Your generous contributions have made a positive impact on the Nepali children whom HCC directly supports, as well as on their families and communities. Here are a few words from Bruce Keenan, HCC's founder, regarding the children.

April 26, 2009

We have returned from our annual visit to Kathmandu to visit our children and assess how they are doing. This year, 4 sponsors from our advisory board went with us. It was a special, life-changing experience for all of us.

The children are doing well, physically, emotionally, and academically. This was a year for a lot of growth and change, and as an organization, we are growing and evolving along with them. We spent most of our trip focused on the needs of our teens. To their credit, they are maturing and are ready to take on more independence and responsibilities of life.

Like the British school system, our children take a standardized test after grade 10 to determine whether they are eligible to continue on to a college-prep track. If they pass, grades 11 and 12 prepare them for college entrance exams. The boarding school where they are currently enrolled has never before kept students past grade 10. They have offered to provide housing for our older teens until we can provide other arrangements for them. This year, 2 of our students have reached that grade, and both have done exceptionally well on the standardized SLC test. These boys have also chosen to become doctors, so they will apply to a special science track for Grades 11 and 12. Next year, hopefully 7 more students will be on the college track.

To provide for the special needs of our teens, we have created a new program, the Life Skills Program, which prepares them for life on their own after they leave the boarding school. Computer and internet proficiency will be part of the training, along with enhanced English classes that will provide them with enhanced professional skills. The program will teach them basic budgeting, cooking and cleaning, purchasing, and other skills important to life on their own. We are also in the process of creating a supervised living situation for the two boys, Khil and Nikesh, which will hopefully become the blueprint for the group homes we will need next year.

In addition to the Life Skills Program, we have already started a College Fund. College tuition is about $5,000US per child per year. Our Board of Advisors is currently busy creating ideas for fundraisers for these programs. Your ideas, input and participation in these events is greatly appreciated and welcome.

From the bottom of our hearts, we and the children thank you for your continued support of HCC. Your contribution makes a huge difference in the lives of the children and their future in the world. The children are grateful to have the opportunity you have provided.

Susan and Bruce

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