Graduation Books
School graduation look quite different in the U.S. this year with virtual ceremonies, car parades, face masks, and outdoor gatherings in place of indoor ones. One constant, however, are the pictures taken of the proud graduates, their parents, and their families. Those photographs will be added to the multitude of others that trace the milestones in the lives of students.
Proud 2019 Graduates
In Nepal, however, the story is quite different: most of our families do not have the resources to take, print, or store pictures of their children. That is why the memory book that we produce for each of our graduates is so special. We gather the photos of the children that have been taken by the staff and sponsors over the years and compile them into a 5x7 softcover book that captures the changes from childhood into adulthood. Once completed, we order multiple copies of each book: one for the graduate, one for each of the child’s sponsors, and one for Mitrata’s archives.
Graduates holding their booklets
During the graduation ceremony that BSF staff coordinate in the fall, we present each of the graduates with their very own memory book. It is such a special gift, a visual reminder of their life, both past and present. The students’ faces light up with smiles as they delight in the pictures and eagerly show off the book to their friends. For the sponsors, too, this is a special gift; they always remark with amazement at how much their sponsored children have grown and what beautiful young people they have become. For Mitrata, the memory book is a way to express our appreciation to our sponsors; it is because of them that a bright future is now possible for the graduates.
Dr. Christine Schutz at the 2019 graduation ceremony
Students enjoying the ceremony
And speaking of appreciation, we are very grateful to our sponsors and friends who have spent countless hours helping to create these beautiful memory books: Audrey, Brayden and Zoey Barnes, Adele Carey, Karen Castanis, Samrita Lohani, and Jackie Wallach. Your talent and creativity have produced memory books that will be treasured for a lifetime.
— Pam Hughes, Sponsorship Committee Chair
Pam (right) dressed up for the graduation ceremony