Recent updates from Holt-supported family strengthening and orphan care programs around the world!
Cambodia
Recently, Holt’s Child Nutrition Program (CNP) trainings have expanded in Cambodia. In addition to implementing the CNP at the National Center for Infants and Children, Holt’s CNP nutrition screenings and growth monitoring have begun at a community preschool in the Kampot Province.
The results of the screenings showed that 53% of the children in the preschool have anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is often a symptom of poor nutrition, parasitic infections and/or frequent diarrhea. Left untreated, children’s mental and physical development is at serious risk.
Holt’s CNP team takes a multi-faceted approach to address nutrition-related issues. After the screening, children at the community preschool who were diagnosed with anemia were referred to the local health center for treatment. After one month, the CNP team will conduct a follow-up hemoglobin test to monitor progress. Caregivers and parents also received nutrition education and resources. Holt’s CNP team encouraged caregivers to increase iron-rich foods in their children’s diets to help them grow healthy and strong.
Your support ensures that help reaches the most vulnerable children. Join Food Every Day and help provide the consistent nutrition children need not just to survive, but to grow and thrive.
China
Holt’s team in China recently provided a mental health training for community leaders in Tianjin. Traditionally, mental and emotional health has not been emphasized in Chinese culture. To address this, Holt has partnered with the China Social Welfare Foundation, one of the country’s top philanthropic organizations, to support children in developing emotional regulation, social skills and resilience to overcome difficulties.
In Guilin, 23 students from the Technical School Student Program have started their internships. In the Guilin area of China, 43.7% of children on the trade school path are at risk of dropping out. Many of these students originate from mountainous and rural regions where educational resources are scarce. Holt helps coordinate internship opportunities through the Technical School Student Program to help students strengthen their practical and job-related skills, while also offering ongoing support throughout the program.
This educational route enables them to start working earlier, alleviating both their families’ financial burdens and their own tuition costs. Through the support of Holt donors, students are gaining the skills, confidence and support they need for a more secure future.
Many children in China living in poverty don’t have the resources needed to continue their education. Help provide the support they need to begin lifting themselves and their families toward a brighter future.
India
In April, Holt’s local partner in Pune, Bharatiya Samaj Seva Kendra (BSSK) celebrated World Book Day with great enthusiasm from children and parents at BSSK’s library centers. Children participated in various reading and creativity-based activities — promoting a love for reading and learning. Thought-provoking stories about gender equality, social awareness and responsibility were shared during the celebration, encouraging children to build strong values and develop critical thinking skills.
In Bangalore, 10th-grade sponsored children supported through Holt’s partner, Vathsalya Charitable Trust (VCT), achieved an outstanding 95% pass rate on the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exam. Many of these children come from financially challenged backgrounds and are the first in their families to reach this milestone in secondary education. With consistent academic support, encouragement and structured interventions made possible by Holt sponsors, children are able to stay on track and pursue their dreams.
Education is one of the greatest tools a child has to overcome poverty. Sponsor a child today to ensure that nothing stands in the way of their bright future.
Uganda
Maternal and child health is a special focus within Holt’s programs, especially in rural and underserved communities where mothers and children face the greatest risks. Through Child Health Days across 113 health centers in Uganda, Holt expanded access to essential maternal and child health services. Holt’s team reached 33,788 children and supported 1,530 pregnant mothers with antenatal care. 103 mothers were provided with resources for family planning services.
Every day, nearly 800 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth — the vast majority in developing countries. And without prenatal care, babies are five times more likely to die than those whose mothers do get care.
But through the generosity of Holt donors and the efforts of Holt Uganda, mothers and children receive supplements, health check‑ups, nutrition support and more — giving them a healthier start to life.
For families living in poverty, a Gift of Hope can change everything. Give the gift of pregnancy health care to a new mom and her baby.
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.
