A Special and Magical Day

Dec 16

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. Though we try our best, year after year, trip attendees tell us that they didn’t really understand just how amazing the day would be.

This ceremony celebrates our students' graduation from the Mitrata Child Sponsorship Program. These students are not necessarily graduating with a university degree. Some of our students have chosen to attend vocational training. Others are still attending school but have jobs that have enabled them to afford their education. When a student graduates from Mitrata, they are fully self-sustainable and no longer need sponsorship.

This year, we had ten graduates!

Anjana - Bachelor’s in Social Work and Psychology
Anup - Culinary Vocational School
Bibek - Bachelor’s in Engineering
Bibisha - Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology
Bijaya - Bachelor’s in Business Studies
Binita - Bachelor’s of Business Studies
Dal Bahadur - Vocational Culinary School
Isha - Bachelor’s in Information Management
Pawan - Vocational Cosmetology School
Sabita - Bachelor’s in Business Studies

Graduation day is always a full day of celebration!

The day consists of multiple meals, ice cream, dancing, singing, speeches honoring the graduates, and so much more. The children are always excited to perform, and possibly even more excited to get to watch the silly dance performed for them by the Mitrata travelers from the U.S.

Although he had visited Nepal multiple times, this was Mitrata’s Board President and longtime sponsor, Rick Hendin’s, first time experiencing a graduation day. He said,

“To be in person and help celebrate your sponsored child’s success reinforces the incredible work that Mitrata and BSF are able to accomplish. Graduation Day is a special and magical day, and full of happy tears!”