I have been volunteering for a project called ‘Food for the Hungry’. In the early morning we gathered and started preparing food. We prepared fried rice and potato curry. We packed almost 50 to 60 packets of the food. We started from around 6 am in the morning and finished packing at around 8 am. Then we headed to Pashupatinath for the distribution. We carried the water and the food and 

then headed to the destination. We started the distribution to all the ones needed. The happy faces made our hearts flutter and we felt very glad that I got to be a part of the project. – Sonu

I volunteered with ‘Food for Hungry.’ We in Annex were part of the preparation step, cutting vegetables and cooking. The cooked food was placed into aluminum foil boxes and prepared for transportation. Our group distributed these meals to areas like Chabahil and Pashupatinath. It was heartwarming to see the joy on people’s faces as they received the food. – Sunita

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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.

Peak Students spread out around Kathmandu Valley in December to volunteer their time to help others. The students get to choose their organizations, so the projects were as different as our kids!

Angela, Manika, Pushpa and DIpa help orphaned children enjoy Christmas at the Twin Otters boys home. The girls wereable to help the boys with their homework, brought gifts, santa hats, cakes and games and spent the day spreading cheer.

“I was thrilled to have spent my time with the children. Seeing them smile from ear to ears after we entered the gate made my heart happy.  We cut the cake by singing Christmas carols. It was heartbreaking when we offered to cut the cake and they said that they don’t know how to. This made me realize how lucky we really are.  After doing a couple of activities, we gave them chocolates, noodles and juices as a Christmas gift. They were really happy to get the gifts. At the end we had to return. We could see the sad eyes bidding us goodbyes. We had a blast day with them. It was worth the day to remember. We were really happy to be part of their smiles even if it was for a day.” – Manika

Bina, Saraswati, Siwani and Chadani opted to spend a sunny morning cleaning up a strech of road near the girls annex. 

“As we worked, we chatted with each other and with passing pedestrians and drivers, who thanked us for our efforts. It was a great feeling to know that we were making a positive impact on our community, even in a small way.

As the morning went on, we made our way down the road, filling up more and more bags with trash. It was hard work, but it was also rewarding to see the difference we were making.

By the end of the morning, we had collected dozens of bags of trash and had cleaned up a significant stretch of road. It was a great sense of accomplishment and responsibility to be able to contribute to the well-being of our community in this way.” – Chadani

The students from the boys annex also participated in a neighborhood clean up! 

“People on the street thanked us for our efforts. It made us feel good that we could help. Throughout the day, we kept filling up more and more bags. It was satisfying to see the difference we were making. When we were through, we had gathered more than three bags of rubbish and cleaned up a sizable area of the road. The satisfaction of being able to help our community was wonderful. Overall, helping with my friends was a positive experience. I intend to repeat it and inspire others to participate.” – Harsha

Ambika opted for a volunteer opportunity in her field of veterinary medicine!

“I go every Sunday there and do some bandaging and treatment for the cats and dogs at Kat Center Nepal. I observe things done by doctors and vet nurses. I  also prepared some medicine required for the operation.  I feel really good at that place. The love and care for animals has grown much deeper. The place I volunteer is now a second home and a good place to learn for me. I am learning very good things along with the service I am doing for the animals. The importance of animals in our life is a must to understand us and to give love, care and support to them.” – Ambika

If you want to support our students in their efforts to elevate their world, donate today!

The post HCC Students Volunteer 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.

Past two and present years have been more challenging for all of us. HCC has been helping and is still finding a way to help and support our students and their families. The pandemic has left thousands of children without access to school and school meals, which is sometimes the only food they eat all day.

We are grateful to be able to distribute and provide school supplies and food relief items so that the students can continue to learn without a hungry stomach at home. 

On 9th of August, 2021 HCC Nepal team Mun Maya, Laxmi and Dinesh made a day trip to Tinkanya Bageshworee School, Rorang-3, Benighat with school supplies for 106 students and  food  relief for 3 neediest families.

During the visit HCC team distributed:

1. School supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners)
2. COVID relief supplies( sack of rice, salt, sugar, beans, pulses, cooking oil, soybeans etc)

None of what we do is possible without donors and supporters.Thank you from all of us and from the communities we serve. We will continue our educational supplies and food relief programs.

To support this and future HCC projects, donate today.

The post Benighat Update From Mun Maya appeared first on HCC Nepal.

