Blog

Showing off Diplomas in Tailoring

Things have been busy at Angels’ Place over the past few months, and as spring turns to summer, we write with a update on all the special things that have been happening.

The biggest project remains the construction of the on-site healthcare building. A concrete slab was poured in March, and the materials required most of the next month to cure. Work has gone slower than expected because of the rains that come with monsoon season. As of the end of May, the roofing and exterior walls are complete. The next steps will be plumbing, electrical wiring, and painting.

Progress on the new healthcare building

The staff continues to work on improvements in supporting education for the children of Angels’ Place. The children receive academic counseling over the course of their time there, and as they progress, that counseling evolves to support professional career guidance as they prepare for life as independent adults. The staff has gathered educational data on all children in classes 4 through 10, and that data will inform guidance counseling to support academic success and future career prospects.

The library and classes remain a popular resource for the children. In the words of Kaimalsom of Class 9: “Attending the library class means gaining something for life.” Staff also continue to provide more instruction in computer skills in a two-tier sequence: a three-month Basic Computer Course and then an advanced course that builds on those foundational skills. Vocational training continues in tailoring and baking, and we are delighted to report that this spring a group of five students received their Diploma in Tailoring.

The goal of Angels’ Place begins with rescuing a child in a desperate situation, providing them with the basic needs of food, shelter, and health care. Yet as children grow beyond those urgent needs, they can envision a life that moves past simply surviving, to a life of thriving and contributing to their community. We close with the words of Manglalthuam, a student in class 12, who writes the following as he considers a life of possibility and hope in the future:

“As I reflect on the experiences that have shaped me, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons, challenges, and people who have helped me during my time in Angels’ Place....I’m eager to see what comes next, and I hope to continue making a positive impact in everything I do.”

That is the story of a life transformed, a transformation that you have made possible by your support of the James Connection. We thank you for your continued commitment, and we want you to know: your generosity has changed lives.

To learn more about the James Connection and how you can help the children at Angels' Place, visit our Ways to Help page.

Children celebrate the 20th anniversary of Angels' Place with an abundant spring harvest

Angels’ Place celebrated its 20th anniversary on February 7, 2025, a date that is now known as “Founders Day” at the orphanage. The children and staff enjoyed a day filled with singing, dancing, and a variety of commemorative activities to mark how far things have come over two decades. Many alumni and past staff joined the fun, which culminated with a performance by the Lamka Music Academy band. Our lead onsite staff member, Siam, reports that “It was truly an unforgettable experience that left everyone grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a special day, honoring our past and looking forward to our future together.” This 20th anniversary also marks a good time to check in on all of the activities and progress at Angels’ Place.

The construction of the new healthcare building is progressing well. The foundation has been completed and they are ready to pour the slab for the ground floor, which requires 28 days of curing. After that, building will move to the first floor, which is expected to be completed by the end of May.

A variety of career-oriented learning has taken place at all levels for the children. Mrs. Lun, the Career Coordinator, leads sessions for the younger children and also helps them with library resources, guiding them toward possible career paths. For the older students, Angels’ Place hosted a series of speakers who described possible work futures for students not going on to university. A separate presentation explored higher education opportunities and the career possibilities beyond that. Vocational training also continues, though in February they paused for school exams.

The library remains an active place for the children, and a new round of books has arrived. The children have regular library classes, which range from teaching the youngest children how to use a dictionary to helping the older children find titles on careers and future learning. Hoihneihat, who is in Class VIII, says of the library, “I love to read books. It helps me in learning new vocabulary and it also improves my English a lot.”

Finally, Angels’ Place is delighted to report that they have brought in an abundant harvest this year. The children participate in growing their own food, which both broadens their nutrition and provides a valuable contribution to the orphanage.

On this 20th anniversary, we have many blessings, and we thank you all for making these blessings possible.

If you are new to the work we do and would like to learn more about Angels' Place and how you can help the children there, visit our Ways to Help page.

Children in tailoring class

We are delighted to report that so many wonderful things are happening at Angels' Place, in terms of learning opportunities, activities, facilities upgrades, and the well-being of the children.

The library had a substantial renovation this year, creating more space for books and more reading opportunities for the children. The library collection is growing along with the space, with purchases happening on a steady basis, but we still have many shelves to fill. Every day the staff provides library classes and supervises open reading time. Ms. Lun, the Career Coordinator of Angels’ Place, writes, “It is a beautiful sight and a wonderful feeling when children constantly come and ask to read books or see them sit in the library lost in their books. Reading allows us entry to another world where there are unlimited wonders and opportunities. It can be educational, therapeutic, and entertaining.”

Angels’ Place has also presented a series of special learning opportunities for the children. Some classes involve social skills, like teaching them respect and etiquette. Other learning opportunities include continuing programs in vocational training. One group of the children have been preparing for their testing in tailoring, which has both a written and practical component, and they are working hard to be ready to pass. The baking class continues as well, and the staff reports that things are humming along nicely. Finally, Angels’ Place recently hosted a master class in woodworking, presented by a local master craftsman.

Construction this year has included substantial work to improve the roads and outdoor areas at the campus. The major achievement has been the construction of a new road, and the staff relayed their heartfelt thanks to all of the generous sponsors who made that possible. Other facilities improvements include a number of railings that have been installed and the replacement of a few others that date back to the original construction of the orphanage.

All of these learning opportunities and improvements to the facilities have enriched the lives of so many children! We have you to thank for giving them a life of safety, opportunities for growth, and the prospect of much brighter futures.

To learn more about Angels' Place and ways to get involved, visit our Ways to Help page.