Letters From The Kids
Here are a couple of typical letters from the sponsored kids to their sponsors. In italics are notes or grammatical corrections to make it easier for you to read. The children are in process of learning English.
The children write at least two times a year.
“Dear sponsor, Nancy and Tom,
With sweet remembrance.
How are you? I am fine here and hope you are also good or fine there. I am reading in Grade 8. I have finished first term exam and our result is coming nearer. I expect to be under the 10th position or rank (in my class). In Kathmandu it is hot due to summer season. But in summer season more fruits are grown like: mango, guava, etc. There is basket-ball court in our school but not maintain, and there is no coach. Our school do (does) not participate in all basket-ball tournament.
Now I am going to explain about myself. I am interest in sport, like: foot-ball (soccer), basket-ball, cricket, table-tennis. From these I am very (most) interest in foot-ball and basket-ball.
I have to learn more hard to make you both and my parents happy. I don’t give (want) to waste your money by not learning properly. I have to help them (my parents) in any problems. After I finish my school I will do job to solve the problems of my parents. I would not get chance to learn up to this grade without you. If you don’t sponsor me then I don’t get chance to read (study) and my parents (have) many problems. I will never forget that you have sponsor me and I will do what you tell me.
BYE! BYE! your loving “son”, Raju”
and....another letter from an older student:
“Dearest didi (older sister, a term of respect),
How are you? I hope you are fine there with the grace of Lord Buddha. Here I am also fine. My second terminal exam is coming very near so I am reading (studying) hard. I was very glad to meet you (see you) in Nepal.
Here weather is very hot nowadays. Here I am continuing my prayer for your protection. Wherever you are, far away from me, you are in my heart forever. I miss you a lot. Thank you so much for kindness and your help which is so useful in my life. I know you are worry about my study. Sister, you don’t (have to) worry, I will read very hard. I once again would like to say you thank-you for your help. I will never forget ever in my life. Didi, take good care about your self. from Hochang”
note:
The kids often find letter writing a bit challenging. One year EVERY letter was almost identical. One inspired student apparently “helped out” everyone by dictating a letter for all! I had to laugh. It was pretty funny. Now I am encouraging them to write more about themselves and share details of their lives and interests and their country. The letters are improving. I’ll continue to send new ones for you to see from time to time...