One of the most exciting experiences for our Sponsors, and one of the most anticipated moments in the lives of our students is the Mitrata-Nepal/BSF Graduation Ceremony.

Throughout the pandemic, our NGO partner, Bhuvaneshwori Satyal Foundation (BSF) was not able to hold a graduation ceremony. For this reason, this year’s ceremony included all our 2020, 2021, and 2022 graduates. The audience was made up of our elementary and older school students, College and University Students, Mitrata and BSF staff, some Child Sponsors, and even a few graduated students from years past.

This graduation ceremony celebrates our students when they graduate from the Mitrata program. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are graduating with a university degree. Some of our students have made the choice to attend vocational training. Others are still attending school, but have jobs that have enabled them to pay for their own schooling. In the end, when a student graduates from Mitrata, it is because they are fully self-sustainable and are no longer in need of sponsorship. It is only through many meetings with BSF Executive Director, Leena Satyal, other BSF staff, including pyscho-social counselor Bimala Joshi, and Mitrata’s Executive Director, Dr. Christine Schutz, that a student is determined ready for graduation. This is a huge achievement and very worthy of celebration!

This trip is our Communication and Development Coordinator, Anna Wertman’s first time in Nepal, and first time experiencing our Graduation Ceremony. As a May 2021 graduate, she has a unique perspective on the ceremony:

“For my first Nepali graduation ceremony, I was definitely in for a treat. It wasn’t that long ago when I was the individual walking across the stage towards the next step in my life.

However, walking across a stage while someone read my name is pretty much where the similarities between the two ceremonies end. This ceremony was full of Dancing, Singing, Cheering, and of course, Food!”

The ceremony included a few speeches by Mitrata and BSF staff. It then transitioned into the most wonderful performances by our students! We were graced by dance performances by students wearing the traditional dress from their region. A few students opted for more contemporary dance performances. There were solo dances, group dances, dances performed by siblings, and even dances performed by the staff! Some students who did not wish to perform a dance chose to showcase their musical talent. Students sang while others played the guitar and the Cajon drum.

One of the most impactful moments for Anna and the Child Sponsors was watching the audience of students cheering one another on. A few groups made their way to the stage and were noticeably nervous. They had absolutely nothing to worry about, because their peers were ready to dance, sing and cheer! Seeing the graduates and former graduates (some of Mitrata’s first children from 20 years ago) lifting up the younger generations of Mitrata children was beautiful. Mitrata is a family, and it was never more clear to us than in those moments.

The graduates then, of course, got their turn in the spotlight. Their names were called, achievements read, and certificates given. The never ceasing cheers from the audience carried them across the stage.

After a few speeches from the graduates, it was time for lunch, a meal that could not have been completed without lots and lots of ice cream! Then, it was time to dance. The children and staff joined one another on the dance floor. By the time the ceremony wrapped, our cheeks hurt from smiling! Our Sponsorship Committee Chair, Danny Williger said, “That was the most fun I’ve had in a long time!” We can’t help but agree.