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.
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.
Celebrating Kushe Aunsi
The Nepali Festival called Kushe Aunsi is also commonly known as Buwa ko Mukh Herne Din, or “the day to see one’s father’s face.” It is the Nepali version of Father’s Day! The children at the Swoyambhu Contact Center celebrated by making handmade cards.
Thinking Ahead to Mitrata’s Future
There are a few weekends each year that are filled to the brim with Mitrata events. September 5 - 7, 2025, was one of those weekends. The first two events centered around planning for the future of the organization. The third event was a celebration of the work that is currently being done to support Mitrata and the individuals involved in that effort.
Celebrating Guru Purnima!
Guru Purnima is also known as Teachers’ Day in Nepal. At the Contact Centers, our students honored their teachers by presenting them with handmade cards, flowers, and performing dances.
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.
We SEE a bright future for these Students!
The Secondary Education Examination (SEE) determines a student's future ability to attend any school past eleventh grade. This year, six of our students took the SEE. Keep reading to find out how they did!
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:
The 2024 Annual Report
One of Mitrata’s five core values is “Transparency in all our interactions.” Though there are many ways in which we stay true to this value, one of the more obvious ways is through our Annual Report. The Annual Report is a summary of our challenges, achievements, programs, and financials through the year.