New Year and New Beginnings
Happy New Year!
On Sunday, the Little Sisters celebrated the Nepali New Year—2076. And just as the New Year brings new beginnings, it also marks the start of the new school year for Little Sisters.
We all remember that feeling – the anticipation of entering a new grade, with more expectations, new teachers and new classmates. It is a feeling of excitement and nerves all wrapped up in one.
For many Little Sisters, it is also a time to feel incredibly grateful that they even have the opportunity to go to school, to get a new uniform, and to have the supplies they need to carry out their studies.
Like the Little Sisters, it is at this time of year that we too feel a deep sense of gratitude for all of our supporters who help ensure the safety, future and education of over 2,000 Little Sisters.
Thank you for making this all possible!
This newsletter shares several new beginnings: our newly launched Alumni Program; a spotlight on a new Little Sister; and a new series of stories about where our graduates are today. Enjoy!
Namaste,
Trevor Patzer
Executive Director, U.S.
Program Spotlight: Alumni Program
Did you know over 600 Little Sisters have graduated from high school?
Many of these graduates are experiencing many “firsts” in their families—the first to graduate from high school, the first to go to college, the first to have a career that is not a housekeeper or day laborer.
With these firsts come a lot of questions. How do I apply to college? How do I find a job? How can I save money for the future?
LSF’s new Alumni Program will help the graduated Little Sisters navigate these questions and more. Over the upcoming months and years, we will be growing this program from an annual gathering into a robust alumni network and career development program.
We are excited about the future of the LSF Alumni Program and will keep you posted as it evolves!
Little Sister Spotlight: Ranjana
Meet Ranjana. Ranjana is 8 years old, loves the color red, playing with her friends, and eating pomegranate, cauliflower and Momos (dumplings). Most of all, she loves going to school, learning new things, and studying Nepali.
16 years ago, Ranjana’s father moved to Kathmandu to find employment. After 10 years as a day laborer, he committed himself to learning to drive so he could work as a private driver. However, his wages, combined with Ranjana’s mother’s are not enough to support their family and pay Ranjana’s school fees.
Thanks to LSF supporters, today, Ranjana is safely in school, and plans to become a teacher so she can pass on her love of learning to her eventual students.
If you or someone you know would like to sponsor Ranjana and empower her dream of becoming a teacher, please contact Trevor at: [email protected].
Where is She Now?: Hima Tamang
Hima joined LSF in 2002 as a Kindergartener. She is the youngest of five children. Her future was bleak as her parents could not afford her school fees. Fortunately for Hima, sponsors Dave and Karin supported her education.
Today, Hima has a degree in social work and is in the middle of an advanced degree in Psychology. She has a burning desire to make a difference in the lives of children.
Hima is a standout Coordinating Mentor (CM) for 30 Little Sister tasked with overseeing their safety, education, development and growth. Being a CM is a source of great pride for Hima.
Hima’s future is bright. And as a social worker, Hima is determined to make the future brighter for every young person in Nepal. We are very proud of Hima and she is not alone. The other graduated Little Sisters are equally remarkable. We are proud of them all!
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