Read on for a statement from our Board of Directors on this exciting news, and please join us in welcoming Susanne to the HYF & Kailash family!

HYF Announces New Executive Director

The Himalayan Youth Foundation (HYF) is an extraordinary global nonprofit that has transformed the lives of hundreds of children in Nepal and Bhutan through support and stewardship of Kailash Home, located just outside Kathmandu, and the Choki Traditional Arts School (CTAS) located just outside the Bhutanese capital of Thimpu. 

HYF was founded 23 years ago with a simple and powerful idea, by two pioneering, visionary, and deeply resourceful leaders, Micheline Kramer and David Bidwell. Avid trekkers and hikers, Micheline and David found themselves, while on a trip through Nepal, confronted with the heartbreaking reality of children who had been orphaned or abandoned and left without a place they could call home. This was something these two leaders could not walk away from. And so, they decided to do something about it. Thus Kailash Home began.

The goal was, and remains, to bring happiness, safety, and education to as many of these children as possible. Today, Kailash Home is a place filled with laughter, meaningful relationships, lifelong friendships, a deep educational foundation, inspiring activities, and a strong sense of community. One would never suspect that many of these “Kailash Kids” once lived in extremely difficult conditions. All of the children attend nearby schools and participate in educational and skill-building programs designed to help them grow into healthy, confident adults who can contribute positively to society. CTAS was founded in 1999 by Dasho Choki Dorji, a former monk and master painter, to provide free housing and training for young men and women in traditional Bhutanese arts. David was introduced to Dasho by a mutual acquaintance and oversaw the growth of CTAS into the vibrant community it is today. 

Sadly, David died in 2015. Strongly committed to carrying out their mission, Micheline leveraged unparalleled devotion and resourcefulness to ensure the continued growth and success of HYF. Beyond her vision and personal dedication, she has also surrounded the organization with the right people – both now and for generations to come. Our Board of Directors, along with dedicated leaders who regularly visit Nepal, help ensure that Kailash Home has the resources needed to operate as it should. Micheline herself has traveled to Nepal fifteen times with another return visit planned this year. The Himalayan Youth Foundation has never been stronger. For that reason, the Board believes, as Micheline also does, this is the right moment to strengthen our leadership with the addition of an Executive Director. 

An extensive national search attracted 160 applicants, and after a thorough review of the most highly qualified candidates, an exemplary choice was made, and Susanne Wilson has accepted our offer to become HYF’s new Executive Director. She brings a wealth of experience as a results-driven leader and, most importantly, Susanne has a deep passion for carrying forward the mission of HYF and Kailash Home. Susanne said when joining the organization, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead Himalayan Youth Foundation and inspired by its founder-led legacy. I’m committed to honoring the past while helping shape a strong, sustainable future for the youth and communities we serve.” As Executive Director, Susanne will assume responsibility for the day-to-day activities of HYF, including oversight of Kailash Home through close collaboration with our dedicated partner foundation, Kailash Home Foundation, based in Andorra, which provides exceptional leadership and support to Kailash.

At the heart of our work is maintaining and strengthening outstanding relationships with both donors and sponsors, and we are profoundly grateful to our sponsor network, who in many ways serve as parental figures – providing love, encouragement, and ongoing communication to our Kailash Kids. This form of mentorship is invaluable, as is the assurance that each child’s essential financial support is there year after year. We are equally grateful to our donors, whose generosity enables us to keep Kailash Home in excellent condition for the children. We simply could not do this work without you.

And Micheline? She will remain deeply committed and closely involved with HYF, serving as our ultimate ambassador and a trusted presence whenever needed. She felt – and the Board agreed – that the time was absolutely right to take this next step. Importantly, HYF now has the resources to do so. Micheline provides her wisdom from this experience: “When I discovered Nepal, as a first-time hiker in the Himalayas, I was heartbroken by the sight of young children living in such harsh conditions. I felt the urge to do something – bring them support, happiness, and hope for a better future. During 20 years of passion and dedication leading the Himalayan Youth Foundation, I have learned it works the other way around. The love we give these children comes back to us even stronger. We receive much more from them than we could ever give. The children we care for are the ones who give us happiness and hope for the future.”  