Benighat, Dhading, Nepal

In Nepal, the second wave of COVID-19 has affected people of all ages severely. With a higher rate of infections and death among parents and caregivers, many children have been left orphaned.

Considering this growing concern, HCC has been working closely with the local authorities in Benighat, Rorang in Dhading district to plan for relief packages.

Benighat is a rural municipality that spans 29.17 square kilometers (11.26 sq miles), and most residents are employed in the farming and fishing industries, which have been hit hard by the pandemic.

On the 27th of June 2021, HCC’s dedicated staff members Mun Maya, Dinesh Raj and Dp Aryal, with support from the local government in Dhading, provided immediate relief packages that included a sacks of rice, salt, sugar, beans, lentils, cooking oil, soybeans, etc.

HCC is working diligently to supplement efforts made by the local government, to prepare caregivers in case of another outbreak.

Our local partner FUNKids Nepal aided in distribution of  packages to the families in the presence of the local government. HCC is committed to continuing support, based on the local government standard guidelines.

We would like to thank all our donors,  supporters and partners for their donations and effort to support HCC in bringing aid to the people of Benighat.  Your donations really make a difference for the families in our community.

Report filed by Mun Maya Rawal

Want to contribute to help these needy families? Donate today!

The post Benighat Food Distribution Saves Lives appeared first on HCC Nepal.

Mun Maya and Laxmi traveled to Dhading to deliver backpacks with supplies and warm track suits for the children supported by HCC.

They meet with each student individually to insure they are keeping up with their studies.

Many of the students have some surviving family, but without support they wouldn’t be able to stay in school. Children in remote districts, like Dhading, are especially vulnerable to early marriage and human trafficking. 

Your support makes this work possible! Donate today to help us continue to provide education and bright futures for these students!

The post First Dhading Trip of the Year appeared first on HCC Nepal.

For me, success is achieving the target set by yourself and gaining it through your hard work and dedication (which also includes the life skills training that I got to learn at Khushi Ghar). Success is also being able to make people around you proud with all your achievements.

I feel successful being able to complete my responsibilities as a senior sister to all junior brother and sisters at Khushi Ghar. I also feel successful being able to live a life at a different area of the country, far from the capital city on my own and completing my university degree. 

I was very scared when I had no choice but to travel to Bhairahawa to complete my further studies. I had a very hard time adjusting to the new environment which was very different from the kind of life I had in Kathmandu. I finally got used to the way and started enjoying my life there. I take this as the biggest achievement in my life. And now, I have completed my studies and have planned to work in hospital. This is all possible because of HCC family. If it had not been the HCC family, I would not be this successful as I am today.

Thank you so much!!

Saraswati 

To sponsor a student like Saraswati and be an integral part of their success, donate today.

The post What Success Means to Saraswati appeared first on HCC Nepal.

Hope

What was empty a decade ago, now is filled with positivity, aspiration, expectation, and hopefulness. The vacuum that was being inherited from one generation to another has vanished during my lifetime. The rays of hope have finally penetrated the darkness and have spread its light all over my family, and my society. If Himalayan Children’s Charities had not bestowed its love and kindness upon me, then the emptiness and darkness that existed in my family tree would be perennial and would be passed on to many generations to come. With every passing day, Himalayan Children’s Charities has made me hopeful for a better future and a quality life.

This piece of writing that you have been reading is a very good example of how Himalayan Children Charities has transformed my life. Before me, none of my family members were able to read and write, not even in our native language. More interestingly, I am the only person in my family to complete  secondary education and study all the way through university. The way Himalayan Children’s Charities has educated me with care, nurture, and joy has helped to make me feel capable, independent, and important. The education that HCC is providing me has helped me discover new hopes and have provided me with strength and mentorship to fulfill it.

The life that once was full of despair and desolation is now marked with positivity and enthusiasm. Himalayan Children Charities have been an antidote and spreading perpetual light to eradicate stress, fear, and sadness from my life. With the support of  Himalayan Children’s Charities, uncertainties have become certain and the pain has completely healed. It has helped me build hope while times are good and so that I can handle when life takes the worse turn.

Every single aspect of my life has gotten better with the presence of Himalayan Children Charities. It has been cultivating
hope in the lives of hundreds of orphans, abandoned and underprivileged children like me. Himalayan Children Charities is a synonym for hope to me and thousands of other youths like me.

Thank You!!

