At HOCT, we do things to the best of our abilities, through the love and care and trust of people.

This little boy, Maganda Juma, has come to us a couple days back and his very poor appearance had touched the hearts of many people. He has received amazingly good support.

Thank you, Eleanor, Anto, Kristyl, Giovanna and Britney, for his food!

Thank you, Susan, Claudia, Rita, Denise and Jessica, for the extra funds that allowed us to buy his first new clothes ever, his first ever pair of new shoes, a good bed, mattress, clean bed-sheets, a blanket, a treated mosquito net (that will cover the whole bed and provide protection against mosquitoes).

With the additional funds received, I have booked him access at the clinic whenever needed – free treatments for the whole year, and I also kept funds for more food for July and August.

May you all be blessed for bringing such kindness into this world!

Today has been a vibrant and dynamic day at HOCT. As we step into the new month with vigor, our activities have been diverse and purposeful. We’ve engaged in extensive food distribution, managed a few important phone calls, made significant progress in preparing for the roof assembly, and joyfully handed out scholastic materials to children gearing up for school.

There’s an unmistakable sense of renewal and joy in the air. Perhaps it’s the lingering celebration of Children’s Day, or perhaps it’s the arrival of summer that has infused everything with an extra dose of happiness. The sun outside is shining brilliantly, casting a golden glow that seems to reflect the warmth and light we feel in our hearts.

This is the beauty of working with love. Every task, every interaction, is infused with care and dedication. The atmosphere is alive with warmth and cheer, and each of us moves through the day with a smile, knowing we are making a difference. At HOCT, the sunshine isn’t just outside; it radiates from within us, brightening our spirits and guiding our efforts.

Today, we celebrated the birthdays of children born in May. Following our cherished tradition, we gather on the last working day of the month, creating a festive and inclusive atmosphere. The children sing “Happy Birthday,” share a beautifully decorated cake, and then each child takes home their own individual cake and a small gift.

To make a child feel that their date of birth matters to someone out there—what greater act of kindness is there? This celebration goes beyond mere festivity; it is a heartfelt acknowledgment of each child’s unique presence in the world.

By honoring their special day, we convey a powerful message: “You are important, you are cherished, and your existence brings joy to those around you.” This act of recognition fosters a sense of belonging and self-worth, reinforcing the idea that each child is seen and appreciated.

Creating such moments of happiness and connection is essential for nurturing the emotional well-being of our children. It teaches them the significance of kindness, the joy of giving and receiving, and the value of community. Through these celebrations, we instill in them the understanding that every individual matters and that their unique contributions to the world are celebrated.

In a world where everyone seeks acknowledgment and love, these birthday celebrations become a beacon of light, showing each child that they are not alone. Their happiness and milestones are shared and cherished by a community that cares deeply for them.

Today at “Help One Child Thrive,” I dedicated my time to reviewing the work completed over the past month. This task is critical, requiring me to meticulously examine an extensive Excel file with over 700 lines, each line representing a child and their received support.

The main objective of this review is to identify any children who have not yet received their food and to uncover any mistakes I may have made. Ensuring that no child is left behind and that all records are accurate is paramount. After identifying any discrepancies, I promptly send reminders to the team to address these issues.

In addition to these reminders, I also send apologies to the sponsors. These messages are not meant to cause any discomfort but to uphold transparency and accountability. It is essential to keep our operations and funds well-organized, and acknowledging and correcting mistakes is a vital part of this process. Errors happen occasionally, and each one is a learning opportunity.

Despite the workload and the difficulties, the satisfaction of seeing the results of our hard work is immense. The joy and gratitude that come from knowing we are positively impacting these children’s lives make all the effort worthwhile. I am constantly reminded of the beauty of our mission and feel deeply thankful for the opportunity to contribute to such meaningful work.

As we (nearly) close another month, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and a renewed commitment to continue helping children thrive. This journey is challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to the ongoing progress and success of our efforts.

Veronica begins her day with her engineering job. Today, she works from the office, making communication a bit more challenging. Outside, it’s a rainy day in Bucharest.

Mugoya starts his morning by withdrawing funds and organizing the shopping lists. He calls the distribution teams to bring in the products, and later helps unload and carry the merchandise inside.

Despite her busy schedule, Veronica sends out the day’s program along with major challenges and emergencies. These include tasks left unfinished, children who missed picking up certain items, and special requests from long-distance parents.

One sponsor requests a phone call to see the child they support, wary of the scams that unfortunately exist in this world. This accusation stings deeply, as our integrity has never been questioned before. The child is called for the phone call, but the sponsor does not answer. Veronica’s heart aches for the little one. They move past this disappointment and continue with their work.