Susanne and Micheline have enjoyed getting to know one another and have already forged a strong working relationship based on mutual respect and shared purpose. Both plan to travel to Nepal soon to do the most important work of all – being with the children. Please join us in welcoming Susanne Wilson to the Himalayan Youth Foundation, and in thanking Micheline Kramer for her extraordinary vision, leadership, and decades of service that have brought HYF to this moment of strength and promise.

With warmth and deep appreciation,

The HYF Board of Directors

As we kick off our 2025 Annual Appeal, I am struck by both the constitution of this young generation and also the commonality of their calls for a brighter future and our enduring mission here at HYF. For over twenty years it has been our vision and goal to provide opportunities, education, and support to the children of Nepal who most need our help, so that they can succeed and in turn, lift their communities and country to new heights. Over the past two decades, we have seen our alumni do just that as medical professionals, documentarians, cultural guides, educators, and more.

Our goal is to raise $110,000 by November 30th, and we are thrilled to announce that Mr. and Mrs. Alan Bickell have again pledged to match up to $50,000 in donations!

Give what you can by November 30th, and your gift will be DOUBLED dollar for dollar.

Just as it required a mass movement to enact change in the governance of Nepal, so too can we not do our important, hopeful work without our community. You make it possible for these precious children to grow into the changemakers and leaders of tomorrow. For that I want to sincerely thank you, and also ask if you will renew your support for HYF this year by donating during this essential annual campaign? Only together will we be able to continue to guide and nurture the next generation of capable, compassionate, hope filled leaders that Nepal and the rest of the world so desperately need.

With hope and gratitude,

Micheline Kramer (HYF Founder & President)

You can easily make your donation today through our website using the button below, or by check/wire transfer. You are also able to support HYF and our 2025 Fund by the giving of shares of securities (publicly traded stocks) OR by wire transfer OR through your donor-advised fund. 

An Update from Kailash Home

We know that many of our friends & sponsors around the world have been aware of the recent political upheaval in Nepal, including the widespread protests, their tragic aftermath, and all that has transpired since. We want to share that Kailash and all of our children were safe and well through these tumultuous events. Our staff has been in constant contact with our international partners, including the team on the ground in Nepal, and as always, the safety and happiness of our Kailash Kids is our first priority.

Our local staff and children recently held a memorial service on campus for those who were killed during the Gen Z protests, and we are thinking of their families and loved ones. Now we look toward a brighter future for the country we, and many of you, know and love, and the hope that the upcoming elections will usher in a brighter and more prosperous era for everyone in Nepal. 🙏🇳🇵

Thank you to those who have reached out. We appreciate our broader community and the care and support you give to our children every day.

Namaste.

Nearly twenty five years later, she is now one of 115 children who have graduated from Kailash Home with a complete education and many new skills. Passang’s story didn’t end there though — she went on to Mid-Valley College where she earned her Bachelor's in Hotel Management, and she currently works for Marriott hotels in Kathmandu as a Reservation Executive.

While we are so very proud of her academic and professional achievements, watching Passang become a new mom (see below), spearhead the Kailash Home Alumni group, and serve on the current board of directors for Kailash Home is an even greater testament to the journey that began all those years ago!

Every child deserves a life that leads to happiness and opportunity, and YOU make this happen each and every year. The education, support, and nurturing our children need requires both the investment of an international team, and also the emotional investment of a global family, including you. We hope, for the future of these children, that you will renew your support for HYF this year by joining our 2024 Annual Appeal and making your gift today!

Our goal is to raise $100,000 by November 30th to fund our operations for another year, so we can help all the future Passangs of our Kailash family. Together we will cover the administrative costs of Kailash, in Kathmandu, Nepal, which is currently home to 80 children.

We are thrilled to announce that Mr. and Mrs. Bickell have again pledged to match up to $50,000 in donations!

