Home and Community for Orphans in Nepal

This week the kindergarten class of the Tri-Ratna School in Bungamati, Nepal has been learning all about different occupations. Today they were asked the big question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Each student got up in front of the class and did a presentation on his or hers own dreams for their future. 

Global Family Village's program has already had a positive impact on how the children view themselves and how they envision their future. Sabin wants to be a pilot, Swopnil (Above, proudly showing his picture, backwards!) wants to be a policeman, Samikchha wants to be a teacher, Suman wants to join the army, and Looniva wants to be a ghost!

The preschool program that began with 9 children 3 years ago now has 3 classes, and approximately 60 children.

 We thank you all for your help in making this program a success. Now we would like to help the primary and elementary programs in the school with teacher training, library books and basic school supplies.  With your continued support we can gradually and greatly improve the quality of education available for all the children in the Bungamati area.

Namaste!

Thank You! from the GFV and GFV-Nepal Board, Advisors and volunteers

From the Nepali Tihar Festival of Brothers and Sisters wishing blessings and long life, GFV extends this tradition to celebrate the Grandparent Program, and with it– the first completed community-based self-sustaining childcare program in Nepal! 

What if you’re a child without a grandparent? Find one among your community and make it real! In a commitment ceremony, some elders become new 'grandparents' to children in need; they all gave and received Tika & Love!* 

GFV is helping a children's home to become more family-centered and integrated into the community. The program started with a community-based preschool program. Last Saturday we inaugurated the final component of our model ­– the Grandparent Program, connecting the elders in the community to the children-in-need who are living in the Family House. 

Six "grandparents" were paired with 6 children. The elder community joined in a conversation with the local organizations and the children about the joys and responsibilities of being a grandparent or grandchild, how they will celebrate holidays, visit each other's homes, listen to and tell stories, be respectful, and help each other. Then the grandparents and grandchildren gave each other Tikas *( a finger-print of red powder applied to the forehead) and flowers on heir head, as a symbol of their unique bond, as a show of love, respect and for good luck. It was a very lovely and of course very touching event.

We are looking foward to continuing to help foster these new relationships. We will follow up with these extended families and keep you informed.

We are now ready to begin replicating the model in other areas of Nepal. And, we need funding to do this. Please continue to support us so we can continue to help the kids who need our help!. Thank you so much for your generosity!

Namaste.

Freema Davis & the Board and volunteers at Global Family Village