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!

The post New Classroom Furniture in Benighat 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 post What a Great Event Season! appeared first on HCC Nepal.

Was this your first trip to Nepal?

It is the third time I visit Nepal. The first two were trekking to the EBC [Everest Base Camp] and the Island Peak.

What inspired you to make your trek a fundraiser?

I was actually inspired by a Japanese mountaineer when I trekked to the Everest Base Camp. I saw a poster in a small shop on my way to the base camp (somewhere between Phakding and Namche). He raised a fund to support the sherpa’s family.

How did you find HCC?

I was searching on internet if there is any NGO who is support the young kids in Nepal. Then I found HCC.

What do you find most rewarding about sponsoring students through HCC?

I was impressed by the innocent smiles of the children in the mountain. To me, they seem to be very poor and have nothing but actually they have a lot more than I have (coming from a modern business city). I do hope they have good health, good education and one day they will be able to contribute back to their community, their country.

Do you have any advice for people trying to find a way to give back?

If anyone wants to give back to the society, I would suggest for them to focus on our next generation including food, clean water, health, education and environmental protection. Children are our future. The future is theirs.

We hope next time you come to Nepal you can meet the students at Khushi Ghar!

I would be delighted to meet the students. I think it would be great if it can be arranged when I go to Nepal next time (maybe next year).

The post Supporter Highlight: TK Yim appeared first on HCC Nepal.

Saraswati, Siwani, Barsha & Kamala with their crafts.

On June 14th, 2019 we held an open house fundraising event at Khushi Ghar. The objective was to encourage the students of Himalayan Children’s Charities (HCC) to showcase their talent and take advantage of their leisure period between exams. It was also an opportunity for students to acquire new skills such as event management, fundraising and marketing, and showcase their artistic abilities such as painting and handicraft production. The event was also intended as a way for Kathmandu-based HCC family and friends to come out to support the students and staff.  The event was successful in many ways, including in raising our confidence in seeing such a big project to completion, and also in raising funds for our upcoming HCC student Sewa Project.

Tripti, Siwani and Saraswati preparing for the big day.

The preparation for this event started 3 weeks beforehand. The event was organized by the youth of HCC, with the guidance of our Student Coordinator, Hira Sapkota.

Fresh donuts

There were a total of 4 types of items that we made and sold at the event: jewelry (earrings, necklaces, and keyrings), foods such as pickles (radish, chili, mango, and Sichuan pepper) as well as rice-flour doughnuts with flax seeds, hand-stitched goods, such as cushions, bags, and mufflers, acrylic and watercolor paintings, and pencil drawings.

Angela, Sonu & Manika display their jewelry.

The jewelry was made by the students with materials and tools that were donated by supporters in the USA.

The pickle ingredients were bought from the local vegetable shop, then washed, cut and dried in the sun and mixed with the spices and made into pickles.

The cushions were made with recycled saris and other cloth. All of the sewing, stitching, knitting, and other handiwork was done by us, with the support of our sewing teacher, Manju Gautam.

Chadani setting up.

The paintings and drawings were done by the students who were interested in visual art, with mentorship and the supervision of renowned Nepali artist Kiran Manandhar. 

Art by Kiran Manandhar.

We worked hard to complete all of the items in the short time we had, but it was fun and refreshing. We also sharpened our skills in the various crafts, learned about time management, and realized that together we can accomplish great things in a short time. 

Everybody was very nervous and excited on the day of the event.  We started decorating for the occasion early in the morning. We placed the lights, set up the tents, and organized the tables and various stalls. We hung the paintings as well as photos collages of the students. Every one of us were given responsibilities to take care of in the lead up to the event.  Chadani, (grade 12), and Ram (2nd year bachelors) were the emcees.

There was an opening dance by Sunita (grade 12), followed by short speeches by the chief guests. Then the guests visited the stalls and bought some handicrafts, paintings and food items to support our cause. 

Homemade pickles- the top sellers.

A number of items were sold, and the best-selling items of all were the pickles. The students had fun practicing their marketing and sales skills by convincing guests to buy the items at their stalls. It was a bit difficult, but also a new and fun experience for all. 

The finished painting Ram created.

The most exciting part of the evening followed, with the live paintings done by Kiran Manandhar, along with Ram Tamang and Rukmani Dhital (graduate student who is now an art teacher). And tea, coffee and cookies were offered to the guests. 

More than 75 guests attended the fundraising event, which was more people than we expected. Attendees included the principals and teachers of the boarding schools where younger HCC students go, Reliance Residential School and Kavya school. Board members of HCC USA, HCC Nepal, and Creating Possibilities Nepal were also present.

