As I reflect on this year 2017, I am full of gratitude and amazement! What a great year we have had!

Our partner organization, BSF, has made great strides in management of our programs in Nepal, providing the support services we need to help our children become successful in life. It is not an easy task! Imagine caring for the needs of 118 children! They take children to doctors, create empowerment programs, serve as liaison with the many schools we work with, counsel children and families, provide career and life skills support and handle all crises!

The Contact Center, our school readiness/early childhood program has been at full capacity with 30 children enrolled and making improvements in environment and adding more nutritious, protein-rich meals, thanks to our dear friends, the Karma Thalo Foundation. We also added new staff with great qualifications in Montessori training. Each year we have 3 to 5 children who graduate from the Contact Center and enter our school sponsorship program. This year, our graduates were enrolled in 2nd or 3rd grade in a private elementary school.

In the USA, we had three successful fundraisers, the Trivia Night, Climb for Himalaya Children and our Holiday Bazaar. A major highlight of the Climb was when BSF Board President, Yogesh Satyal, came from Nepal to make a successful summit of Mt. Rainier!

We had seven sponsors and donors on our annual trip to Nepal. Here again, a big event celebrating 5 graduates from our organization, who are now on their own after completing their post 12th grade education. A real first for us, after working in Nepal for 16 years!

So it is with gratitude and love that I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday Season and Happy New Year! We could not do any of this without your support. Peace and love to you!

YOU HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE! Enjoy a few favorite photos from this year!