Our Children Return to Kathmandu!

Because of recent changes to COVID-19 restrictions, BSF is finally able to begin bringing some of our children back to Kathmandu. So far, they have already brought 5 of our older kids from their villages to help them take their exams. This is a tricky process, though, and BSF is taking strong measures to help ensure our children’s continued good health and safety. Housing is one major issue. Some kids have even been staying at the Contact Center before taking a COVID-19 test and moving into the housing we previously set up as part of our launch program for recent graduates.

Housing in the Contact Center before receiving COVID tests

Since many of our children normally stay in hostels or board at their schools, BSF is also attempting to find housing for even more children who may eventually be able to come back to Kathmandu. Whether these hostels and schools will open back up remains uncertain, but BSF has wasted no time in providing for our children in the meantime.

Holiday crafts

 They are setting up alternative housing options, getting in touch with schools, and buying additional bedding, blankets, and any other supplies to keep our children warm and comfortable this winter. They have also purchased blankets and bedsheets for the families we serve through our Contact Center. All 40 families received these supplies this week that will help them stay warm and healthy in the cold winter months.

Distributing blankets and winter supplies to our Contact Center children last year

Sponsors sent out their normal fall letters to their sponsored children several weeks ago. It is custom that those attending our normal fall trip to Nepal distribute these letters to our children, but as with many things, that is of course different this year as well. BSF was able to recently distribute these letters to our children and collect their letters to their sponsors. Thanks to great coordination efforts by BSF, these letters will soon be sent out and be arriving so that sponsors and their children can remain in touch. As always, we are grateful for their continued commitment as we all attempt to navigate the many substantial changes that the COVID-19 crisis has brought both to the U.S. and Nepal.

Writing letters to sponsors