Recent updates from Holt-supported family strengthening and orphan care programs around the world!
China
In mid-February, children living at Peace House and at child welfare centers in China enjoyed celebrating Lunar New Year. Windows and doors were beautifully decorated with red banners and paper cuttings. Thanks to Holt sponsors and donors, the children also received special gifts that made the holiday celebration even more meaningful.
In the Tianjin Family Strengthening Program, more than 20 children recently participated in a winter camp focused on cold‑weather safety and preparedness. Winters in Tianjin regularly drop below freezing, with icy winds and snow that make daily life especially difficult for children without adequate clothing. Through the generosity of Holt sponsors and donors, Winter Rescue Packs — each including a warm coat, blanket and pair of shoes — provided the essentials children need to stay safe and warm all season long.
Many children continue to face harsh weather without the essentials they need to stay warm. Your gift of a Winter Rescue Pack can keep a child warm, safe and healthy today.
Uganda
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.
To support families facing urgent need, Holt Uganda recently delivered emergency food assistance to 10 households with malnourished children. Each family received milk, eggs, margarine, groundnut paste, vegetable oil and fortified flour. Through Holt’s Child Nutrition Program, caregivers also took part in training sessions on proper feeding practices and the essentials of child 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.
Join Food Every Day, Holt’s community of monthly donors dedicated to ending child hunger. Your generosity provides the consistent nutrition children need not just to survive, but to grow and thrive.
India
Holt’s local partner in India, Bharatiya Samaj Seva Kendra (BSSK), recently hosted a career day for students in 8th, 9th and 11th grades. Thanks to the support of Holt sponsors and donors, these students receive the encouragement and resources they need to pursue brighter futures despite growing up in difficult circumstances.
The career day brought together professionals from fields such as nursing, law, engineering, defense and more. Alumni from BSSK’s education programs also returned to share their own career journeys. A total of 95 students and 10 parents participated.
For many children in Holt programs, experiences like these help broaden their horizons beyond the limited career opportunities they witnessed growing up in impoverished slum communities. This is especially true for many girls in India, who face greater gender discrimination and also marriage at a young age.
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.
Vietnam
In mid-February, children living in Holt-supported child welfare centers in Vietnam celebrated Tết, thanks to Holt sponsors and donors who gave generous gifts for year-end festivities! Tết Nguyen Dan, commonly referred to as “Tết,” is Vietnam’s most significant and traditional celebration, marking the arrival of the Lunar New Year.
It was a wonderful celebration, full of delicious sweets like sticky rice cake, candied fruits and simmered caramel sauce dishes. The children enjoyed singing, dancing and playing games. In the spirit of celebration, the child welfare centers were decorated with beautiful, bright colors and traditional lanterns.
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!
Ethiopia
Holt Ethiopia recently hosted three community workshops focused on strengthening families and protecting vulnerable children. These sessions highlighted the importance of foster care, gender‑based violence prevention and child nutrition.
With an estimated 4.5 million children in Ethiopia growing up without permanent families, Holt Ethiopia organized a foster‑to‑adopt workshop to help reduce the number of children living in institutional care. The workshop equipped prospective families with information, guidance and encouragement to open their homes to children in need.
In response to rising rates of abuse affecting women and girls in disadvantaged communities, Holt Ethiopia also led a gender‑based violence awareness session for community leaders and local officials.
Additionally, Holt Ethiopia provided parent education on child nutrition and health. This training gave caregivers practical tools to prevent malnutrition and promote healthy development at home. As part of this initiative, Holt Ethiopia distributed 800 chickens to participating households.
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.
Learn more about Holt’s work and history!
At Holt International, we help children thrive in the love and stability of a family. But our services extend far beyond the adoption work we are known for.