Children begin to arrive, and food distribution starts smoothly. However, Nulu falls ill and is admitted to the ward for IV treatment against malaria. Veronica finishes her workday and heads home. During her train trip, she distributes invoices and responds to messages. Mugoya continues to distribute food.

Once home, Veronica checks the photos and marks them with a little heart. Mihaela downloads these photos and creates beautiful collages. Munyira, an albino child under the care of Maria from Malta, joins them. Today is Maria’s birthday, so he records a heartfelt message for her, bringing tears to Veronica’s eyes.

As the day draws to a close, Veronica organizes tomorrow’s bank transfer, which demands all her attention despite her growing fatigue. She says a little prayer for strength. Mihaela finishes the collages, and Veronica uploads them everywhere, filling her heart with joy. Mugoya closes the HOCT office doors and heads home.

Tomorrow, they will start over, grateful for the opportunity to continue their mission.

Many of the children you see each day in the collages have been with “Help One Child Thrive” for 2-3 years. They are my steady companions, my treasures. Watching them grow and flourish is one of the greatest joys of my life. The best reaction I get from their long-distance parents when sharing photos is always, “How much he/she is growing!!!”

Children are like delicate flowers in our hands. With a little bit of love, care, good food, and the affirmation that they matter to someone—that they are important and loved—they blossom beautifully. Knowing that someone out there is thinking of them makes all the difference.

I am profoundly grateful that I can be a channel through which people can save lives and show so much kindness. In a world often overshadowed by conflict and strife, we find a special purpose in our work at HOCT. In this often forgotten corner of life, we are quietly but steadfastly building something wonderful. We are creating a sanctuary of hope, a place where children can feel safe, loved, and valued.

Our mission goes beyond providing basic needs; it is about fostering dreams and nurturing the potential within each child. Every smile, every shared moment, and every small achievement is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and support.

In these turbulent times, we are reminded of the importance of our work. Each child’s growth is a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, light can shine through acts of love and kindness. I am eternally thankful to everyone who joins us on this journey, helping us to create a brighter future for these children.

Together, we are proving that even in a world beset by turmoil, there is still space for compassion and care. At “Help One Child Thrive,” we are dedicated to making this world a better place, one child at a time. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Your trust, love, and unwavering support mean everything to us. Let’s continue to nurture these precious lives and build a legacy of love and hope.

It was one of those days when everything went super-well. My heart is overflowing with gratitude and happiness for the work we do. I am profoundly thankful for the opportunity to provide food for these wonderful children, made possible through the grace and generosity of their sponsors.

I am grateful beyond words for the trust people place in me, and for the love and support they bring to our mission. It is a joy and an honor to be surrounded by such compassionate individuals who share a common goal.

In a world where so many things seem to be falling apart, I find immense happiness in knowing that we are building something truly special. Together, we are creating a sanctuary of hope and care, a beacon of light for these children. Each act of kindness, each gesture of support, brings us one step closer to a better, brighter future. I am deeply thankful for this journey and for all those who walk it with me.

In the middle: Kagoya Shakirah, sweet 16 years old, yesterday was her Birthday!

Children are perfect – whether their faces light up with a smile or they wear expressions of deep contemplation. Whether their hands are pristine or smeared with the evidence of their latest adventure, whether they wear the same cherished outfit day after day or come running barefoot, they radiate a pure, unblemished light. Children are the essence of innocence and joy, the very light of this world.

At “Help One Child Thrive,” we embrace and celebrate this perfection in every child. We welcome all children with open arms, recognizing their inherent worth and potential. Our mission is to create an environment where every child can flourish, where their unique light is nurtured and cherished. We work tirelessly to improve their lives, ensuring they have the support, resources, and love they need to thrive.

In a world that often emphasizes flaws and shortcomings, we choose to see the beauty and perfection in each child. We believe in their dreams, their laughter, and their boundless curiosity. We are dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and security, where every child feels valued and loved.

Join us in this beautiful journey. Together, we can make a difference, one child at a time. Let us celebrate their perfection, nurture their growth, and light up the world with the brilliance of their presence. At “Help One Child Thrive,” we are committed to making the world a better place, starting with our children, the perfect lights of our lives.

It has been a beautiful day.

We work with love.

We had a productive day, despite a delayed start due to a banking issue that pushed our work-day to begin after 2 PM. Nonetheless, we successfully distributed a significant amount of food to those in need. Additionally, children received heartfelt gifts from their long-distance parents, adding to the day’s warmth and joy. In a surprising turn of events, we also received three parcels, one of which was sent back in 2020! It’s a testament to the idea that everything eventually finds its way, even if it takes a detour through unexpected places like South Africa. Our commitment to serving our community remains unwavering, and we’re grateful for the support that allows us to make a difference in the lives of others.