Kaman with Israeli Ambassador, Benny Omer

Kamala, Sunita, Manita Devkota & Angela

Other notable guest included his Excellency the Ambassador of Israel, HCC co-founder Bruce Kennan, renowned artist and Creating Possibilities Nepal’s President Kiran Mandandhar, and 2018 Miss Nepal Universe Manita Devkota. Graduated students also came for the event. Various businesses and organizations sponsored the event and were recognized with a banner that was hung up for all to see, including the Karuna Foundation, Nagarik Awaj, and Aarati Steel. 

In the end, we raised approximately 149,350 [$1650 USD]. We were proud to be able to put on such an event and be able to give back to more motivated and needy students.

Sunita preforming the welcome dance.

“I was chosen to perform the welcome dance at the fundraising event. I was very nervous and excited at the same time. My performance was admired by everyone present on that day. This event was successful with the equal help and support of the HCC family. The funds raised at the program was satisfying, and everyone was happy in the end.” – Sunita (Grade 12)

The emcees.

“It was a great honor and challenging work at the same time to be the emcee of the huge program. It not only helped me to overcome my fear of public speaking but also how to conduct the big events.”- Chadani (Grade 12)

“It was my absolute pleasure to have renowned artist Kiran Manandhar as my art teacher. It was a dream come true to have an opportunity to work and learn from him. I enjoyed painting with all those beautiful colors. I was at top of the mountain when

Art by Kaman

everyone praised my work and bought some of my paintings. It gave me hope for the days to come, and at the same time I feel encouraged to do more to bring the best out of me.”- Kaman (Bachelor 1st Year)

Donate to support future endeavors by our generous students! 

The post Students at Khushi Ghar Host an Open House Fundraiser! appeared first on HCC Nepal.

Photo by Lorikay Photography

Our Annual Fundraiser in Atlanta at Sweetwater Brewing Company was a smashing success and raised thousands of dollars to support HCC Students and Programming. We had a wonderful night of beer tasting, music, silent auction, raffle and community among friends, old and new.

Photo by Lorikay Photography

Thank you to all HCC Supporters, whether you’ve been with us for over a decade or are brand new to HCC. We are so grateful for your compassion and for your desire to make a difference in the lives of orphaned, abandoned and at-risk children in Nepal.

Click HERE to check out photos from the event. If you would like to purchase prints, use the code HCC10 to get your first print free! All other prints will be priced accordingly:

Photo by Lorikay Photography

$5 4×6 (reg $10)
$10 5×7 (reg $15)
$15 8×10 (reg $35)
$16 8×12 (reg $35)
$10 digital download. (reg $20-$40)

The post Photos from the Annual Atlanta Fundraiser are Available Online appeared first on HCC Nepal.

Join Himalayan Children’s Charities for the annual “Party for a Cause” at 7pm on Friday, November 17th at Sweetwater Brewery in Atlanta.

Guests will enjoy a tour of Sweetwater Brewery and a beer tasting along with music, buffet dinner, and a silent auction included in the $100 per person price of admission. Program highlights include a video message from sponsored students in Nepal and a program update from HCC Co-Founder Bruce Keenan on his most recent fall trip to Nepal. Guests can purchase holiday gifts from the boutique of handcrafted Nepali items such as shawls, ornaments, and jewelry. Proceeds from ticket sales and auction will benefit HCC’s programs. Click below to register! 

REGISTER HERE

Guests can preview silent auction items on the GiveSmart Mobile Bidding Site and are encouraged to register in advance so that they can participate in mobile bidding. Outstanding auction items include the once in a lifetime experience Astronaut Training at Kennedy Space Center, alluring travel packages to Costa Rican & Mexican resorts, 4-night Luxury Home stay at Montana Sporting Club in Belt, Montana, VIP Experience at Atlanta Hawks game, Center Box tickets to Lakewood Amphitheater concert or event of winner’s choice for 2018 series, and many more items to come!

Interested in learning how you can support HCC through sponsorship or auction donations? Please contact Susan Keenan at 678-575-9912 or bckeenan@yahoo.com

The post HCC Announces Details for November Fundraiser in Atlanta appeared first on HCC Nepal.

On November 10, 2017, HCC will be launching our first annual fundraiser in Boston, MA, held at the beautiful Langham Hotel in downtown Boston. The fundraiser will be hosted by Maia Pandey, former HCC intern, and current HCC supporter. After being so moved by her experiences working one on one with students and staff in both Kathmandu and rural Dhading, Maia sought to spread the word about HCC’s work in her own community of Boston.

This will be a great night not only to share news and stories about HCC’s work but also to have some fun with our US-based HCC Family! It promises to be a night of cocktails, a scrumptious 3-course dinner, silent auction and more! All proceeds from the evening will go to support HCC programming for orphaned, abandoned and at-risk children in Nepal. All are welcome to join us! Any interested parties should feel free to share the event with other compassionate community change makers among their family and friends. We love meeting new people! Click below for more details and tickets.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

The post Boston Fundraiser in November appeared first on HCC Nepal.

RSVP by joining our Facebook Event 

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