Please give what you can by November 30th, and your gift will be DOUBLED dollar for dollar.

With your generous support, Kailash Home will continue to nurture our children to become capable, compassionate young adults ready to take on the world and give back to their communities! Join us as a donor for the 2024 Annual Appeal. You can easily make your donation through our website using the button below or by check/wire transfer. Thank you for giving our children the opportunity to live their dreams!

We recently welcomed two staff members to our team in Nepal, and we're thrilled to introduce you to the newest members of our Kailash family! Both Novita Rai, our new Academic Coordinator, and Swati Singh (pictured above), our new Hostel in Charge, bring incredible passion and experience to their roles and are already working wonders with our Kailash Kids. Welcome Novita and Swati! 

Novita Rai, Academic Coordinator

Novita Rai comes to Kailash with ten years of teaching experience in both India and Nepal, and a profound dedication to the well-being and education of children. She holds both her Bachelor's Degree in Humanities, with majors in English, Economics, and Sociology, as well as a Diploma in Nursery Teacher Training (N.T.T.). Outside of her professional commitments, Novita likes to trek, travel, and meet people from different cultures. She enjoys arts and crafts, as well as dancing and singing, and looks forward to bringing these interests into fun and engaging programming with the children at Kailash Home. She told us she hopes to inspire and empower by encouraging our children to dream big and pursue their goals with confidence and determination, and we are confident she will achieve all of that and more! 

Swati Singh, Hostel in Charge

Swati Singh is a native of Nepal and received her LL.M in Criminal and Constitutional Law from Tribhuvan University in 2023. Prior to joining the staff at Kailash Home, she also worked as a Hostel Manager, where she gained invaluable experience for her current role. Outside of her professional life, Swatti likes to stay informed about world and current events by watching the news and also enjoys spending time in nature. She plays badminton -- a hobby that we're sure will soon be a big favorite among our children as well. She is thrilled to be a part of Kailash Home because as she put it, "It allows me the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of children, who are our future."

What do you remember most from your time at Kailash Home?

“I have many memories of Kailash home! My favorite ones are dance programs and green club activities.”

Tell us a little bit about your educational journey and career:
”My past education/training has been as a Registered Nurse for the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit and then as part of the Cardiovascular and Surgery unit at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. I take pride in working and continuing to learn from some of the brightest and most skilled teams in the world. I also had the opportunity to be a part of the organizing team for an ECMO conference in Jacksonville Florida Mayo Clinic 2023. I continue to stay updated on medical training and educational opportunities, and I plan on pursuing graduate school in the near future.”   

What about outside of work?
”I love to hike, go on road trips and spend quality time with friends and family. I spend most of my free time hiking, exploring National/state parks and listening to podcasts and reading on my kindle. I consider myself very fortunate to have two families, my family in Nepal ( my parents and three siblings) and my sponsors (whom I call mom and dad)  and their two children.”

From Tenzin’s Sponsors:

“Our connection with Nepal has profoundly changed our lives. After backpacking around the world for six months and visiting Nepal in 1995, we knew the children we would adopt had to come from Nepal. So we did. We adopted Reena in 1996 and Dorje in 2000. Nepal had a limit on the number of kids we could adopt, so Tenzin Gurung asked if we would consider sponsoring a little girl, Tenzin Moenkyi. We were happy to do. We brought Tenzin to the U.S. after she completed 12th grade in Kathmandu. Tenzin had called us from Nepal and told us it was her dream to study in the U.S., and asked if we thought dreams could come true? What else could we say but “of course!” Since Tenzin is not a Nepali citizen (she is a Tibetan refugee because her parents are refugees), she could not get a passport. We eventually got her over to the U.S. on a refugee travel document and F-1 visa to go to school at Colorado Mountain College. That was a major project! Today Tenzin works at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and she will eventually be a U.S. citizen working as a Nurse Anesthetist at one of the top hospitals in the world. Both are tremendous accomplishments, but only happened after a great deal of hard work by Tenzin, and a lot of support from us.All of us (including Tenzin) have learned a lot of lessons from her epic journey to where she is today.”

