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When we first started out in rural Nepal, it was in response to the devastation caused by the earthquakes in 2015. It was around this time we first met Sita. She was bright and outgoing, and suffering. She’d broken her arm and it hadn’t healed properly. In addition to providing educational support, we endeavored to reset her arm.

She impressed us right away with her perseverance and resilience. After several surgeries and physical therapy, Sita recovered and was able to stay in school and help her single mother with her siblings. 

Sita has always been an excellent student and we happily awarded her a Peak Scholarship when she applied. Sita is currently settling into her new life in Kathmandu. She is attending nursing school so she can help people, inspired by her own medical journey.

 

To help support Sita, her nursing dreams and other students like her, donate today!

The post Update on Sita – Now in Nursing School! appeared first on HCC Nepal.

Two new students to the Khushi Ghar family are finding themselves right at home! Both students joined HCC at the start of the school year and we are so happy they are finding their way.

I’ve got to learn so many new things. This month we did many things. We celebrated Saraswati Puja. I had an event in my school that day. We worshiped goddess Saraswati by offering tika and garlands and taking blessings from her for knowledge and wisdom. I had lots of fun that day in school.

I got involved in PEP (Peace Education Program). We have 10 sessions of Peace Education Program in total. Among them, 4 sessions have already been completed. This session helps us to acknowledge peace which is within us and we don’t need to go anywhere to find it. It is a very useful and knowledgeable program for us.

This month one of our sponsors came to visit us. We all had a very useful conversation with him. He was a very nice and generous person. Bruce’s uncle also came to visit us. We talked about our second terminal examination, college experience and so on with him. He motivates us to study hard and do better next time.

We also had a mentorship program this month. We learn about mental health and its importance and impacts in our daily lives. We all members also share our views and experiences regarding mental health. 

In February, our school also organized the Met Gala Championship for three days. I had a lot of fun that day. I took part in an air hockey game. It was fun to take part in different activities and I enjoyed it a lot.

Talking about my second terminal examination, It was not so good. I scored very low marks in my computer science. I need to put more hard effort in math also. Next time, I’ll work hard and score better marks in my exam.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to the sponsor for all the love, support and help. Thank you so much. I’m very grateful for what I have now.

I experienced a lot of new things. Firstly, I got involved in the Peace Education Program every Saturday in Khushi Ghar. I am learning the ways to have peace and good moral ethics from these sessions. We also had a mentorship program this month. We talked about mental health in that session. We came up with many unique ideas to maintain good mental health and all of us shared different experiences which led us to have both good and bad mental health. We also welcomed one of the most helpful and motivational donors in our house and had a lot of fun conversation with him. He gave us so many ideas to do better in life at studies as well as career. I am really very grateful to meet and talk to him. Bruce uncle also came to visit us this month. I had many consultations with Bruce uncle too.We talked about our examinations, college, experience in Khushi Ghar and so on. He encouraged me to be better in my studies and life.

This month I also had many fun activities in my school. We had our Champions Gala. I participated in different games. I also had results of the second terminal examinations this month. I could have brought much nicer results than this time. And I will do better than this next time. I will study harder and be better than today.

I am always going to be thankful to my donors for  providing me with the best education. Thank you.

Donate to Nepal today!

The post New Students, Settling In appeared first on HCC Nepal.

How many new students entered Himalayan Children’s Charities recently? 

6 new students joined the HCC family in recent months – 3 in our rural Rise Program and 3 Peak in Kathmandu.

How many students will graduate in 2024?

4 Peak students will graduate from our programs this year, all with university degrees!

How many Himalayan Nepali children in Nepal does HCC support?

135 children and young adults are supported directly by one of the Rise or Peak Programs.

Who are some of the other charities for children HCC partners with to donate to Nepal?

Maya Gold Foundation

TPRF

Charlie’s Heart Foundation

Rotary International

The Red Curtain

How to sponsor a child in Nepal?

Email us! bruceckeenan@hccnepal.org or go to https://www.hccnepal.org/donate/

The post Himalayan Children’s Charities Quick Facts 2024 appeared first on HCC Nepal.

The post Visiting our Rise students in Dhading appeared first on HCC Nepal.

In the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, a community in crisis was brought to our attention. In the years since, we have provided food assistance, warm clothing, school supplies, and more, while working towards larger projects, all made possible by partnerships with foundations like Charlie’s Heart Foundation, and Rotary International to help the remote, rural community of Benighat survive!

Recently, with the help of a group from the tiny island of La Reunion (east of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean) we were able to commission new school furniture for the 5 schools in Benighat. The generous donation enabled us to not only provide classroom furniture, but support the local workers in Benighat who made the furniture.

Throughout the 5 schools we distributed 40 bench-desk sets, 115 cushions, 30 tables, 3 large work tables, a podium and carpet for 8 classrooms.

