In most of the communications about our annual Holiday Bazaar, you will find a statement that says something along the lines of “These items were hand-picked for you from fair-trade artisans in Nepal.” But what exactly does that mean?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!