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.

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.

The term “life skills” refers to the skills you need to make the most out of life. It is usually used to talk about any of the skills needed to deal well and effectively with life’s challenges. Life skills are all about the challenges.

Life skills are not about theoreticals, but instead about being practical and applying skills in our daily lives. We all need a set of core life skills to manage work, family and relationships successfully. These skills include planning, focus, self-control, awareness and flexibility. All the life skills that exists are equally important as they directly and indirectly impacted our lives.

One life skill that I have learned and am excited about is making food. I am very good at cooking food and I enjoy it at the same time. I cook one meal per alternate day for the eight students who I live with at the girls annex house. Whenever I am free, I also come to Khushi Ghar to help our younger brothers and sisters with cooking.

Decision making is another life skill that I like the most because I am in a transition phase now in my life, and this skill helps me to deal constructively with making choices about my life. Nowadays, I can make decisions on my own, for my own future, and in order to reach my goals.

The life skills that I am best at are interpersonal because I am able to make and keep friendly relationships, which are of great importance to our mental and social well being. I can easily be friendly and get connected to people whom I just meet. I also have many old friendships and connections that I nurture and mean a lot to me.

The life skills that I am currently working on are in developing effective communication. I have a little difficulty in expressing my thoughts and ideas both verbally and non-verbally. Before I was a shy person but being active, attending different trainings, and working on various skills like public speaking has helped me a lot.

Support Kamala on her journey by donating today!

The post Kamala Shares her Thoughts on Life Skills appeared first on HCC Nepal.

Born and raised in Martinique, Ronny moved to Paris at 15 to pursue his basketball career and attend the National Institute of Physical Education (INSEP). Upon graduation from Gonzaga University, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. Soon after, however, he was faced with a potentially life-threatening heart condition and had open heart surgery. Eager to get back on the court, less than 6 months after his operation, Ronny re-signed with the Lakers – a testament to his incredible courage and will. During his professional basketball career, Ronny played with the Lakers, the Miami Heat, the LA Clippers, the Golden State Warriors, the New York Knicks, the Washington Wizards, and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Ronny’s experience led him to found The Heart to Heart Foundation, which aims to raise support and awareness around heart-related issues. Ronny’s life has been marked with giving back, even winning the NBA Cares Community Assist Award in 2010 for his involvement in local community work. In his retirement, Ronny has continued his work to support those in need, most recently visiting our youth home Khushi Ghar.

While sitting with HCC students and sharing his life story, he impressed upon the students that true success is listening to your own heart and working continuously to achieve your dreams. He reminded students that regardless of the roadblocks of life, never lose hope and faith. Ronny exemplifies someone that leveraged the hardships in his life to shape his determination to give back.

Thank you, Ronny, for your inspiring visit and for an experience none of us at Khushi Ghar will ever forget. We are looking forward to seeing you again in Nepal in the near future.

The post NBA Star Ronny Turiaf Visits HCC Youth Home appeared first on HCC Nepal.