Our results

The goal of the 4 Smiling Faces Foundation is to increase the quality of life of children who have fewer chances in life and live in children’s homes and/or projects aimed at these children in developing countries. The question is of course, does it work? In the short and in the long term. The answer is wholehearted yes, it does! The kids tell us regularly: ‘Our lives are better since you help us’.

Scholarships

Before our program, the recipients didn’t have good prospects. Thanks to our support they can build a free and independent future, make their own choices, and shape their own future. By the year 2021, five girls had finished nursing school and were working in various hospitals, one works as a secretary, another as an accountant and nine young people are working hard on finishing their education.

DRC Nepal

• Previous to the installation of the solar powered hot water system there were several cases of pneumonia in the DRC. Since the installation of the system and the availability of hot water to shower, there have been no more cases of this disease.
• Previous to the installation of the ground water well and pump installation there where days with little or no water for drinking, cooking, showering and the toilets. This happened on a regular basis. Since then, there is always enough water available.
• S is now 20 years old. After a longterm stay in the DRC, she left the familiar surroundings of the DRC when she turned 18. She moved into a hostel for young ladies. There she had to take care of herself and prepare her own meals. In the DRC they teach the children to be self reliant and how to cook. The kitchen renovation has made it possible for all children to learn how to cook, no matter what their handicap. Although the change in her living situation took some getting used to, she was prepared well and her new found independent lifestyle really agrees with her. She is thriving and still visits the DRC regularly.
• W is in his early 20s and has both physical and mental disabilities. G is almost 18 and is severely physically handicapped. Normally turning 18 means means leaving the DRC because they than are officially adults. But for these two this is not an option. They can’t live without care and in Nepal there are no other care facilities. What remains is a life on the street which is extremely difficult for able-bodied people, let alone when you have such challenges. Lucky for them they are sparred this horrible situation and can stay in the DRC.
• Several kids have returned home after a long stay in the DRC because the situation at home has improved.
• The vast majority of young people who have left the DRC because they turned 18 regularly make return visits to show how they are and be roll models for the children still living there.
• Previous to the construction of the exercise/study room, a physiotherapist treated children in a small room on the first floor. To get there the children had to climb a dangerous staircase or be carried up by others. Now this is no longer necessary and they can just stay on the ground floor.
• Previous to the construction of the exercise/study room the children had to study and relax outside on the porch. In summer this was very hot and winter very cold. Now it is no longer necessary and they can choose to study inside or out.
• The children are getting a better education because they attend better schools and every school day there is a remedial teacher in the DRC for helping with homework.
• The paving of the playground (that was severely damaged in the 2015 earthquakes) has been restored so the kids can get around better. It has been widened too, so there is more space to play.

NWCSS orphanage

• Before the construction of the sewage system and connecting it to the main city sewage system, the NWCSS orphanage sewer discharged to a very nearby open sewer. This meant considerable odour nuisance and danger to the health of the children. Since building and connecting the sewage system the bad odour disappeared and there are far fewer cases of various kinds of infections and infectious diseases due to the proximity of the open sewer.
• During the Dashain festival children in Nepal traditionally receive new clothes and shoes. For many children (like those in the NWCSS orphanage) it is often a difficult time because of a shortage of money they can’t join in that tradition. A simple gesture like buying them all new clothes and shoes enhances their self-esteem, that will last way longer than the new clothes and shoes ever will.

SHCOP After school program

• Thanks to the canopy on the terrace the kids can play outside while being sheltered from the hot sun and/or (monsoon) rains.
• The railings on the wall around the terrace protects the kids from falling down.
• The water filter system makes sure there is enough clean drinking water.
• The special little kids bathroom offers the little ones the opportunity to use the bathroom, take a shower, wash their hands en clean their teeth better and more independently.
• There is now a good space to wash dishes Nepali style.
• The way to deep water reservoir is now a paddling pool complete with safety railings that the kids can use during the hot weather; of course only under adult supervision.
• The kids now have all kinds of games to play during down time.
• Thanks to a shopping spree the program now has all kinds of household supplies needed to run the program.

Lotus Family Foundation Nepal

• The Lotus Family was able to say goodbye to their beloved Sylivay the way they wanted to.
• Cleaner drinking water through the installation of a water filter system with extra measures to get rid of the iron surplus. Resulting in more drinkable water and cleaner washing results.
• Happiness and pleasure by buying 3 guitars the children can use to make beautiful music.