Sponsor a Kailash Grad

Following their graduation from the 12th grade and departure from Kailash, many of our children go on to continue their education in secondary or vocational schools while others immediately launch professional careers. Regardless of their specific path, our young people often continue to need our support. For under $3,000/year, sponsorship covers a variety of expenses potentially including university tuition, on the job training or internship programs, and books and other supplies, depending on the student. Unlike our Kailash Kid Sponsorship, our Graduate Program has no minimum annual commitment and donations can be made in any increment at any time. This giving opportunity is ideal for friends of HYF who want to support our young people in a more flexible way without the additional responsibilities and time commitment of sponsoring a younger child.

Read on to meet these newest #KailashKids!

Fudeme Bhote, who just turned 7 years old on April 26th, is from the Bhotkhola rural municipality in the Sankhuwasabha district near the border of Tibet. Her father and mother are farmers in their village. She has two younger sisters, aged 3 and 1 year old. Fudeme has never had the opportunity to go to school; in her village, many girls are married at a young age due to a high illiteracy rate and poor economic condition. At Kailash Home, Fudeme will have access to the education that will help her break this cycle! 

Diki Khando Lama is 6 years old. She was born on July 27, 2017 in the Karnali province, in the Dolpo district of Nepal. Her parents’ main source of income for the family is cattle-rearing and agriculture. Diki has both a younger and an older sister who still live with the family in their home village. Diki comes to Kailash with a basic knowledge of alphabets in English, Tibetan, and Nepali and is joining other Kailash Kids at Manasarovar Academy this month.

Sonam Choedon Gurung is 10 years old and from the Dolpo buddha rural municipality. She was born on January 27th and will join some of our other Kailash Kids at Manasarovar Academy. Sonam’s parents are separated, and her mother works as a general helper at a monastery. We are looking forward to seeing Sonam blossom here at Kailash.

On campus the recycling club maintains the variety of waste receptacles including designated bins for trash and recyclable materials.

What ways are you using at home to do your part to live sustainably?

One of our favorite things is witnessing the beautiful, happy smiles of our children. We know that all children need support in a multitude of areas and that includes when it comes to overall health and wellness. All of our #KailashKids receive regular dental exams to ensure that they are maintaining good dental hygiene and to check for any issues.

A few of our Kailash Kids are currently in need of additional dental and orthodontic work to help them achieve their healthiest smiles though. We need your help to reach our goal of $1,500 to fund these special cases including new crowns/fillings, false tooth replacement, and advanced cleanings for a handful of our students.

Specialists like dentists may be a common sight where you live, but in many rural parts of Nepal they simply don't exist. One of the many benefits our children receive from life at Kailash is access to this kind of routine care that your support makes possible!

𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 https://gofund.me/046297eb

What do you remember most from your time at Kailash Home?

“My time at Kailash was not just a phase; it was my upbringing. From the time I can remember, Kailash became my home. The memories are countless — from the camaraderie with friends, to the guidance of the staff who selflessly cared for us. Kailash taught me invaluable lessons of leadership, friendship, and sacrifice. It's where I truly grew up.”

What has your life been like since graduation?
”Life post-graduation has been a rollercoaster of challenges and adventures. Managing the basics like food, transportation, and supplies has at times been tough, but my brother, Mingmar, has been a pillar of support. I recently completed my bachelor's degree in Travel And Tourism Management. Currently, I work as a senior ticketing officer at an Australian-based travel and tours agency. My aspirations include opening my own trekking office and restaurant, along with providing a comfortable shelter for my mother in Kathmandu. Despite being a housewife and farmer, my mother has been a steadfast source of inspiration; she's currently 68 years old and still resides in our home village, managing her affairs independently.”

What has kept you involved at Kailash as an alum?
”Kailash isn't just a place; it's a part of me. The emotional ties, the memories, and the sense of family keep me connected. I'm grateful for the person I've become because of Kailash. While life outside Kailash presents its challenges, my fondest memories stem from my time there. It's where I experienced the true essence of belonging and camaraderie.”

