Spending Time with the Programs
With Miles for Mitrata Kids currently taking place, much of our communication lately has been focused on the Contact Center. Because of this, many of you are likely already familiar with our early childhood school readiness program in Balaju, Kathmandu; where children aged 3-10 years old are provided an educational foundation in a nurturing environment, that follows a program format similar to the Montessori model.
Although we frequently share information about the Contact Center program, there is no better way of truly understanding it than stopping by for a visit! Mitrata Volunteer, Dani Craig was able to do just that. She said:
“I was surprised just how much they do for the kids. They don’t just teach things like reading and writing, but also basic hygiene and cooking. They really start early to set them up for lifetime success. And you could just see how the staffs’ faces lit up when they were around the kids and talking about what they do. The kids are so lucky to have so many amazing caring people to support them.”
“I came away, inspired by the dedication and love of the teachers, and uplifted by the joy of the children.”
Pam Hughes
Child Sponsor and Board Member
The Contact Center currently resides in a 3.5 story building with many classrooms, four bathrooms, a large living room and kitchen, a rooftop terrace, and a playground, too! Here the children are taught basic skills, including reading, writing, and an introduction to the English language. They are also provided with much needed hygiene, counseling, healthcare and two high-quality, protein-rich meals and snacks daily.
While at the Contact Center, the team enjoyed playing with the children, meeting new Contact Center staff, watching them perform many dances and songs, and sitting down to a delicious and nutritious lunch.
“My recent visit to the contact center exceeded my expectations for what a loving, nurturing environment it would be for our children. I learned about the legacy of BSF‘s founder, the late Mrs. Bhuvaneshwori Satyal, for helping needy children. I saw a clean, safe, decorated space. I learned the support staff is cross-trained for feeding, toileting, supervising, etc. the children, some of which are mothers of our BSF kids. I learned that the teachers are now buddy training new staff so that eventually with the second Contact Center, veteran and junior teachers would be evenly divided. Some of the new teachers even have advanced degrees in psychology and counseling in addition to education. They also reported Leena, BSF’s Executive Director, visits one to two times a week to check in on things. Most importantly, I saw youngsters that were learning, smiling, and clearly thriving. They happily danced and sang for us. Many were proud of their schoolwork and eager to show us. Without knowing any of their circumstances, it was obvious at least at the Contact Center they feel at home. Certainly all are in a better life path now!”
Leah Schulte, First Advisor and Child Sponsor
After spending a busy morning at the Contact Center, the team left the children to their studies and went to visit the Vibhuti Vidhya Mandir School.
Vibhuti serves as our primary elementary school for Contact Center graduates who are entering second or third grade and are able to continue their education through grade 10 while still living at home. Once a child graduates from the Contact Center, BSF staff led by their psycho-social counselor, perform home visits to meet with parents or guardians to determine if their child should continue their studies while living at home or be placed in a boarding school. If a boarding school is determined, the children are enrolled at Reliance Residential School through grade 10.
