Our wish list for this holiday season consists of only two items. Although it is a short list, these items are vitally important to the health of our children and the success of our programs in 2026.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Holiday Bazaar. Without our many volunteers and loyal shoppers, the event would never be a success.

Every year, after the Sponsor Trip to Nepal, we post about the Mitrata and BSF Graduation Ceremony. We share how special the day is, and try to convey the magic in a way that those who were not in attendance can understand. This year, we had ten graduates to celebrate!

This year’s Nepal Sponsor Trip attendees spent an afternoon at the Swayambhunath Contact Center. While there, they were able to spend time in each of the classes, meet the teachers and the children, and were treated to a few special dances performed by the students. This holiday season, we invite you to join in our mission of educating and empowering severely underprivileged children in Nepal by becoming a Contact Center Program sponsor.

While in Nepal, our Sponsor Trip participants have the opportunity to visit some of the schools our children attend. On this trip, they were able to visit Virinchi College and Reliance Residential School. They also visited Apex Girl’s Hostel, where a few of our older students live while they attend University.

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.