite! After lunch, we continued traveling to Dhading Besi. Also on the way, we picked up the father of five Magar kids that are supported by HCC. These children go to the Advanced Academy School, and stay in a school hostel. The father and his children were reunited after a couple months, so he ended up joining us on our voyage to spend some time with his very own. 

Our second meeting destination was at Advanced Academy School, where the father’s kids study. Once again, we were happily welcomed. Similarly to the Success School, there we also met up with the students individually, where they were asked about their learning, and their well-being. We then distributed bags/packages, along with NRS 6000/ thousand to each student, just like at the other school. Scholarships were also given out to several deserving students, whom were also new.

We all had light snacks on the way back home to Kathmandu, which we arrived at around seven at night.

All together, we met forty-seven students that consisted of both new and old ones. The children seemed very pleased and thankful for being provided with such scholarships.

Overall, the trip was amazing. As for Arya and me, this was a new one.  It was very refreshing, for us, to be able to help children in need of a more prominent future. We hope to do this again very soon!

Rina Bhandari

If you want to help support our outreach in Dhading, and beyond, donate today!

The post Lower Dhading Update from Rina appeared first on HCC Nepal.

All 292 students received new uniforms. Uniforms are required and many students end up wearing very tattered and dirty clothes to school to fulfill the requirement. The two new uniforms each child received will make it easier to clean or repair their uniforms.

We provided stationery items such as paper, packs of pencils and colored pencils, pens, a pencil case, erasers, sketch books, and rulers to 194 students to help in their studies and academic performance. 

Additionally, we distributed personal hygiene items such as soap, hair oil, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair comb, vaseline cream, nail cutter, etc to 194 students. 

We helped educated them on the benefits and importance of good personal hygiene in preventing children from picking up or spreading germs and infectious diseases.

Each child received the stationary and personal care packed in new backpacks for them to carry to school.

There is a lot of work to be done to help this community, and all the schools and families of the supported students who received the support were grateful and said that the support of the organization will make a positive impact in the students lives. 

Other stories about the students and families in Benighat:

One Child at a Time

Benighat Update From Mun Maya

Benighat Food Distribution Saves Lives

If you want to help support our outreach in Benighat, and beyond, donate today!

The post Supplies for Benighat Schools appeared first on HCC Nepal.

For the last seven years, Himalayan Children’s Charities has been supporting students and families in rural Nepal. What began as educational support for children orphaned by the 2015 earthquakes, has evolved into dynamic outreach programs that include wifi towers, computer labs, anti-human trafficking awareness, menstrual hygiene classes and food support for a neglected and marginalized segment of the Nepali population. We have cultivated a network of humanitarians, local government and school officials who alert us to dire need in these areas and communities. It was through this network that we learned of the critical need for food in Benighat, Dhading at the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020. This community, which is composed of mostly Chepang and Magar families, suffers from widespread poverty, food insecurity, lack of running water and sanitation. The five schools we are supporting to improve opportunities need everything from books to toilets; and even then, they are limited to grade 5 by geography. The nearest upper level school is two hours away. 

In January 2021, after this introduction to the Benighat community, HCC graduate and HCC-Nepal executive director, Mun Maya Rawal read an article in a local paper about mounting suicide rates in rural areas of Nepal. The article sighted a family from the Magar community in Benighat who had lost their mother to suicide and their father was suffering from a debilitating alcohol addiction. The children were fending for themselves, and the eldest daughter, only 12, has been caring for her younger siblings, ages 10, 8, and 3 year old twins for the last year. These 5 children were living in squalor, surviving on the one meal a day provided by the school.

Right away, HCC was able to provide warm clothing, school supplies and much needed food support for the children. And in May of 2022 we received permission from the father to move the children. To ensure their safety and care, we enrolled them in an English-Medium boarding school in Dhading Besi, that we have been working with since 2016. In this new environment, we are already seeing the children prosper. Not having adult care for over a year left the children malnourished; they had head lice and their basic hygiene had suffered. 

As residents of the hostel school, they have their own beds, 3 meals a day and the personal care all children deserve. This is a wonderful change of circumstance for these 5 children that have been through so much and lived in such dire conditions. There are 295 more children in Benighat that are also in need of help. Poverty and circumstance makes them vulnerable to early drop out, child labor, child marriage, and human trafficking. They need clean water, basic hygiene and food support. By investing in their education and well-being, we are investing in the next generation of Nepal.

