Sponsor a Child In NepalOur approach to sponsorship is unique.
Sponsors can communicate with their sponsored children, meet them on an organized trip, and help support their growth and development. We have designed our sponsorship process in three steps to foster the sponsor-child connection, often building long lasting relationships. Sponsor support provides the necessary resources to help a child become an independent adult in Nepal.
Begin Your Sponsorship Journey
Consider Your Level of Support
Sponsors select one of two financial levels of support for either a child who lives at home or a child who lives in a boarding school. Regardless of the level of support, all funds from child sponsors go to educational, medical and support services for their sponsored child in Nepal.Choose a Child
We support children of all ages, boys and girls, from preschool through university. We will send you short biographies on children available for sponsorship and the costs associated with their care, depending upon whether they live at home or in a boarding school. You can always let us know of your preferences, such as age or gender and we will do our best to accommodate them. However, as we are a small organization, we cannot always meet a specific request and we greatly appreciate your flexibility.Develop the Connection
You will receive progress updates and can send and receive pictures and letters from your sponsored child twice per year. Although not expected, sponsors can travel to Nepal on annual trips with Mitrata staff to meet their children and learn about our programs.
Interest Form: Learn more by contacting us below.
Sponsorship Success Stories
Hear some of our long-time sponsors discuss their experiences with Mitrata, and what it was like watching their sponsored children grow to become successful young men and women.
Steve and Arjoo
Arjoo joined Mitrata’s programs as a small child and Steve began sponsoring her in 2010. He has now visited her three time in Nepal and has been able to see her grow up and chase her dreams. Arjoo completed her education as a nurse, and now is pursuing a Master’s in Midwifery. She says that her “dream of getting an education in nursing would have never happened without [Steve].”
Sandeep, Charu, and Swosthani
For Sandeep and his children, sponsorship is a family affair. Sandeep and his daughter, Charu, co-sponsor Swosthani, and Sandeep says it’s the perfect match. Both girls are artistic and love fashion, and though they haven’t met in person, as Swosthani has grown up, they chat through Facebook and send drawings and letters to each other.
Stephanie, Mamta, & Pawan
Stephanie describes how her relationship with Mamta, who is now an adult with a husband and child of her own, grew to keeping in touch through messages and calling each other “sister”. Stephanie began sponsoring Pawan, and now all three of them are like family.
Reva, Rick, & Bibek
Reva and Rick reflect on their first time meeting Bibek. All three of them were nervous! “But now,” Bibek says, “[Reva] is like a mother to me… [and Rick] is like a father to me.” Bibek continues, “It is because of Mitrata that I stand here today… Education is the most important thing to me.”
Sponsorship Frequently Asked Questions
+ What does it mean to be a child sponsor?
Sponsorship is an incredibly powerful way to help a child become healthy, well-educated, and empowered. Our approach is holistic, recognizing that each child is unique and that helping a child out of poverty requires many support services in addition to tuition for school. We provide support through private school tuition, medical care, books, uniforms, quality protein-rich meals, a quality place to live, career and personal counseling, tutoring, internship programs, volunteer projects, sex and health education, after school programs, and other self-empowerment training and extracurricular activities such as music, dance, karate, yoga, and sports. You can choose to sponsor all of a child’s needs or half of their needs as a co-sponsor.
We are different from other organizations in that all sponsors have the opportunity to get to know their sponsored child through correspondence and progress reports. Even if you do not travel to Nepal to meet your sponsored child, you can help support a child's growth and development and know you have made a real difference in the life of your sponsored child.
+ How much does child sponsorship cost?
- The Contact Center (our early childhood development program): Any amount above $20 per month or $240 per year
- Boarding school sponsorship: $100 per month (half sponsorship) or $200 per month (full sponsorship)
- School sponsorship for a child living at home: $100 per month (full sponsorship)
+ What do sponsorship fees cover?
Knowing that our children come from vulnerable backgrounds, Mitrata takes an holistic approach to education by promoting wellness, wellbeing, and empowerment. Sponsorship fees cover the sponsored child's education costs as well as costs related to the social, emotional and physical needs of the child. In addition to our educational programs, we have counseling, career guidance, empowerment workshops, after-school programs, nutritious meals, healthcare, clothing, and safe housing available to the children we serve.
+ Does child sponsorship really help?
Absolutely! 100% of your sponsorship benefits the child you support in our programs. It saves a child from a life of limited education, poor nutrition, illness, and poverty. Government welfare services in Nepal are lacking for children living in poverty. The conditions for children are particularly harsh, and over half of Nepal’s population are children. Over 50% of children are malnourished, and only 25% live with adequate sanitation. Less than one third of girls attend high school, and child labor is pervasive. Since 2002 when Mitrata began operating in Nepal, almost every child has completed 11th and 12th grade college, university education or vocational training.
+ How is a child chosen for help?
At any given time, there is a waitlist of children who need our help. They are identified by the Contact Center staff through their work in the local communities. The child and family are interviewed and a home study is done to determine if they qualify for our help and are certified by the Nepal government as economically poor. If so, legal documents are established with the child guardian and a health and educational evaluation is performed. Every effort is made to work closely with parents/guardians to form a partnership for helping their child.
+ Can I choose the child I support?
You can always let us know of your preferences such as age or gender, and we will do our best to accommodate them. However, as we are a small organization, we cannot always meet a specific request and we greatly appreciate your flexibility.
+ How long will child sponsorship last?
Each child needs support at least until the equivalent of high school graduation, and most of our children need continued support through university or vocational training programs. We are dedicated to helping our children achieve their full potential and continuing our support until they are capable of becoming financially independent.
+ What happens if I cannot continue as a sponsor?
When you assume sponsorship for a child, we hope that you intend to develop a relationship with your sponsored child that will last and that you will help them on their way to successful adulthood. We know that personal circumstances can change at any time, so we will make other arrangements for your child’s support if you discontinue. We have assured the future of all the children and in any interim period where a child does not have a sponsor, we provide from our general reserve fund until another sponsor is found.
+ How can I communicate with my sponsored child?
We provide an opportunity for you to send letters and photos twice per year. You will also receive letters in response twice per year. The power of the written word is of particular strength in the relationship that develops between child and sponsor. A letter with photos is truly cherished and can help form a lasting relationship. Short and simple letters are best, as they are easier for the children to translate and for the child to appreciate. Tell your child about family, pets, hobbies, favorite sports, work, our country, and our culture. Then ask the child questions, so you can learn about his/her family and culture. Please don't be worried if it takes some time for a reply to come, as letters have a lengthy journey to travel before they are read and then answered. It is worth the wait because the communication means so much to your child.
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