Education Nepal Project #20891

Ama Ghar Displaced Children Fund

by The Ama Foundation

Project Report | Jul 5, 2017
Pooja Comes Home to Ama Ghar

By Cathy Clifton | Communications Director

Pooja (left) and her new sister Alysha

Since we brought 15 new children to Ama Ghar for sanctuary after the 2015 earthquake, we were only able to add one family member in 2016, our brilliant little nine-year-old Pooja. Pooja has been at Ama Ghar since November of 2016, and we can only say that we feel that she's really come home... she's added a whole new dimension to our family

Pooja was rescued from the streets of Kathmandu by the Sisters of Charity, who referred her to us. She is a very bright child who has adjusted well and is getting good marks at school, but most importantly, Pooja has become a leader of our little "gang" of 8-10 year old girls, making the group even more dynamic with her playfulness and goofy sense of humor.

In addition, she recently showed her leadership skills when the younger children decided to create a dance performance in honor of a visit to Ama Ghar by a group of college students from the US. Pooja quickly took over - helping to organize the other children and write the story behind the dance. She especially delighted in pulling the bag of donated dresses and costumes out of the closet and helping everyone to find the one that best suited the character they played in the performance!

Hundreds of children like Pooja, who have so much energy, sweetness and potential, are lost every day to trafficking, abuse and malnutrition on the streets or in the remote villages of Nepal. Thanks to you and your support, we are able to rescue as many of them as possible and give them a childhood, an education and hope for a productive and happy future.

For this, Pooja thanks you and we thank you - we couldn't do what we do without you.

Pooja (upper right) with friends and guest!

Links:

Foundation website

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Apr 5, 2017
Ram is a survivor!

By Cathy Clifton | Communications Director

Ram, age 15, as well as his younger brother Laxman, joined us in May 2015 after losing their family in the earthquakes. At first it was difficult for Ram in particular to adjust to his new home at Ama Ghar because he was extremely traumatized by his experiences during the earthquake. Through the support of friends like you, we were able to fund regular counseling for Ram and he is beginning to understand that he is now in a safe place where he can socialize with and trust in those around him. With more time, special care and attention he will continue to improve.

His mental and physical condition took another blow last July when the wall of his schoolroom collapsed due to a landslide - two of his classmates were killed and he sustained some head injuries, which luckily were not life-threatening. At the hospital he was interviewed by several reporters and seemed to enjoy the attention - in fact, Bonnie Auntie had to watch him to make sure he didn't talk up his injuries a bit too much! Ironically, that attention was good for him as he became the spokesperson for his brothers and sisters.

Today, Ram loves to play any type of game at Ama Ghar and is doing well in school. He isn't too shy to try anything, and he entertains us with his love of dancing and his big smile. He also enjoys leading his younger brothers and sisters in doing chores, as you can see by the photo of the boys doing dishes. At Ama Ghar, everyone has to help with household chores - even the boys - which is somewhat unusual in Nepal, but Ram digs in and sets a good example for the younger children.

Without your support, we wouldn't be able to provide traumatized children like Ram with the love and care they need. Thank you for supporting this resilient survivor and giving him hope for a new life.

Links:

Foundation website

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Jan 9, 2017
Leela Inspires Us

By Cathy Clifton | Communications Director

Leela (right) and Nirjala show off their creations

Leela, who is now four years old, came to us almost exactly a year ago, at the end of 2015. She lost her family in the devastating earthquakes of that year and arrived at Ama Ghar as a frightened and lonely little girl. Gradually, through the mentoring of the older children, nutritious food, nurturing care from medical professionals and mostly the love and hugs from her extended family here, she became the little Leela that we know today... an affectionate, sweet-natured and fun-loving girl.

Now Leela wants to participate in everything we do at Ama Ghar - from helping her aunties and uncles on the staff with chores while the older children are off at school to playing games and sports to dancing, singing and making art. One of her special joys, though, is creating special clothes and toys out of the donations we receive for the children. Other than their school uniforms, the Ama Ghar children only have a few clothes, all of which are donated by our friends around the world. In the spring, the donations are washed and set out so that the children can choose two play outfits and one dress outfit that will fit them for the spring/summer season; in the fall, these are turned in and the children do the same for winter.

But that wasn't enough for Leela, our budding artist and fashion designer - she and her best friend at Ama Ghar, Nirjala, used the belts from their spring dresses to make headbands, bracelets and belts. They also make toys out of rubber bands, string and cardboard that we keep in our craft closet.

Leela particularly enjoys spending time with the visitors who join us at Ama Ghar from around the world - she shows them how to do chores like rice planting and gardening, teaches them games and serves as a tiny tour guide who walks them around our beautiful valley. One of the many benefits to Leela is that she is learning English and other languages from our visitors, which will help her when she starts school next year. And we think there's a benefit to visitors as well - Leela is an inspiration to them, as she gets such joy from small things... a lesson for us all.

Your donations make it possible for Leela to have a happy, healthy childhood - thanks for your generosity and compassion. You inspire us, too!

Links:

Organization Website

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