In 2004 New Futures Nepal started its first major construction project, named The Smith Project - after our generous benefactor. Our aim was to build a purpose built home for disadvantaged and orphaned children. The cost of the project was around £100,000. Thanks to Mr Smith’s generous donation and our fundraising, we were able to buy a parcel of land in a good area of the Kathmandu Valley with a clean water supply and close proximity to hospitals and schools. The home was finished in 2005 and the 13 children, 2 disabled adults and their carers moved in immediately. The children are secure and happy in their new family environment and we have increased the number of full-time carers at the home to 4. Many of the children in the home are disabled and we assess their needs on a regular basis and fund medical help whenever necessary.
During the year 2004/2005 we were fortunate to gain the patronage of the actress Jayne Seymour and her husband James Keech. Our website was re-launched and a new promotional DVD produced. We also targeted our fund raising towards corporate sponsors as well as individuals.
As a result of our increased fund raising we were able to equip the Hope Centre with sewing machines, a computer, musical instruments and more books and toys for the children. The children also received extra skills training after school and during the holidays.
During the year 2005 we were able to reach out to hundreds of needy children in Kathmandu. We received an application for funds from another UK charity with aims similar to our own. Two of their projects in Kathmandu were visited and assessed by us. A small grant was made to Street Children during the year specifically for the two projects identified. These inspiring projects provide food, shelter, education and healthcare for hundreds of street children in Kathmandu. We named this our Lifelines Project.