Sponsor a Kailash Grad

Following their graduation from the 12th grade and departure from Kailash, many of our children go on to continue their education in secondary or vocational schools while others immediately launch professional careers. Regardless of their specific path, our young people often continue to need our support. For under $3,000/year, sponsorship covers a variety of expenses potentially including university tuition, on the job training or internship programs, and books and other supplies, depending on the student. Unlike our Kailash Kid Sponsorship, our Graduate Program has no minimum annual commitment and donations can be made in any increment at any time. This giving opportunity is ideal for friends of HYF who want to support our young people in a more flexible way without the additional responsibilities and time commitment of sponsoring a younger child.

Just like that it's time to celebrate and say goodbye to our Class of 2024! It seems like just yesterday that they were joining us at Kailash Home, and now they’re on the verge of taking flight as accomplished, independent young adults. We can't wait to follow along in their next big steps, and we hope they know that Kailash will always be their home.

Tenzin is sponsored by Stephan & Samantha Michel

Following graduation he is looking forward to spending some time with family before returning back to Kathmandu. One of his favorite things about life at Kailash Home was all the good times spent with the children and his friends.

Tsering is sponsored by Ayako Odashima

After graduation, Tsering is planning to spend time with family and secure a part time job. She plans to pursue her Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

Her favorite memory at Kailash is Christmas— “Christmas at Kailash is always a merry time for me and for all the children with presents, games, food stalls, music and special food.”

Lhamo is sponsored by Anna Corral and Jaume Vitales

Lhamo will also be returning home after graduation to work and spend more time with family before she begins her Bachelor studies.

Her favorite memory Kailash was when the staff performed beautiful dances and songs as part of Children's Day last year. “It was so much fun, and I enjoyed it a lot with all the laughter and joy.”

Lhakpa is sponsored by David and Clare Forbes-Nixon

During the break after graduation, Lhakpa will be preparing for her CEE (common entrance exam). She plans to pursue her BSC in Nursing.

Lhakpa has many memories that she cherishes from her time at Kailash Home including “hanging out with friends & laughing so hard at their silly jokes, the time when we were quarantined for a month, doing Zumba, the staff's dance performance & singing during Children's Day, going to watch movies, swimming” and many more.

Sonam is sponsored by Brad Blum.

During her post-graduation break, Sonam will be returning to her home village to visit with her grandparents.

Sonam will most miss spending time with everyone at Kailash.

In her final term she won multiple medals during Sports Week and an additional overall football medal.

Tenzin is sponsored by Jaume Lluch

Like many of our other graduates, Tenzin is looking forward to quality time with family during her post-graduation break. She is also planning to begin learning Chinese.

She always most enjoyed festival celebration and picnic days at Kailash.

This year in school, Tenzin participated in the Science Tech and Expo and earned the 1st place prize. She also received multiple medals during Sports Week including 2 for Futsal, 1 for tug of war, and 1 for basketball.

Monlam is sponsored by Laureano Molins

After graduating Monlam will be returning home to spend some time with his mother. He will most miss spending time with his friends at Kailash.

Sponsor a Kailash Grad

Following their graduation from the 12th grade and departure from Kailash, many of our children go on to continue their education in secondary or vocational schools while others immediately launch professional careers. Regardless of their specific path, our young people often continue to need our support. 

For under $3,000/year, sponsorship covers a variety of expenses potentially including university tuition, on the job training or internship programs, and books and other supplies, depending on the student. Unlike our Kailash Kid Sponsorship, our Graduate Program has no minimum annual commitment and donations can be made in any increment at any time. 

This giving opportunity is ideal for friends of HYF who want to support our young people in a more flexible way without the additional responsibilities and time commitment of sponsoring a younger child.

