News
Read stories and updates from our work with the children of Nepal. To find our old newsletters from 2003 to 2018, visit the archive! Otherwise, click in the search bar below to locate blogs on a topics you’re interested in.
Mitrata’s 2025 Holiday Wishlist
Our wish list for this holiday season consists of only two items. Although it is a short list, these items are vitally important to the health of our children and the success of our programs in 2026.
The 2025 Holiday Bazaar
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Holiday Bazaar. Without our many volunteers and loyal shoppers, the event would never be a success.
A Special and Magical Day
Every year, after the Sponsor Trip to Nepal, we post about the Mitrata and BSF Graduation Ceremony. We share how special the day is, and try to convey the magic in a way that those who were not in attendance can understand. This year, we had ten graduates to celebrate!
Building Connections at the Contact Center
This year’s Nepal Sponsor Trip attendees spent an afternoon at the Swayambhunath Contact Center. While there, they were able to spend time in each of the classes, meet the teachers and the children, and were treated to a few special dances performed by the students. This holiday season, we invite you to join in our mission of educating and empowering severely underprivileged children in Nepal by becoming a Contact Center Program sponsor.
Learning About the Daily Lives of our Students
While in Nepal, our Sponsor Trip participants have the opportunity to visit some of the schools our children attend. On this trip, they were able to visit Virinchi College and Reliance Residential School. They also visited Apex Girl’s Hostel, where a few of our older students live while they attend University.
Bazaar Shopping for a Cause
In most of the communications about our annual Holiday Bazaar, you will find a statement that says something along the lines of “These items were hand-picked for you from fair-trade artisans in Nepal.” But what exactly does that mean?
The Famous Sponsor Dinner
One of all the trip goers’ favorite nights happens at the very beginning of the Sponsor Trip to Nepal. We call it the “Sponsor Dinner.” This year, three sponsored children had the opportunity to meet their sponsors in person for the first time at this dinner.
Remembering Jim Brasunas: A Devoted Advisor, Sponsor, and Friend
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend, First Advisor, long-time sponsor, and board member, Jim Brasunas. We honor Jim for believing in Mitrata and in our children, and for showing us all how one person’s steady kindness can ripple across generations. We extend our deepest sympathies and love to his family during this difficult time of loss.
Celebrating Kushe Aunsi
The Nepali Festival called Kushe Aunsi is also commonly known as Buwa ko Mukh Herne Din, or “the day to see one’s father’s face.” It is the Nepali version of Father’s Day! The children at the Swoyambhu Contact Center celebrated by making handmade cards.
Thinking Ahead to Mitrata’s Future
There are a few weekends each year that are filled to the brim with Mitrata events. September 5 - 7, 2025, was one of those weekends. The first two events centered around planning for the future of the organization. The third event was a celebration of the work that is currently being done to support Mitrata and the individuals involved in that effort.