Some of you might be aware of how the Nepalese love celebrations. Recently, the country celebrated Children’s Day. Some of our children were lucky enough to meet the President of Nepal to discuss children’s rights.

The next celebration in October is the big one – Dashain, the Festival of Lights. The children are very excited by this. Traditionally everyone wears a new outfit, has a special meal and travels home to their family village for a couple of weeks. We do our best to ensure the children go back to their village or to relatives, if they have them. Each year we budget to buy each child new clothes (which of course they all desperately need and love!)

Recently, a NZ volunteer just returned from 3 months at the orphanage. Mel has brought pictures and letters from the children to their sponsors back with her, so I’ll be sending those out to you all soon. Mel did a wonderful job of disciplining the kids, helping them with their homework and monitoring basic hygiene. The kids miss her indeed. Just as well we have some great volunteers heading up there soon!

Also, a big thank you to the Year 3 and 4 students at Stella Maris Primary School in Orewa, who wrote to the orphans and sent photos. The FCH children loved learning all about NZ kids and NZ culture and have sent back some lovely letters about their own lives and Nepali culture.

Some of the children have received letters/packages from their sponsors of late. It is comforting to know that everything being sent makes it. You are welcome to post something to your child – they love letters and photos. Or if you want to email me a message/photo, I can forward it onto Indira to show the children.

Thank you for your contribution towards the future of these gorgeous children!