Being able to provide these basics makes a huge difference to the students, teachers and administrators and these unspeakably underfunded school. We are so grateful for the support and trust our sponsors have in up to provide these important services!!

Principal Bishnu Khadka, of Richok Irang Basic School wrote this letter of thanks:

Dear HCC,

On behalf of the school community, I am writing to express our sincere gratitude for the furniture support that you have provided to our school. The new furniture has made a significant difference in the quality of education for our students.

Prior to your support, our school was struggling to provide a comfortable and appropriate learning environment for our students. The old furniture was worn out and uncomfortable, and it was difficult to fit all of our students into the classrooms. As a result, many of our students were not able to focus on their studies, and their attendance was poor.

The new furniture has made a world of difference. The carpets are soft and comfortable, and the desks and chairs are the right size for our students. This has allowed our students to focus on their studies and improve their attendance. In addition, the new furniture has created a more inviting and stimulating learning environment.

For example, the new round tables have made it easier for students to collaborate on projects. The multi-colour desk benches have made it easier for students of different ages to sit together. And the comfortable carpets have made it easier for students to sit and read quietly.

The beneficiaries’ guardians are also grateful for the support that you have provided to our guardians.

As a result of your support, our school is now a more welcoming and supportive environment for our student’s education. We are grateful for your partnership, and we look forward to continuing to work with you to improve the quality of education for our students.

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

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I had an incredible opportunity to go to Dhading with Dinesh Uncle, Uttam brother and Laxmi sister and was honoured to be a part of the amazing volunteer work. Our journey began with a 3-hour drive from Kathmandu, during which we marveled at the scenic beauty of Nepal’s countryside. Upon reaching Dhading, we were warmly welcomed by the staff and students of Success School and Advance Academy.

One of the highlights of this trip was the opportunity to meet and interact with more than 54 students supported by HCC’s generous sponsorship. Our senior HCC student; Uttam Basaula and I took the students’ update, Laxmi sister was incharge of the scholarship distribution and Dinesh uncle captured beautiful pictures. Our conversations were casual yet impactful, as we learned about their unique hobbies, educational aspirations, and current life circumstances. Despite facing challenging economic conditions, the children displayed incredible determination and optimism. 

We made sure to take detailed notes during these conversations to prepare comprehensive reports for each student. One thing I have realized from this trip was that the educational support that HCC has provided truly made a significant difference in their lives.

The stories we heard were both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. It was touching to witness the children’s hope and resilience, while also being made aware of the hardships they endure. Yet, the education sponsorship has undoubtedly provided them with a sense of hope and possibility for a brighter future.

As part of our visit, we distributed carefully prepared care packages to each student, tailored to their essential needs. These packages contained items such as shampoo, hair bands, sanitary pads, stationery items, notebooks, brushes, toothpaste, comb, and towels. The gratitude and joy expressed by the children upon receiving these gifts were deeply moving.

On behalf of the school committee and the teachers, Shree Bindu Keshar Secondary School expressed their heartfelt appreciation by presenting us with a warm and touching speech along with a token of love and appreciation certificate. 

They wanted to convey their gratitude for the positive impact sponsorship has had on their lives and encouraged us to continue doing such great deeds.

This trip has left an indelible mark on all of us, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful endeavor. It felt great to see the contributions that are making a tangible difference, providing these children with hope, education, and the chance to pursue their dreams. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of these wonderful children.

-Chadani

If you want to help support our Rise Program and the students in Lower Dhading, and beyond, donate today!

The post Chadani’s Report from Lower Dhading appeared first on HCC Nepal.

We raised almost $10k!

Mun Maya submitted this report on the distribution of winter clothing:

Children in rural communities may find it difficult to attend school every day and achieve their dreams due to a lack of proper school uniforms. There should be at least two dresses available for wearing and washing. There are many health problems associated with wearing a shabby, dirty, and torn dress. HCC has been providing school dress, personal care items, and school supplies to these students for the past two years. We felt that providing them with new winter clothes was the best decision that our team made.   

In the first week of February 2023, HCC staff Laxmi, Dinesh, Shristi, and HCC youth Koshish and HCC president Saraswati Tamang traveled through five schools in Benighat, Rorang  Dhading. 

1. Beldada Basic School
2. Maharudra Basic School
3. Richok Irang Basic School
4. Tinkanya Bageshwori School
5. Bhumisthan Basic School

During this trip, the HCC team distributed winter clothes that included pairs of warm school tracksuits, t-shirts, school shoes, socks, mufflers, caps, and handkerchiefs.The schools and families of the supported students were grateful for the support and expressed how it would positively affect the students’ lives. 

This positive impact on the lives of these students would not have been possible without your sponsors and donors. All the credit goes to you all. Thank you so much for supporting Himalayan Children’s Charities.  

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

The post Winter Warm Up Distribution appeared first on HCC Nepal.

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.