In May 2022, our first-ever Restoring Hope alumni gatherings took place in two parts of South Asia!

For many of our graduates, the word "alumni" itself was new. The children we serve are usually the very first to attend higher education, let alone graduate!

Today, more than 88 of our students are college graduates. Believing many more will join this alumni group in the years go come, we had to consider:

• How will they stay connected?
• How will they find a faith community for their journey?
• What will they do and become now that they are graduated?

These are the questions that fueled the development of our new Restoring Hope Alumni Program.

At the first alumni gatherings, graduates came together to celebrate birthdays and attend workshops on responsibility to family, career guidance, and online safety.

Ratna,* our new Alumni Coordinator in one region, has been part of Restoring Hope since he was a child. During the event, he shared his testimony and story of successfully graduating college.

The second alumni gathering, in a different region, extended two days! Reporting back on the event, the team said:

“They conducted similar sessions in career guidance, and they discussed responsibilities after graduation. And they love to celebrate their birthdays together also!"

Today Restoring Hope has more than 300 students currently enrolled in college. We expect that number to double in the next couple years as many of the children that began with their education assistance ten years ago are now getting older.

Designated funding from one generous donor is making it possible for us to host more alumni gatherings and programs, provide transportation as needed for both alumni and staff, and help us to set good standards for what our college graduates can expect from continuing to be a part of the Restoring Hope family. We are grateful to God for the opportunity to expand our care and support to our children and their families, even into adulthood!