Nepal is home to hundreds of independently-run children’s homes, all of which struggle to stay afloat due to a complete lack of government funding. Inspiration Society of Nepal(ISN) is one that stands out from the rest. Registered as a non-profit NGO in 2006, ISN is ethically run with a keen focus on the needs of the 17 children in its care.
At times, that means following through to reunify children with their families after being brought by police to ISN’s care. Despite laws against child trafficking and exploitation, Nepali children are among the most at risk to fall victim to exploitative and abusive situations.
It also means that ISN recognizes that education is the key to a child’s future. ISN identified a better school for its children and worked to transfer their enrollment there last year, securing reduced tuition rates in the process. Today, 9-year-old Raju (not his real name) is second in his class and dreams of becoming a doctor “to help sick people.”
ISN tries to partner with community businesses and organizations to access certain resources when they can, but funding for ISN remains dependent on private contributions through Children’s Home. ISN will continue to provide excellent long-term care for these 17 children with our help.
How can you help? Right now, ISN needs funds for these three important projects:
- Relocating to a larger facility. ISN’s kids are growing! The children in care range from ages 2 to 12, and they will only get bigger. More space is needed to accommodate growing boys and girls. Basic furniture, supplies, the actual move, and increased rent are estimated at around $2000. Help us offset the cost!
- 2014 Autumn festivals. Every fall, ISN does all it can to ensure its kids enjoy a proper celebration for Dashain and Tihar – Nepal’s two biggest holidays. This is the time of year when Nepali children traditionally receive new clothes ($175 for all 17), as well as a time for ISN’s caregivers and nurse to receive a salary bonus (over $400 total for all 5) and new clothes (about $80). Festivities include the purchase of a lamb, fruits, vegetables, flowers and decorations, in addition to the clothing and staff bonuses. Total cost comes to roughly $1,100.
- New solar water heater. ISN’s solar water heater broke this summer. With chilly weather ahead, ISN worries about the effects on children’s health by bathing in cold water; they are sure to get sick. Their current (broken) water heater is pictured here. (They will be able to transport their new water heater to their new location, once they’re ready to relocate.) Cost for a new water heater will cost between $460-560.
You can give online or mail your contribution with a note indicating your gift to “ICW Nepal: Inspiration Society of Nepal” to Children’s Home at 1605 Eustis Street, St. Paul, MN 55108, Attn: Molly Rochon. If you give online, please be sure to select “Nepal – Inspiration Society of Nepal” under the “Project” field to ensure your donation is allocated to this worthy cause.
Thank you.
