Last month, members of our team in Nepal, Mun Maya and Laxmi, along with Angela and Ram, senior HCC students from Kathmandu, traveled through the rural areas of Dhading. They were able to distribute supplies, check on their educational progress and living environments and meet with new students who are all part of The RISE Program (formerly the Rural Education Scholarship Program). Laxmi sent this update.
Travel to Dhading has been complicated due to the COVID-19, and we go as often as we can, but it felt like everything changed; the road, facilities, new buildings, students growing up to become a future leaders of the country. I am so happy to always be a part of the HCC Nepal team and help the students in their education. I see myself in those students who had no hope, no dreams and aspirations in life whose later perception changed to become independent, strong and an influencer of many people like us. It was so overwhelming to meet all the students, parents, and teachers who appreciate the work we have been doing all these years. It has helped so many students get good education, care and support. 
We are all a family now. Thank you to everyone who has helped in this noble cause to support these students.
During this trip, the we were able to meet with 65 students and distributed:
- Regular scholarship funds, family support stipends, and school stationery supplies as well as extra COVID-19 relief support and personal care items including masks, soap, and sanitizer.
- Warm winter socks, caps and muffler to 65 students
- Menstrual pads to 50 mothers and female students
- Menstrual cups to 20 mothers and female students
Emotional, academic and career counseling to the parents and students in grade 10 and above and provided information regarding applying to HCC Higher Education Scholarship Program for future study.
All the families of the supported students who came across were grateful and said that the support of the organization has made a positive impact in their lives.
This work was made possible in part thanks to a 2021 Family Empowerment Grant from Charlie’s Heart Foundation. To learn more about Charlie’s Heart Foundation please visit their website at charliesheartfoundation.org
