My experiences in Kathmandu have been wonderful, but none more wonderful than my time spent with the children. The driving concept behind all decisions made by Mitrata and it’s partner organization BSF is Child First. With this in mind, I attended the graduation ceremony for four remarkable young adults, Anish, Pradip, Sangeeta and Mamta, who have gone through the program and have now graduated into the real world. They are living evidence of the power of the concept of child first, and are thriving thanks to the dedication of the staff, the enduring force of human nature and the desire hidden within even the most severely underprivileged children to excel in life, and to give back to the community that helped them achieve their dreams. All have completed advanced education, and are working in restaurant management, as a chef, and as a businessperson. One young woman completed an on-line MBA from the prestigious Wharton School of Business. Sponsors, thank you for making all of this possible.

As proud as I am of the graduates and all those who worked so tirelessly and selflessly to help them achieve their goals, I would be remiss to not mention the kids who entertained us prior to the graduation ceremony. They danced, sang, played music, and gave wonderful speeches about their experiences. They put it all together almost entirely on their own. Watching them work together, smile, laugh, and engage with us sponsors with such delight and appreciation gives me all I need to know that I’ll be back. And I’ll be here for them. Any way I can.

- Thoughts from child sponsor Danny Williger, St. Louis, MO