If you want to help support our outreach in Benighat, and beyond, donate today!

The post One Child at a Time appeared first on HCC Nepal.

The month of March was interesting and went well. As International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March every year, along with it we also celebrated Sadhana’s birthday on the same day. We had small dance performances and captured the moments in our heart and camera. All the Khushi Ghar members were gathered and our excitement and happiness was limitless. Currently, we have been spending time with Maya Gold family. On our first meeting, we had very good time with all of them. Like always we were spread out into three different groups where different activities were done which was switched after every 30 minutes. On our next visit, we had a visit to Government school Tinkanya Bageshwori School in Dhading, There we had great time with the children playing different games and every one of them were provided with some gifts which brought beautiful glow on their face. Seeing the glow, we were overjoyed. Then we returned back with our hearts full. 

Talking about my studies, I am regular and attentive in every class. After about couple of months, I will be appearing for my pre-board examination of grade 11 and very soon after that I will be given my final examination. So for that I am my spending time in my studies and I will be giving my best performance.

Here in Khushi Ghar, I have taken responsibility for gadgets which I have done well and I will be giving my 100% in my every duties and responsibilities. I will never hesitate to take leadership in any of the works and happily help my brothers and sisters.

Thank you HCC for all the support, love and care that you have been providing me in every breath of my life,

Koshish

To help support Koshish and all the students in HCC’s programs, DONATE today!

The post March Was Busy at Khushi Ghar! appeared first on HCC Nepal.

The month March went by in a blink of an eye. So much has happened in this month. I went to several art exhibitions that are held every three years. But due to the covid it was postponed to this year as it was supposed to be held the previous year. I have been very fond of going to the exhibitions and exploring the art and creativity of other people. I feel a different kind of peace in my mind.

Maya Gold has come to Nepal this month. On the very first day we had our introduction. And I was assigned to the group to go to Ganesh School, a public school located in Bhaktapur. There we painted the entrance wall, played with the students, and had some fun time sketching with the kids.

I was overwhelmed to get to know them and spend time with the kids.

This month, I had my welcome program at my university. The program was organized by my college at Taaj Palace. As we have already got to know each other it became easier for us to enjoy the program. We dance to our heart content. It was very fun. 

I have been doing great at my college. It is a great feeling to get to learn new things everyday. My happiness has taken no bounds as every time i think to myself that I have been stepping stones towards the path of my future that I have always dreamed of since my childhood. 

It is possible to get a step closer toward my future because of the support that I have been receiving from the hcc, donors, and my sponsors. I have no words to explain how grateful I feel everyday thinking about it. I will make sure that the effort, love, support and support you have given will not go in vain. Thank you very much.

Lots of love,

Manika

To help support Manika and all the students in HCC’s programs, DONATE today!

The post Spring in Nepal appeared first on HCC Nepal.

This month of February was exciting and fun. I am doing great in my studies and also improving a lot in my arts.  I am having my physical classes as usual. I am also taking help from my sister in my work and studies. I do painting in my free  time.  My results of board examination of grade 11  was published and I got 3.2

 This month we had Sivaratri. First thing we did was take bath. And after that we went to nearby temple  We clicked many pictures. We sat for Barta and ate many delicious food which our aunt had made.  It was so tasty that ’til now I have not forgotten the taste. At evening we did bonfire and  celebrate it. The principal of deer walk also came and we had a little talk about IT. 

 I would like to say thank you sponsor for your kind help and support . THANK YOU !!!! 

-Ganga

I am Ambika, currently studying veterinary science in the first semester. This month of February was very good as well as  scary because I had my board exams. I have seven subjects which I had to appear for exams. Except for the two subjects it went well. Now I am having my practical exams and it’s going fine. Also this month we had a birthday celebration of Siwani and celebrated it very nicely.

Soon I will be in the second semester after my practical exams. Before this month I was busy helping my brother Drishtanta in the hospital and preparing for my board exams.  I had one of the best experiences and good memories with Drishtanta. So the months of February and January were unforgettable for me.

