Notes from the Field: April 2026

Recent updates from Holt-supported family strengthening and orphan care programs around the world!

Cambodia

In March, Holt Cambodia celebrated World Social Work Day — a global day of action focusing on themes of hope and harmony. Organized by the Cambodian Ministry of Social Affairs, the event recognized the contributions of social workers in Cambodia and underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening social services, protecting vulnerable populations and building resilient communities in the nation.

In other news, two members of Holt’s nutrition and health services team returned to Phnom Penh to evaluate the results of a Child Nutrition Program (CNP) initiative put into place last year at the National Center for Infants and Children (NCIC).

The NCIC is a Holt-supported orphanage that houses nearly 200 children, many with severe disabilities and medical needs.

The Holt team found that, as a result of their training, 30 caregivers now have improved knowledge and feeding skills and are better able to support the vulnerable children in their care. The children’s health and nutrition status will continue to be monitored through routine health screenings, and Holt staff in Cambodia will work closely with the NCIC to ensure that the program continues to benefit both the children and staff.

In another effort, Holt will expand its CNP training in Cambodia to a community preschool in a rural area. “Reaching children and families in rural regions of Cambodia with nutrition and health training will help strengthen communities and improve long-term health outcomes,” says Julia Hayes, MS, RDN, Holt’s senior manager of nutrition and health services.

Your support ensures that trainings like these reach the most vulnerable children. Join Food Every Day and provide the consistent nutrition children need not just to survive, but to grow and thrive.

Colombia

Hogares Bambi Bogotá, Holt’s partner organization in Colombia, recently offered women enrolled in its PROMEFA family strengthening program the opportunity to learn innovative beauty and sewing techniques through certified training courses. The courses helped the women build confidence and technical skills, which allowed them to increase the quality of their services and better support their children.  

 Since 2010, more than 300 women have launched their own businesses through Bambi’s job skills training program — typically in beauty, sewing, soap making or baking. Many of the women in the program are single mothers, and 90 to 95 percent head up their households.

Today, you can empower a mom across the globe. Help a mom turn skills into income and create a brighter future for her family with a Gift of Hope.

Ethiopia

In rural Ethiopia, the Wallana primary school recently distributed new textbooks to more than 2,500 children, thanks to Holt donor support. Preschool classrooms were also freshly painted, furnished with child-sized desks and chairs, and stocked with Montessori-aligned learning materials. The improvements were made at the recommendation of regional government officials who visited the school for a mid-term evaluation.

In Ethiopia today, twice as many girls as boys are out of school, particularly in impoverished farming communities like Wallana. To bridge this gap, Holt works with local social workers and teachers to encourage parents to send both their sons and daughters to school.

Holt sponsors and donors make education accessible to girls in vulnerable communities all around the world. Give a Gift of Hope today to help a girl overcome barriers and stay in school.

India

In March, Holt’s local partner in Pune, Bharatiya Samaj Seva Kendra (BSSK), held a Holi celebration for children who receive services through its Holt-supported child care and community centers. Known as the springtime festival of colors, Holi is a major holiday in India. During the party, children participated in games and activities, which included dousing one another with vibrant, eco-friendly colored powders known as “gulal.” The colored powders symbolize the arrival of spring and new beginnings. Children who receive services through BSSK either live at the centers or in impoverished communities in and around Pune. As they rarely receive anything extra, the Holi celebrations were a special treat!

In Bangalore, children at the Holt-supported Vathsalya Charitable Trust (VCT) child development center recently celebrated Graduation Day! In honor of reaching this milestone, the children received graduation certificates and gifts. VCT also launched an Evening Porridge Program receently to support children of migrant workers and those in other underserved communities. The program provides nutritional care for children as well as a safe, welcoming space and opportunities for social interaction during the evening hours.

So many children living in poverty or growing up in orphanages rarely experience the joy of special celebrations — especially on their birthdays. Remind a child that they’re worth celebrating with a special birthday gift and party.

Mongolia

Thanks to the generous support of donors who took part in Holt’s Mongolia Vision Trip last October, the Red Stone School has been able to resume its music program. Currently, three teachers provide instruction to 22 students in three traditional instruments — the yochin (dulcimer), yatga (zither) and morin khuur (horsehead fiddle). In addition to learning how to play the instruments, the students are taught how to maintain and repair them.

Located in Ulaanbaatar, the Red Stone School was founded in 2016 to support impoverished families who live on the edge of the city’s largest garbage dump. At the Red Stone School, children receive classroom instruction, a warm, nutritious meal every day and access to showers and a laundry facility. To date, more than 200 children have graduated from the program, providing them an opportunity for a brighter future. 

Education is one of the most effective tools to break the cycle of poverty. Make a difference today by giving a one‑year scholarship to a child at risk of dropping out of school.

Uganda

Holt Uganda’s nutrition team recently partnered with agricultural extension workers to plant fruit and vegetable gardens at eight Holt-sponsored early childhood care and development centers in rural villages. The nutrition team also used this opportunity to train the children’s caregivers in successful gardening methods.

In Uganda, many children struggle with hunger — especially those living in large families with very limited income. In the communities where Holt Uganda works, it’s common to see children who are malnourished. Today, one in three children under age 5 is stunted due to poor nutrition. Holt Uganda addresses long‑term hunger and malnutrition by equipping families to grow their own food or raise livestock, giving them sustainable sources of eggs, milk and income so their children can thrive.

For families living in poverty, a Gift of Hope can change everything. Give the gift of chickens today to provide eggs and income to a family in need.