Back to School

August. If you live in the USA (and possibly some other locations) it signals the end of the summer and beginning of the new school year. It is combining those final summer events with trips to the stores (or shopping online) to purchase the clothing and school supplies that children will need. It’s those brand-new haircuts and all of the preparation to start that first day of school.

For the kids, it is a time of excitement in receiving these new things to prepare them for what is coming in the year ahead. As they wear their new clothes and carry their new supplies into class on the first day, it makes them feel better prepared and more eager to study and do well. It allows them to feel part of the community of fellow students who are starting everything new in a different grade level, different classes, and different teachers.

It is the same for the children living in the children’s homes we serve, except that the starting date is different. For example, in Nepal and Myanmar, the new school year starts in the beginning of June. In Cambodia, it is the beginning of October. Each child within the children’s homes looks forward to having those new school uniforms and the supplies needed to do well. They are disappointed and discouraged if, for some reason, they are unable to have those new items.

Just like in the USA, the purchase of school supplies and uniforms each year is an extra expense above and beyond the regular monthly costs for education. This means that the children’s homes need extra funds to provide these needed items for the children. The kids in Myanmar and Nepal currently have the items they need and are well into their school year. New Hope for Orphans in Cambodia has approximately 460 children who need school uniforms and supplies by the beginning of October. It costs $45 per child to provide two sets of uniforms, two pairs of shoes, an umbrella, a school bag, and school supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks, ruler, etc.).

Please join us in praying for and searching for the funds to meet this need for each child. Do you know of a church or community group that would like to help in this area? People can give to help one child, one home, multiple homes, or everyone. The funds are needed by September 10 so that there is time for the funds to be wired to New Hope in time for the team to purchase the items for the kids before school starts. Help us send the kids to school on the first day with a big smile on their faces because they are prepared for what lies ahead. Thank you.