All the best memories in my lifetime are because of your support ,love and care. So thank you for everything that you have done for me. Also I would like to express my gratitude towards your genuine love.

To help support Ganga, Ambika, and all the students in HCC’s programs, DONATE today!

The post Ambika and Ganga, Getting Ready for Spring appeared first on HCC Nepal.

I recently finished my second term examination. I tried my best and I did well.

After that we had sports day. Due to covid-19, we could not play all the games in the college.We only played for one day and then the college remain closed. Now we are having our online classes. I am studying hard and trying my best but feel difficult to attain the class through screen for such long time. Our government had decided make all the people vaccinated and re-open the school, college, etc. So we took vaccine and we took the vaccine card .

We are preparing for the Board Examination. We have already completed our half course. After the course complete we will have two  month leave for preparation for the final examination.

This month we also celebrate the birthday of Dinesh uncle. We ate a delicious cake. We also celebrate Maghe sankranti. Maghe Sankranti is a Nepalese festival observed on the first of Magh in the Vikram Sambat or Yele calendar bringing an end to the winter solstice containing month of Poush.

I would like to thank all my sponsors and my donors for supporting me and I am very much grateful for having you all. Thank you.. STAY SAFE…

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The post January at Khushi Ghar, from Dhirendra appeared first on HCC Nepal.

After nearly 2 years of Covid-related delays, Ram is finally in Lyon, France, at the prestigious Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay.

Traveling to France was like a dream come true for me. The working hours are good because we’ll get a break in between. The hotel has a guest everyday despite Covid. Here  in Lyon, we don’t have a problem of Covid. I am still learning step by step because my chef will not provide me a recipe all at once. First thing I had learnt in France was dessert plating and I am still doing it. My chef is very friendly, funny and doesn’t speak English very well. I have friend in patisserie who had recently joined as a employ from August, even he does not speak english very much. So, mostly they speak broken english and like I do broken french it’s very funny having communication with them.

Most of the people I work with don’t speak English, even those people who have come from Poland, Argentina, Czech and all for an internship. It’s a challenge and I have to accept it. I won’t be able to take a photo because of the dish being prepared as per the order and it rushes so quick that you can see it. I managed to take some pictures of my dessert. I am still waiting on a chance to take a photo of mine within the kitchen department.

Still the same person, with the same name just a different mind set and a few new games and I am enjoying it. Keep chasing your goals even if you are alone, scared and tired, I say it to myself everyday to remain focussed and enjoy every moment of my life. Six moths of hard work and focus will put me on the right direction. That wouldn’t have been possible without HCC and  I am very thankful for this moment of my life that I have received from HCC family.

-Ram

To help support Ram and all the students in HCC’s programs, DONATE today!

The post January Update From Ram in France appeared first on HCC Nepal.

Travel to Dhading has been complicated due to the COVID-19, and we go as often as we can, but it felt like everything changed; the road, facilities, new buildings, students growing up to become a future leaders of the country. I am so happy to always be a part of the HCC Nepal team and help the students in their education. I see myself in those students who had no hope, no dreams and aspirations in life whose later perception changed to become independent, strong and an influencer of many people like us. It was so overwhelming to meet all the students, parents, and teachers who appreciate the work we have been doing all these years. It has helped so many students get good education, care and support. We are all a family now. Thank you to everyone who has helped in this noble cause to support these students.

During this trip, the we were able to meet with 65 students and distributed:

• Regular scholarship funds, family support stipends, and school stationery supplies as well as extra COVID-19 relief support and personal care items including masks, soap, and sanitizer. 
• Warm winter socks, caps and muffler to 65 students 
• Menstrual pads to 50 mothers and female students 
• Menstrual cups to 20 mothers and female students 

Emotional, academic and career counseling to the parents and students in grade 10 and above and provided information regarding applying to HCC Higher Education Scholarship Program for future study.

All the families of the supported students who came across were grateful and said that the support of the organization has made a positive impact in their lives.

This work was made possible in part thanks to a 2021 Family Empowerment Grant from Charlie’s Heart Foundation. To learn more about Charlie’s Heart Foundation please visit their website at charliesheartfoundation.org

The post Dhading Trip December 2021 appeared first on HCC Nepal.