Giriraj

Sponsor a student today to change their life forever.

The post Student Spotlight: Giriraj appeared first on HCC Nepal.

Women’s Leadership Summit is a six month leadership program that comprises a six-day residential program, three bi-monthly meet-ups and a graduation program. Women’s Leadership Summit works to foster leadership and technical skills to help young women professionals to grow and thrive at a workplace. The vision of the program is to create young women professionals in leadership and decision-making roles in Nepal. 

I got an opportunity to take part in this life skill developing summit where I learned about existing patriarchal society in Nepal, unpaid work, opportunity optimizing along with gender and sexuality in a 6 day residential program in Chitwan, Nepal.

In the first session I learned about existing patriarch in Nepal. Many women rights and safety are buried by patriarchy in Nepal. Nepalese society practice’s a culture that being a girl one should be less educated, should not have a late night work or should not work at all after marriage, should not have a right in decision making, should not argue with her husband and in-laws and so many others issues. The society believes that being a women one should be surrounded by the four walls of kitchen and are considered as baby producing machines. The society has a deep rooted culture and believes that women should be more delicate, innocent, emotional, disciplined and hardworking in homes. However, the same society appreciate men being masculine, strong, working outside the homes, tough, decision makers and bread earner for the family. Due to this unhealthy cultural practice in Nepal, many women’s are having a suffocating life behind the fours walls of the kitchen and are not being able to express themselves. This summit provided me with knowledge on women’s capabilities beyond the imagination and to shake the rope that is holding women back due the patriarchy. This summit made me realize that women should be equally treated and should have equal rights as men. To eliminate the circle of patriarchy in Nepal, women should identify their own rights and should be their own decision makers rather than their family or husband who makes decision for them. They should do the things that makes them comfortable rather than the things that makes others comfortable. They should not sacrifice their happiness and rights to make others happy and fit in the society. They should develop a habit of saying “NO” rather than saying “YES”. They should find their own comfort zone and be bold enough to make their own decision to work or not to work, to marry or not to marry, to be bisexual or unisexual, to have sex before marriage or not to have sex, to travel alone or not to travel, to shorten her hair or to keep it long, to wear short dress or not to wear and so many others decisions that makes her who she is rather then what society makes her. This session made me aware that we as a women should not “BOX” ourselves but break the box and explore.

The other thing that I learned in the summit was about unpaid work. There are many reasons in Nepal that women work in homes rather than in office. Some reasons are illiteracy, child marriage, patriarchy, gender stereotypes, etc. Respecting and appreciating women’s work at homes gives them more motivation and reduces the stress. Actually, if calculated women’s work at home in monetary term than they make equal amount of salary as men make in a month working in the office. Moreover, there are also many women who work in office as well as in the home in Nepal but their male partner never share the responsibility of work at home because they believe that all the household work is to be done by only women and they keep reinforcing patriarchy that was there in the family from generations to generations. This session mainly focused on women exploration on her jobs and respecting her in the way that she takes responsibility in running her house. It also focused on being strong and bold enough in asking her partner sharing the responsibility.

One of the best sessions that I liked was about opportunity optimizing. It means that small investment can lead to income generation. Most of the women in Nepal are dependent on their husband’s income. During this session we were given an activity where each group having members of three were to make profit out of 1000 rupees that was given by the summit. The group were to carry out an activity based on our own creativity and sell the product and make profit. So, one of the groups made cushions using local material, the other group opened a small beauty parlor, next group sold banana lassi and my group sold lemonade, tea and mojito. We were given only 2 hours to sell the product and make profit out of it. This was a difficult task and each group worked hard to sell their product. After 2 hours all the participants made the profit around 6000 rupees selling product. The goal of this session was that to make women aware to not to be dependent on their family or their husband’s income. They are themselves capable of making money. This session lead to the enhancement of women’s thinking ability and decision making to earn for themselves. Those women who think that they are not capable of earnings and are dependent on other people, this session will help them to be aware that small investment can lead to business or help them to make earning for themselves.

Thus, this 6 days residential program that took place in Chitwan was very effective for me. Hira aunty and I got opportunity to learn more about decision making powers, to shake the chain of patriarchy, identify our own capabilities and not to box ourselves and public speaking and developing confidence. We are grateful that HCC provided us with this opportunity to explore and gain more knowledge to enhance my professional life. This opportunity has empowered us more.

– Chet Kumari

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