There’s a good chance you are reading this post because of Micheline Kramer, our co-Founder and President. For so many of our worldwide family, Micheline was the first one to introduce us to Nepal and Kailash and the children we strive to help daily. Her passion and dedication to HYF is obvious, and she has been the catalyst for many, many others discovering their love of Nepal and our Kailash Kids. 

If you know Micheline at all, then you likely also know that she abhors the spotlight, preferring to keep the focus on our incredible children. Normally, we are happy to do just that, but as we marked 20 years of the Foundation last year, we knew it was time for a moment to celebrate, and get to know this incredible woman, friend, and advocate a little bit better.

Spotlight: Micheline Kramer

1. Tell us about your first visit to Nepal: What did it feel like? What do you remember most? What surprised you?

“My first visit to Nepal was a long, twenty-two day trek around Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. I was overwhelmed by the scenery,  the harsh living conditions, and the children running wild. And yet, there was such a feeling of care and love given to these children — happiness in the midst of miserable conditions. I had never experienced such happy misery.”

2. When did you realize Nepal was going to be such an important place in the trajectory of your life, and what have been some of the most rewarding moments of the last 20+ years? 

“I certainly didn’t anticipate that it would be! My involvement in Nepal started slowly by sponsoring two children. Through them, I realized how big of a difference we could make with a relatively minimal amount of money. And I jumped in! It seemed so obvious …. and easy.

Without question my biggest reward is every single visit at Kailash — being welcomed by the big smiles of our children. And also, knowing where they come from, I cherish the amazing feeling of knowing that we have given them a new life!”

4. Tell us about the greatest challenges of the last two decades:

 “Understanding and accepting the differences between Nepali and US/Western cultures. It is not always easy to bridge these differences when trying to find solutions; it has taken many, many years of work and learning. We are also constantly challenged to make sure we are providing our children with the tools they need to succeed and find careers in Nepal; we want them to be able to settle and thrive without leaving their home country, but opportunities are much more limited within Nepal.”

5. What would you want people to know about HYF and Kailash? 

“It is deeply personal. Kailash Home is not run as an abstract, on paper ‘business’ — rather, we care for the children as our own children. In many cases, Kailash is all they have. It becomes their family, and they create everlasting bonds with their Sponsors who follow them for 12 - 18 years, from young children to University grads! HYF has become an international family in itself as well. Community is the heart of everything we do.”

6. Tell us a little bit about your life outside of the Foundation: 

"I was born in Brussels, Belgium to very kind, loving parents. I graduated from Solvay Business School and moved to the US both because I was concerned by political instability in Belgium at the time, and because I had a desire to give my children the tools to potentially work in the US. I moved to Florida because it was as close as possible to Belgium, for my parents, and the real estate market at the time gave me confidence I could start from scratch.

My biggest joy is of course to share my Nepali adventures with my children and grandchildren, but I love hiking in the mountains anywhere. These days I especially cherish moments when I can reconnect with my European friends, play golf here in Winter Park, or enjoy some quiet time on the lake. I will also of course never lose my love of (Belgian) chocolate!

7. What else would you want newer friends and follower to know? How can people help HYF, and the children?

“You have to go to Nepal — it WILL change your life. It is a beautiful country, but most importantly the Nepali are amazing sweet people. These children, however, have no chance of receiving a proper education without our support. So little money has a huge impact on their lives, and I firmly believe that providing education to children is the only way we might bring peace to this world.

Helping HYF is easy — there are so many ways! Visit Kailash (visitors help expose our children to the world outside Nepal so they can learn and aspire). Talk about us at all occasions and opportunities. Share us with your friends and family, in-person, but also online. We cannot do this work without you!”

Thank you Micheline for your many years of tireless work and advocacy.

The entire HYF family is so very grateful for you!

“Kailash Alumni projects reflects the passion to stay connected with the Kailash family and give back. Though we have alumni all over the world in a variety of respective fields and careers, Kailash will always be in our hearts no matter where we go. We hope to provide our children with skill development programs…to give them the chance to interact with the outside world, and to learn, create, and develop expertise.”

