It’s Mitrata’s 20th Anniversary!
Christine and one of the first Mitrata children, Rajan
Reaching the 20th year of Mitrata was no small feat, and we believe it deserves celebration! Who better to speak on Mitrata’s success than our founder, Dr. Christine Schutz? Read what she had to say below:
Ishwori - Mitrata’s first sponsored child
“I truly cannot believe it has been 20 years since the beginning of Mitrata Nepal Foundation for Children. That special day in 2002 when I met Ishwori, our first sponsored child, was life altering for me personally as well as for her. Then, I had no idea that meeting an orphaned, sick, girl in a village in a country halfway around the world would be the seed of a successful nonprofit organization in the future. Now, we serve 115 children, operate a unique school readiness program, the Contact Center, and have helped so many children become educated, independent adults rising out of the cycle of poverty. Our graduates have included teachers, nurses, doctors, engineers, social workers, chefs, tourism and business professionals, among others. Miraculously, our plans to serve even more children will soon be realized too.
My involvement with Mitrata as the volunteer leader has opened my heart to human suffering and poverty that is largely unknown in western countries, challenged me to understand another rich, diverse culture, and helped me to be a better human being. I am grateful to the beautiful, resilient Mitrata children and my dear loving friends in Nepal who have allowed me into their lives, hearts, minds and homes through these 20 years. And what great fortune we have had to form such a wonderful partnership with BSF! Their staff works tirelessly through so many daily obstacles and we truly could not accomplish any of this without them.
In 2002, I couldn’t have imagined the many hardworking, dedicated, supportive sponsors, donors, board members and staff I have come to know through Mitrata. Devoted to our mission, they endured organizational changes, civil war, earthquakes, embargoes and a global pandemic. As the most compassionate people I know, they are the true creators of Mitrata, devoted to our mission throughout 20 years of “ten thousand joys and ten thousand sorrows.” So with deep gratitude for the international friendship, the “mitrata” we have generated between USA and Nepal, I invite you to join me in celebrating our 20th Year Anniversary of making a difference in the lives of the children of Nepal.”
To learn more about Mitrata’s beginning and early years, or to RSVP for our Open House Celebration, click the button below:
