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.
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.
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.
Making a Difference in the Littlest Lives
We invite you to join in our mission of educating and empowering severely underprivileged children in Nepal by becoming a sponsor of the Contact Center Program. Contact Center sponsors contribute a pledged amount of their choosing (minimum of $25.00 per month). These donations support Contact Center staff salaries, books and supplies, nutrition, healthcare, and an after-school program.
Funding to Fill the Gap
This year, our goal is for the event Miles for Mitrata Kids to raise the necessary funds to support our 2025 Contact Center Graduates through their transition from the Contact Center to elementary school. These funds will cover the cost of their schooling, healthcare, living expenses, and educational and personal supplies.
Getting our Hands Dirty at the Contact Centers!
In honor of World Environment Day, the children at the Contact Centers spent time learning about sustainability and environmental protection both in the classroom, and in the garden!
A Sponsorship Success Story
Jim Brasunas first began sponsoring a child through Mitrata in 2001. He is now one of the many individuals who has sponsored a child all the way through graduation. Read his sponsorship story here: