Since April 2021, a compassionate community, spearheaded by Heart Steps board member Jaime Purinton, has come together to make a profound impact on the lives of 38 children in need. What began as a small but mighty initiative has grown into a powerful force for positive change.

In a short span of time, this dedicated group has achieved remarkable milestones:

A Place to Call Home: Through collective efforts, a plot of land was acquired, and a new, secure house was constructed to provide a loving and stable environment for the 38 children.

Empowering Education: Recognizing the importance of education, the group has ensured that each child receives the tools for a brighter future. From school uniforms to essential supplies, they have removed barriers to education for these children.

Comprehensive Support: Monthly support is extended to cover vital needs such as food, clothing, shoes, medical care, and other essentials. This ongoing commitment ensures that the children not only survive but thrive.

Yet, the journey continues, and ongoing support is crucial. Your contributions can make a significant difference by:

Sustaining Education: Ensuring that school tuition fees are covered, enabling these children to access quality education.

Meeting Basic Needs: Providing for clothing, medical supplies, and nutritious food to safeguard their health and well-being.

Looking ahead, our collective vision is to empower these children to become self-sufficient. The current goal is to fund the establishment of a school that not only imparts education but also equips them with skills for a sustainable future. This transformative endeavor marks a pivotal step towards breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering independence.

As we invite you to join our cause, your support becomes a beacon of hope for these children, illuminating a path towards self-reliance and a brighter future. Together, we can turn dreams into reality and empower these young lives to rewrite their stories. Every contribution, no matter how small, adds to the collective strength of this movement. Join us on this incredible journey of compassion, resilience, and transformation in the heart of Uganda.

Heartsteps Himalayan Initiatives are where every effort is a step towards transformative change in the remote regions of the Himalayas. Our commitment to creating a lasting impact is reflected in the diverse projects and initiatives we've undertaken:

Patle Uniform Project and Coats for Patle: Our initial fundraising efforts materialized into the Patle Uniform Project and Coats for Patle outreach. Over 500 school uniforms and warm winter coats, along with hundreds of hand-knit caps and gloves, have been delivered to children aged 3-18 at Shree Patle Secondary School and two adjacent village schools in the Himalayas.

Continued Support for Students: Ongoing efforts include fundraising for appropriate footwear for all students, as well as providing essential playground and sports equipment to enhance their overall learning experience.

Safety and Security for Girls: Recognizing the challenges faced by girls walking long distances to Shree Patle Secondary School, we aim to establish a staffed student dormitory on campus. This initiative aims to reduce the risks associated with the arduous journey, such as assault, injury, or worse.

Teacher Retention and Well-being: Teachers in the rugged Himalayas often face challenges, leading to high turnover. To address this, we aspire to create a teacher's home or dormitory on campus, providing ample space, privacy, and facilities like WiFi and quiet areas for grading and lesson planning.

Sustainable Gardening at Nava Raina English Secondary School: Collaborating with the nonprofit Bishwa Seva Foundation, Heart Steps supports the sustainable greenhouse and gardens operated by the students of Nava Raina English Secondary School in Panauti, Nepal. This initiative contributes resources and funding, ensuring nutritious foods for the school lunch program, benefiting orphaned and disadvantaged students.

Remote Medical Centers: Plans are underway for the establishment of Remote Medical Centers in two underserved areas of the Himalayas, with secured land and community council support.

Abiding Heart Education in Kathmandu: Heart Steps supports Abiding Heart Education in Kathmandu, providing training to teachers in mindfulness. Meyrav Mor and her team conduct online courses in sustainable farming, art, and sewing, incorporating cultural and conscious elements into the curriculum.

Living Traditions Museum, Changu Narayan: In our commitment to education and preservation, Heart Steps acknowledges the significance of the Living Traditions Museum in Changu Narayan. This museum is dedicated to preserving and educating about the rich culture and traditions of the Nepali people.

Join us on this journey of meaningful impact, where each initiative is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and collective action. Together, we are building a brighter future for the Himalayan communities we serve.

Sambouro, Kenya, is a remote and arid village that stands as a testament to the resilience of its people in the face of challenging circumstances. Nestled within the vast landscapes of Kenya, Sambouro bears witness to a common narrative in many rural communities, where opportunities for women are limited, and the prospect of education and broader horizons remains elusive.

In this village women find themselves navigating a path entrenched in traditional norms, with few avenues for education and career aspirations beyond early marriage and family responsibilities. Breaking free from these constraints requires not just determination, but also the support of initiatives committed to uplifting communities from within.

One of our efforts in this regard has been the establishment of a project dedicated to transforming the lives of young women in Sambouro. At its core, this initiative focuses on providing educational opportunities that extend beyond the conventional boundaries. By offering support to a young woman in the village, the project aims to not only empower her with knowledge but also equip with the skills needed to forge a meaningful career.

Crucially, this project has set its sights on integrating the young woman into the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) network. Recognizing the transformative potential of NGOs, the initiative seeks to create a pathway for the young woman to contribute to her community while building a future that extends beyond the limitations traditionally imposed on women.

Through the lens of education and employment, this project strives to break the cycle of limited opportunities for women in Sambouro. By investing in the potential of one individual, it aspires to catalyze a ripple effect that positively impacts the entire community. Beyond the immediate goal of securing a job within the NGO sector, the broader vision is to inspire a shift in societal perceptions, fostering an environment where the education and empowerment of women become integral components of community development.

This project represents a beacon of hope, illuminating a path toward a future where the women of Sambouro can chart their destinies with confidence, armed with education, skills, and a sense of purpose. As the first steps are taken to empower one young woman, the echoes of change resonate through the village, carrying the promise of a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.