Passang Lhamo, Kailash Class of 2014 & HCF Board Member

In recent months our active alumni group has been instrumental in organizing a number of activities for our current Kailash Kids, including a day picnic for children who remained on campus during the school holidays, a pottery lesson and a new pottery wheel for campus, a workshop at a local macramé shop, and the repainting of our outdoor campus walls.

We know that in addition to the fun these experiences bring, our current children are also gaining immeasurable benefit from the relationships and mentorship our young alumni provide. We are so very proud of all of these young people and are grateful to them for their generosity of spirit and leadership toward their younger brothers and sisters. 

Stay tuned to our social media for future updates on what this vibrant group brings to campus next! 

A note from our Founder & President, Micheline Kramer

I look at the faces above, and the faces of the rest of our 100 Kailash Kids, and I am filled with hope and purpose. Even after twenty plus years of HYF and 107 graduates of Kailash Home, I am still so energized by the important work we’re doing because I know that every child deserves a chance to achieve their full potential. These faces are the future of Nepal and who knows what they will accomplish with the education and support and nurturing they receive at Kailash. But that education and support and nurturing takes both the time and attention of our international team, as well as the investment of a global family, including you. I hope for the sake of these precious children that you will renew your support for HYF by joining our 2023 Annual Appeal and making your gift today. Our goal is to raise $100,000 by November 30th. Together we will cover the administrative costs of HYF and Kailash Home, so that we can allow these faces to approach the future with all the opportunity and optimism they so deserve.

We are also so thrilled to announce that our generous friends Mr. and Mrs. Bickell have again pledged to match up to $50,000 in donations! Please give what you can by November 30th, and your gift will be DOUBLED dollar for dollar. You can easily make your donation through our website using the button below, or by sending your check or money order in the mail. Thank you for giving them the opportunity to live their dreams!

We are so grateful for the dedication and stewardship of Kailash’s General Manager Dhondup and his staff as they work to provide a safe and comfortable home for our children all year long.

Click on the photos below for all the details!

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Through our Friends of Kailash Home program, people of all ages, but primarily university students, from around the world have the chance to stay at Kailash for up to a month. While on campus these visitors have a unique opportunity to meet and mentor our children through shared meals, tutoring, and other fun activities and outings. Rather than tell you how impactful these experiences are for both our Friends and our Kailash Kids, though, we invite you to read what a few of our most recent visitors had to say:

Camber Mathews

20 | Winter Park, FL | Rollins College

“I returned to Kailash once again this summer, after a profoundly transformative experience with the children during my previous stay. I fostered deep relationships last year and could not resist going again. This summer, we were able to host another fashion show, as well as a field day for the children. Some of my most cherished memories happened on outings off campus — attending the children's sport games, visiting their schools, and taking small groups out to lunch in the city. The children serve as a reminder to embrace the present fully and honor the privileges and opportunities I am given.

While my initial intention in coming to Kailash was to impact the lives of the children positively, I have come to realize that it is my life that has been transformed by them. I can't wait for the day that I get to come back to Kailash yet again and give each and every child a hug.”

Pablo Planelles

19 | Majadahonda, Spain | University at Comillas Icade

“When I first arrived in Kathmandu, I was welcomed by some of the children that hadn't gone to school that day, as they were on holiday. I perfectly remember the first thought I had, ‘these kids have a big heart.’ I am convinced it is impossible to visit the Kailash Home and leave without that sentence crossing your mind. I stayed there for a month, and I had the chance to help the children with their English, their school homework, and to learn about art and many other topics they are interested in among other things. However, the children were actually better teachers than I was. They were always trying to make me feel at home; to show me how their country, culture, and languages work; to teach me things that, due to the difference in our lifestyles, I had never had the chance, or the need, to learn. It is truly heartwarming to see how happy, passionate, motivated, and, essentially, full of life the kids are, despite their situation. All of them have life projects, all of them want to make the world a better place. I had the chance to talk to almost every one of them — I took the younger ones to walk around Kailash; the older ones took me to see different places around the city — there is not a single one of them that I didn't find inspiring. It angers me to think that, no matter how big of an effort these kids make in their lives, they might never have the chance to live a life remotely similar to the ones we take for granted in the West. It is, therefore, our duty to help them as much as we can, in any way we can.”

