Why: The Beginning
In 2003, after living in Nepal for over 10 years, Viva Bell decided she couldn’t continue to ignore the growing number of destitute children on the street. So one morning, instead of stepping over Rajesh on her way to work, she took the deathly ill 8-year old to the hospital. Having a simple throat infection that had been left untreated, Rajesh almost died of dehydration. After being nursed back to health, Viva placed him in a local orphanage, but it became clear that the money she helped them raise wasn’t getting to Rajesh or the other children; it went into the director’s pockets, and the children were sent into the streets to beg for food and money. They received only the bare minimum to survive, and were not provided health care or education as promised. Feeling there was no other option, Viva started down the path that led to the eventual creation of the Umbrella Foundation Nepal (“Umbrella”). Together with the Nepali Social Welfare Board, they closed down that orphanage, rescued all 48 malnourished and uneducated children, and placed them in her newly founded home, where they continue to live today. Today these healthy, happy and well-adjusted children have been given a new lease on life, and for the first time, a dream of a better future for themselves and their country.

In 10 years of war in Nepal, 10,000 Nepalese were killed and more than 250,000 have been displaced. There was over $2 billion in destruction of infrastructure including schools and hospitals, entire communities were devastated and families ripped apart. It is estimated that more than 31,000 children came to Kathmandu during the conflict. These children, from every corner of Nepal, came to escape war, forced conscription, and crumbling communities in search of a stable, promising future. Many were trafficked illegally, and end up struggling to survive on the streets, confined to domestic slavery or living in abusive and neglectful homes in the Kathmandu Valley.

What: Umbrella’s Initiatives and Projects
Today the Umbrella Foundation, with Viva Bell and her husband Jacky Buk at the helm, provides more care for conflict-displaced and illegally trafficked children than any other organization in the Kathmandu Valley. With more than 350 children in 8 homes, Umbrella is truly a testament to the impact that just one person can have on the lives of so many others. Working closely with government agencies and law enforcement, Umbrella rescues children from desperate circumstances and offers them a secure future, providing housing, education and a positive, nurturing environment.

For more in-depth information see the pages regarding Rescue, Reunification, Resettlement/Residential Care, Village Rejuvenation, Formal Education, Vocational Training, Medical Care, and the Gurje Village Project. 

How: Funding and Support
On a yearly basis, Umbrella requires approximately $250,000 - $275,000 to support 350+ children, more than 50 staff, 9 homes (including volunteer house) and the initial developments of the Gurje Project.

Umbrella Foundation Nepal receives regular funding from:

• The Umbrella Foundation, Ltd, Ireland
• SolHimal, France
• Umbrella Foundation, USA
• Friends of Umbrella Nepal, UK
• Next Generation Nepal, USA (with local presence in Nepal)
• Italy Fundraisers
• Germany Fundraisers

Umbrella depends greatly on the donations and support of individuals to keep its programs running and to take care of its children.

To help Umbrella in its mission, you can Sponsor A Child, make a general donation to the Umbrella Foundation, or chose a specific program to support – even the smallest amounts make an immense difference in the lives of our children.

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