A Holistic Approach
Education is our primary focus, but we work hard to address all of the obstacles facing our children.
When children suffer under extreme poverty, malnutrition, and trauma, learning is the last thing on their minds.
We work with children with mental, educational, and physical disabilities, as well as academically gifted children in a holistic, tailored way that allows them to reach their unique potential. Our children receive the social, emotional, medical, educational and environmental support they need through their entire years of schooling to adulthood and independence. We have seen amazing results and transformations by offering additional services to every child we serve, in coordination with our educational programs.
Nutritional Food
After-school meals and snacks are available to the children we serve. Through our early education program, the Contact Center, we offer additional meals throughout the day to our youngest children. Too often, these meals are the only food or the most nutrition a child will receive throughout their day. Each meal includes protein and vegetables, to encourage healthy growth and development. Children who enter our program suffering from malnutrition see a significant increase in BMI because of these meals.
Health Check-Ups
Our children receive dental care, braces, vaccinations, glasses and regular annual exams. Surgeries or unexpected health issues are also covered through our programs. The children we serve normally do not have access to health care, as poor families have no free option and are often unable to pay for medications or care. Our NGO partner staff are often busy taking our children to doctor appointments. These services were especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Housing Services
With input from family and teachers, we evaluate and determine whether the child has economic need and which school setting will be best. When home situations are unstable or unhealthy, children are placed in quality boarding schools, but are encouraged to maintain positive connections with family members. Further, children transitioning from elementary to secondary or university levels may need creative housing solutions such as temporary hostels, apartments, or group homes. In fact, we now maintain “transitional housing” for our older children, who may have graduated college and are searching for their first job.
Counseling, Coaching and Career Resources
We offer personal and family counseling for children struggling with trauma and other mental health issues, as well as career counseling and resources to help each child complete 12th grade and continue with vocational or university education. We help children find careers suited to their goals and skills, and often help them find their first job after graduating. We motivate children through contact with sponsors and staff who offer encouragement and support. Further, our older children, who have pursued degrees in nursing, accounting and science, often come back to work or volunteer in our educational centers and serve as great role models and mentors for the younger children.
Extracurricular Activities
Extra services and activities, such as dance and music programs, tutoring classes, bridge courses to prepare for entrance exams, computer courses and field trips all help to motivate and build our children’s confidence as they grow into young adults. Older children benefit from part-time jobs and volunteer opportunities, and we assist them in securing these positions. Important programs, such as our annual graduation celebration, are a great way to inspire the younger children in our programs. Our child sponsors also take the children on field trips to the zoo or other attractions during our annual fall trip to Nepal.
