Notes From the Field: October 2023

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

Cambodia

As the new school year begins, the Holt Cambodia team has been busy gathering and distributing school materials, school bags and school uniforms for children in our programs.  

China

Staff members continued their in-person visits to villages this month. Their goal was to meet, assess and monitor children and caregivers in the child welfare coordinator programs.

Colombia

Caregivers in Bambi’s PROMEFA program attended parenting workshops on positive discipline. This training helped them learn the principles of Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®). Participants learned about the harmful relational consequences of discipline that includes harsh punishments or withdrawing affection, and instead identified strategies to build connection and trust with their children.  

Ethiopia 

In Ethiopia, university students volunteered as mentors for a summer learning program for children in sponsorship and their siblings. They led sessions on life skills, reproductive health and basic computer skills. Close to 3,000 youth attended the program! 

Haiti 

This past summer, our local partner in Haiti held a summer camp for 60 children from an orphanage and the surrounding communities. They taught the children how to make flower arrangements, paint, embroider and bake.

India  

At the request of a group of mothers who are enrolled in job skills training our local partner in Southern India, Vathsalya Charitable Trust (VCT), they held a spoken English training program for 25 women. The training’s success was reflected in the women’s improved communication skills and their increased comfort in conversing with each other in English.

Philippines 

Our local partners in the Philippines distributed complete sets of school supplies, school uniforms and hygiene kits to 705 students last month! Our team in the Philippines has also identified 16 children, currently living with their families on the street in Bacolad City, and enrolled them in child sponsorship.  

Thailand 

Holt Sahathai Foundation (HSF) conducted four sessions of early childhood care and development activities with 669 participants from a children and family club. Children got to practice physical fitness activities, learn about basic healthcare and spend quality time with their parents. They also used storybooks and play to reduce screen time! 

Uganda 

Holt Uganda spearheaded World Breastfeeding Week in Uganda! They focused on training lactating mothers on the value of breastfeeding and held meetings to answer mothers’ questions. Holt Uganda also led a symposium to explore ways to support breastfeeding mothers in the workplace, which was a significant accomplishment! These activities reached nearly 1,000 women, 185 men and 80 government officials.