Tag: Children

The Seva Squad is Coming to Your Town!

Posted on by Seva Foundation

Young creatives, athletes, artists, and makers of all types are called upon to take Seva’s reach to the next level by joining the Seva Squad, our youth ambassador program for students ages 13 to 18 years old. Seva Squad members will use their talents to create projects that spread the word about Seva’s mission. Completed projects, along with squad members, will be featured on our social media channels, website, and newsletters.

If you know somebody who’d be interested in joining future Seva Squads, point them to the Seva Squad webpage www.seva.org/squad for more information, or have them contact squad leader Judy Zimola at jzimola@seva.org.

Unending Circles of Joy

Posted on by Kate Moynihan
Photo: Mercedes with her mother (left), Sandhya (right).

You create virtuous cycles of joy.

In these busy times, it might be easy to forget how much of a difference you create.

But we, and the people we serve, will never forget.

Your generosity, combined with others like you, made it possible for millions of moms, dads, brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles halfway across the world to step into 2023 with better lives.

Every time you choose to restore sight you initiate a virtuous cycle of joy that enables people to return to school, work, and support their families and communities. The caretaker can also pursue an independent career once he/she is relieved of the responsibility. At this very moment, 15-year-old Sandhya Dhital from Nepal, who got her sight back, is studying in a classroom. 28-year-old Mercedes Leguizamòn from Peru, who for years struggled to see, is able to support her children again.

I am here to let you know that we hear you, we see you and we are very thankful for your trust in us to do the work we do. Every click, every share, donation, thought, or note received is felt, seen, and heard. Compassion is a cornerstone to how Seva is possible, and how we set in motion the circle of joy.

Onward & Upward,

Kate Moynihan
CEO/Executive Director

What do you see?

Posted on by Smriti Chadha
Photos: Children you have supported with eye care services through the years.

I see a future astronaut, a teacher, a surgeon or a nurse, and even the next President!

When I joined Seva’s Communications Team in 2019, I made it my mission to inspire action through powerful insights and stories. I dig through data, edit donor reports, and work on advertising campaigns but my greatest joy is reading about the children we serve – learning about their big, bold dreams – and sharing them with you!

Kids like Milka, John, Wendy, and Debdit (pictured above) see this world with starry-eyes, as an adventure where sky’s the limit. They inspire me, as I’m sure they do you, to never lose sight of what’s important in life – joy. It’s why my heart breaks for children who are forced to see the world with uncertainty & despair instead of hope and wonder – and all because of a solvable problem.

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Marking 10+ years of impact for children in India with Soor Aur Saptak

Posted on by Seva Foundation

Soor Aur Saptak’s theme this year was “Your Melody Matches Mine” – a night filled with endless music, dance, and joy – all to raise funds for Seva’s pediatric eye care programs in India.

In late February, Indian-American singing group Soor Aur Saptak (SAS) held its eleventh annual musical benefit in Portland, Oregon. The theme of this year’s benefit was “Your melody matches mine,” and rightly so. It was a captivating night of Bollywood music, dancing, and singing – all while raising funds to provide eye care for children in India.

Sandhiprakash Bhide, Founder of Soor Aur Saptak, shared, “we cannot believe it has been 11 years since we started this program back in 2012. This would not have been possible without the generous Portland community and now the world community because of our online program.”

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The leaders of tomorrow thank you!

Posted on by Seva Foundation
Photo: Eye screening at Sree Saat Mul Secondary School – Nepal

Whitney Houston sang it loud & clear: “Children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way!” 

Sometimes, the leaders of tomorrow need support to succeed. For kids who struggle to see, life can be a challenge. They miss school, are ostracized by peers when their eyes appear different, & often face issues with self-esteem. 

Our school screening programs are designed to address this. We bring eye care to students, teachers, and parents exactly where they are – in the classroom!

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Rap to Unwrap Unhappiness

Posted on by Seva Foundation
Two boys in Tibet (China) with prayer flags - by Jon Kaplan.
Two boys in Tibet (China) with prayer flags – by Jon Kaplan. This photo is available as a gift card through Gifts of Sight.

You know how the holidays are filled with joyous music, spreading cheer far and wide? Well, we have a treat for you today! Our youth outreach team in Nepal created a jingle about the importance of eye care. It may not be a familial holiday tune, but it has the same spirit and energy this time of year brings to all of us.

Listen to the full clip and follow along with the translations below:

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SOOR AUR SAPTAK Celebrates 10 Years of Music, Dance and Transforming Lives!

Posted on by Seva Foundation
Photo
Soor Aur Saptak

On February 27, Indian-American singing group Soor Aur Saptak (SAS) threw their 10th annual benefit concert for Seva! The event, which took place virtually this year, showcases the stunning beauty of Indian music, singing, and dancing. More than a thousand people watched the show. Viewers attended this program from the USA, India, Australia, Canada, Philippines, UAE, Czech Republic, and other places in Europe.  

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Meet our Vision Excellence Award Winners!

Posted on by Seva Foundation
A girl in Guatemala has her eyes examined. Photo by Joe Raffanti.

The International Association of Blindness (IAPB) created the Vision Excellence Award to commemorate the end of its 21-year global initiative, VISION 2020: A Right to Sight. In recognition of their life-changing, world-transforming work in the field of humanitarian eye care, IAPB has recognized a total of ten Seva team members and partners with the prize.

“On behalf of the whole Seva family, congratulations to these extraordinary sight leaders and practitioners,” says Kate Moynihan, Executive Director of Seva Foundation. “Seva staff and partners consistently set the standard for patient-centered vision care. Today’s award winners share the commitment and quality of work that brings access to sustainable eye care to millions of individuals and their communities worldwide. I can’t wait to see how – together – we will continue to change the world.”

Thank you for supporting Seva and making these incredible accomplishments possible!

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