The Mitrata Approach to Sponsorship
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a sponsor with Mitrata, you have come to the right place. Our child sponsorship program connects Nepali children in need with individual sponsors who provide vital, ongoing support. Sponsors help fund education, healthcare, and basic needs, but also build a personal relationship with the child through letters, photos, and periodic updates. One aspect that sets Mitrata apart is that our program is designed so 100% of your sponsorship benefits the child you support. And best of all, our program is built around creating lasting bonds and meaningful outcomes.
Our 1st Annual New Sponsor Virtual Tea
From the early years of Mitrata, our sponsorship base has been largely in St. Louis, yet in more recent years has grown to include Seattle, other parts of the U.S., and the world. As a result, we are starting to offer additional opportunities for our sponsors beyond in-person events. This year we held our 1st Annual Virtual Tea to welcome new sponsors who joined over this past year. While sipping on Nepali tea that was mailed to everyone before the event, new sponsors had the chance to get to know some of the Mitrata board and staff in addition to some longtime sponsors. It was an evening full of stories, community, and connection.
Not only do our sponsors get to develop deep, meaningful relationships with their sponsored children, but they also become part of the Mitrata family.
After the virtual tea, two new sponsors shared their story about how they became sponsors. A few years back, Michelle and Jim Hinchen learned about Mitrata and decided to check out the Holiday Bazaar held every year in December. They were so impressed by the stories and enthusiasm shared by the volunteers and board members that Michelle invited two board members to speak to a women’s philanthropic educational organization last fall. After continuing to learn more about the program and the positive impact on the children it serves, they decided to become Contact Center sponsors.
Michelle was excited to share that in addition to their sponsorship journey, they are so appreciative of the welcoming atmosphere the Mitrata community provides and even gave a shout out to board member Pam Hughes!
Long Time Sponsors Share Their Stories
Board President Rick Hendin became a child sponsor back in 2012 after meeting Mitrata Executive Director, Christine Schutz. Rick visited Nepal for the first time in 2014 and had the pleasure of meeting his sponsor child, Bijaya, when she was about 13 years old. Now Bijaya is all grown up and Rick was able to attend her graduation in the Fall of 2025. With Bijaya out the program, Rick now helps sponsor the Contact Center.
“Having the opportunity to sponsor a child and give her a chance at a life-changing education has brought me immense joy”
Board Secretary Jen Rashet first learned about Mitrata when she was approached about joining the board back in 2019. After learning about how perfectly the mission of Mitrata aligned with what she was looking for, she quickly started serving on the board and became a child sponsor to Sakham.
“It is a special feeling to know that I have a family half-way around the world; that with my small contribution, I can make a lasting change in Sakham’s life. I can’t think of a better gift to offer a child…education, healthcare, and the opportunity to improve her overall well-being and future. It is both wonderful and rewarding to watch her grow and develop into such a delightful, vibrant, and talented young girl.”
Board Vice President Danny Williger has been a longtime supporter of Mitrata. Ten years ago, Danny became a child sponsor to Bikash and first traveled to Nepal in 2018. After witnessing how Mitrata’s programs significantly improved children’s lives by providing proper care and essential resources, Danny joined the board in 2019 to help expand those efforts and support even more children.
“Sponsoring Bikash has been one of the most enriching experiences in my life. It’s rare in life to have a chance to provide someone with everything they need to grow into a life of educated possibilities, to expand the horizons for someone who otherwise has little opportunity to rise from poverty to prosperity. Other than raising my own children, nothing else comes close. I can’t imagine leading a life without using my great good fortune for the benefit of Bikash and others.”
Sponsorship Turns Strangers into Family
“Helping to provide a child in Nepal with a chance for an education has been an incredible experience! At the beginning of our sponsorship, I had no idea of the magnitude of impact we would have on a child’s future. Through the years, the bond between Bijaya and me grew exponentially and being able to witness her graduate was a highlight neither of us will ever forget!”
“Our intent many years ago was to help a child in need. We hadn’t anticipated the richness and joy our Nepali daughter brings to our entire family.”
November 2025 Graduation with Sponsors and Graduates
Check out the Mitrata sponsorship page to read more about what it means to be a child sponsor. Learn how you can provide the resources needed to create bright futures for children in need. If you would like more information, contact our Sponsorship Committee Co-Chair, Danny Williger, at sponsorship@mitrata.org.
One Choice Can Make a World of Difference
Mitrata recently released our newest sponsorship story. In the video, Amy and Scott share their experience working as documentary filmmakers in Nepal, meeting a family in need, and how Mitrata was able to assist them in supporting not just one child, but the entire family. Every sponsor-and-child relationship is beautiful, uniquely special, and filled with many uplifting, inspiring stories. Check out this video and other incredible sponsor stories by visiting our YouTube page using the link below.
Sponsor a Child: Create Lasting Joy & Connection
Join Mitrata today as a child sponsor and help transform a child’s future through reliable support for education, nutrition, and emotional well‑being; your monthly contribution provides school supplies, tuition assistance, health checkups, and community programs that keep children learning, safe, and hopeful, while creating a meaningful, personal connection through letters and updates that show the real difference your commitment makes—become a sponsor and give a child the stability and opportunity they need to thrive.