Alexa Michel

21 | Miami, Florida | Florida Atlantic University

“My month-long stay with the Himalayan Youth Foundation has been nothing short of transformative. Immersed in the heart of Kathmandu and surrounded by a community committed to education and empowerment, I have gained invaluable insights that will stay with me for a lifetime. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warmth and smiles from all the staff and children, which instantly made me feel like a part of their extended family. Kailash Home itself is a humble yet nurturing environment, surrounded by the stunning beauty of Nepal’s natural landscape. What struck me the most during my stay was the unwavering positivity and resilience displayed by the children. Despite facing challenges, they approach life with such enthusiasm and a genuine appreciation for the opportunities they are given. Their laughter and curiosity are infectious, and reminded me of the importance of embracing life’s simple pleasures. Interacting with the children was the highlight of my visit. We engaged in various activities, from fashion shows to storytelling and art projects to playing games outdoors. Their eagerness to learn and share their stories left a lasting impression on me. Hearing about their dreams and aspirations was both inspiring and humbling, as they demonstrated an incredible determination to overcome obstacles and create better futures for themselves.

Volunteering with HYF has reinforced the notion that giving is a two-way street. The joy that radiates from contributing to the betterment of others’ lives is immeasurable. Every interaction and shared moment has not only hopefully enriched the lives of the individuals I’ve connected with, but has also significantly enriched my own understanding of empathy, compassion, and the importance of lending a helping hand. This experience left me with a sense of gratitude for the small things in life and a renewed perspective on the power of collective effort in making a positive difference. If you ever have the chance to visit Nepal and Kailash Home, I wholeheartedly encourage you to embrace the experience – it might just change your outlook on life.”

It’s always an exciting time of year when we welcome a new class of children to Kailash. They don’t know it yet, but their lives have just shifted forever. Our new children arrive on campus unsure and curious, but within a few days they begin to acclimate and open up as the other Kailash Kids welcome them into the family. It’s a wonderful thing to witness — and after 20 years, that transformation never gets old.

This year our incoming class is comprised of eight new students from across Nepal. We are thrilled to welcome them and their Sponsors to the Kailash and HYF family, and can’t wait to watch them grow in the years to come.

With a new group of children arriving every year, we are always looking for additional Sponsors to join our community. If you’ve ever considered getting involved with HYF, now is the perfect time to learn more about our sponsorship programs. It might just change your life!

The sound is the thing that most sticks in my mind even now, several months after returning home to my quiet condo here in Orlando, Florida. What is forever imprinted on my heart though, is everything else that accompanied that glorious daily cacophony – the happiness and joy and love that pervades every corner of campus. And what I miss most of all are the daily greetings; endless rounds of “namaste” and “hello miss” – the hugs, and waves, and smiles morning and night. It is impossible to know our children and not immediately want to give them the world. It is impossible to receive those precious hugs and daily greetings and not do everything we can to provide them every opportunity imaginable.

The work of Himalayan Youth Foundation may sometimes seem remote. Literally a world away. But it couldn’t possibly be more personal. For our Kailash Kids, that work, and the support of people just like you, literally means everything. After this most recent visit and a week living on campus with our children, I am so happy to personally attest that our Kailash Kids are happy, healthy, bright, curious, and kind. They take care of one another. They have a hunger to learn about the world. They share everything they have — books, toys, food, everything! — without a second thought. They are talented and compassionate and grateful. They will, each and every one, ultimately make this world a better place.

I still hear their cheerful voices in my mind and miss the daily hugs, but I have never been more optimistic or invigorated by the work that all of us are doing together on behalf of HYF. It is truly making all the difference to our children.

Hopefully I’ll see you on campus at Kailash Home soon, but until then…Namaste,

Simone Boos, HYF & MHF Digital Media Director