Our Dream for the Mitrata Children
I feel blessed to be a part of the BSF-Mitrata program. As a parent you always feel proud and happy when your kids achieve great things in life. Well, for me I feel like I have more than a hundred children, and I am always thrilled and amazed with the talented group of kids I work with.
3 of the 2019 graduates perform a dance at the graduation ceremony
Graduation is a special time for all of us. Our kids work hard to finish their education, training, or internships, and when they are ready, we help them launch into the real world to explore their higher potential, create their own identity, and follow their aspirations.
When kids join our program they are as little as 4 years old, and our dream is always to see them graduate from the program one day prepared to be successful in the world. It is indeed a proud moment for all of us — from the sponsors who support them with all their heart, to the staff who dedicate their time and energy through the roughest of situations, and to the kids themselves whose own hard work, dedication, and vision play an equally important role in the process. It’s wonderful how it all comes to blossom on this special day. Supporting a child — helping them become fine young adults — is a long-term goal where everyone’s contribution is crucial. Sponsor Adele Carey said it well during one of our recent informal conversations in Pokhara that it actually takes a village to raise a child. And graduation is the day when the village celebrates the success of the child!
Leena gives a speech at the graduation ceremony
I was especially moved by Ishwori’s graduation day speech on November 16th. Most of us in the audience became very emotional, and we teared up as we listened to her wonderful speech. We all missed Nancy Williger, who is the long time sponsor of Ishwori and a very dear friend, when she could not join us on this special day. Nancy’s dedication towards Ishwori has been always amazing, and she was always keen on helping Ishwori to reach her true potential while fostering her independence.
Ishwori and Leena
The connection we share with Ishwori helped the staff to know her better and to help her achieve her dreams. As we say at BSF, graduation is not a goodbye, but a way we create memories for an everlasting bond for many, many years to come. Once a family, always a family!
Few months back I also had an opportunity to spend the day with Sangita Shrestha, one of our 2018 graduate. It’s wonderful to see how she has matured into this beautiful woman with full confidence. And today she works as a proud teacher at a Montessori-based school. She is still connected to Mitrata and BSF and is a representation of how we share a unique bond with all of our kids.
Leena and Sangita
My words can never express my joy and happiness. I am blessed to have been able to do what I do and it makes me feel great to be part of this wonderful program.
— Leena Satyal, BSF Executive Director
BSF staff, 2019 graduates and their families, and Mitrata trip-goers