Rehabilitate child labor survivors in Nepal

Dear GlobalGiver, 

On this World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL), we are honored to share an update from Hamro Ghar, our transit home for child labor survivors in Nepal. Earlier today, our team in Kathmandu hosted a gathering to mark the occasion, bringing together survivors, advocates, and partners committed to protecting children’s rights. 

The children at Hamro Ghar shared their stories through spoken word, song, and dance. Each performance reflected their past experiences and the progress they are making as they continue to heal, learn, and grow in a safe environment. 

The event also included powerful reflections from Hem Moktan and Sumitra Basnet, two survivor leaders who once found care and support at the transit home. Today, Hem leads our social programs in Nepal, including the Hamro Ghar, and Sumitra is a dedicated child rights advocate. They use their voices and lived experience to raise awareness and help protect vulnerable children from the same fate. 

Notable guests in attendance included Numan Özcan, Head of the International Labor Organization in Nepal, and a representative from the United States Embassy, who offered remarks affirming the need for continued efforts to end child labor. 

A recent report by the International Labor Organization and UNICEF revealed that nearly 138 million children are still engaged in child labor worldwide. These findings underscore why today’s gathering is important and why places like Hamro Ghar remain essential for children reclaiming their childhoods.

Thank you for making this work possible.

With gratitude, 

Jon Jacoby 

CEO, GoodWeave International 

Photo credit: Krishna B. Shah

Dear GlobalGiver,

Every year on January 1st, we throw a birthday party like no other—the Common Birthday—to celebrate the children at Hamro Ghar who don’t know their birth dates or wouldn’t usually have the chance to celebrate. For two decades, this tradition has been filled with smiles and laughter as children embrace the simple joys of childhood. And this year was extra special—it also marked 30 years of GoodWeave’s work to end child labor and ensure every child has the freedom to learn, play, and dream.

The celebration came to life with children performing traditional dances, reciting poetry, and bringing stories to the stage through plays. They also reflected on their journeys, while recent graduates inspired the audience with their success stories and hopes for the future. A birthday cake and gifts from generous donors made the day even more memorable, fostering a strong sense of community at Hamro Ghar. The event, chaired by President Ubaraj Bhandari, welcomed Chief Guest Deputy Mayor Shanta Thapa of Kageshwori Manohara Municipality, along with board members, students, staff, and supporters who joined to mark the occasion.

This annual tradition reflects the sense of home and belonging that Hamro Ghar provides. Thanks to your support, these children not only have a safe place to grow and learn but also experience the simple joys that make childhood so special.

We hope you enjoy these updates and invite you to stay connected by visiting our website, signing up for our newsletter at the bottom of our homepage, or following us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

With gratitude,

Jon Jacoby

CEO, GoodWeave International