It is always a joy to welcome new families into our BSF family-strengthening programs. In July 2023, we had the privilege of inviting 28 new families from Thailand and Nepal into three programs. They were so excited to begin their 18-month journey with us and attended special Opening Days to get to know each other and learn more about the empowering activities of the program. They finished the day with renewed hope and great expectation about what the future holds for their families.
Of the 28 families, ten families joined a new program in Padaed, Thailand; another ten families joined a program in Choeng Doi, Thailand; and eight families joined a program in Dhapakhel, Nepal.
During their Opening Days at botanical gardens and yummy restaurants, participants learned about the importance of keeping children in loving families and the benefits that has for a young child's development. They also discussed a program goal to help each family develop holistically and become financially sustainable so they can support themselves and others in their community.
Throughout the Opening Days, BSF staff and volunteers spent quality time with the families, setting goals and plans to achieve their desired family outcomes over 18-months. The families got to know each other better within their own program through games and recreational activities, exploring the beautiful gardens, and eating lots of yummy food together which is always a highlight in Asia.
Our BSF programs provide space and time for families to regularly meet with other families from similar backgrounds and challenges over an18-month period. The Opening Days are the start of that experience, and over time, support networks and bonds of friendship form between families from the same community to help them navigate the many obstacles they face to build a stronger loving family.
Near the end of the Opening Days, the children and adults took time to examine and declare a family pledge and commitment to work together to strengthening their family over the 18-month program. They were also officially welcomed into the program and presented with a framed family pledge to place in their home as a remembrance of the commitment they have made to each other and their family.
The Opening Days were exciting times for all the precious people in each of the three programs, as they built new friendships and discovered a renewed hope for the future and their family.
Here are some Opening Day reflections from a few of our new BSF beneficiaries...
Grandma Na Ye from Choeng Doi, Thailand, said, “As long as I can remember, I have never had a chance to experience such a wonderful time like this. This is the first time in my life that I can go somewhere like this with my grandchild. I have lived in Choeng Doi for 40 years and have never had the opportunity to go to a nice place like this. I'm so happy to meet new friends in the program and have the opportunity to eat a buffet lunch for the first time in my life! It was so delicious! I was so impressed when I walked around the amazing gardens...it's such a beautiful place! Thank you for providing me with this wonderful opportunity. Now that we have joined this program, I believe that our lives will definitely be better.”
Kalpana Rai from Dhapakhel, Nepal, said, "My family and I are so grateful to be a part of the BSF family and program. I am now very hopeful that my family will bond together and grow stronger in the future."
Au from Padaed, Thailand, said, “Today, I met many families with similar challenges and now I know that it isn't just me who is struggling with these issues. Since joining and learning about all the opportunities we will have throughout the program, I feel more confident and hopeful about the future for my children and our family. I am keen to learn more about raising children well during the parent-caregiver trainings. Also, I can feel the warmth and kindness from BSF staff and volunteers who are very committed to support us. I am confident that by participating in this program we will become a stronger and more sustainable family.”
On behalf of all of these 28 new families, we especially want to thank our BSF donors who partner with us to make this all possible. We know you have given so sacrificially and generously just so we can welcome these 28 new families. You empower us to give more families in great need these wonderful opportunities to build a strong loving family and haven for their children. We are so grateful to you all and couldn't do this without you. Thanks for blessing BSF to be a blessing to these families, so that together, we can help keep children in stronger loving families. May God bless you too.
BSF is a partner for project J1079 & J1102 with Australian NGO, Global Development Group (ABN 57 102 400 993). Donations to BSF through Global Development Group are tax deductible in Australia, NZ, and the USA.