Archive

13 June 2020

Richard Burton is a martial arts master, instructor, author, and owner of Jeet Kune Do Unlimited in Hawaii.  He and his wife Sarah are also long-time sponsors and unwavering supporters of OSI's efforts.  Matthew Emery is a martial arts master and owner of Emery Academy of Martial Arts in LA.  In a time when their own businesses are greatly restricted, Richard and Matthew have selflessly determined to help address the struggle of others who are less fortunate.  Emery Academy of Martial Arts coordinated and hosted a COVID-proof online training session featuring Burton, attracting more than 40 participants from around the world, with all proceeds donated to OSI to serve special needs of our youth that have arisen due to the pandemic.  OSI is greatly honoured, and also grateful to be able to address these unforseen needs in unforseen times.  The raised funds are being immediatley applied towards the unexpected needs and support of our Sri Lanka youth and young families whose studies and jobs have stopped, and who immediately find themselves in dire straits.  The dollar stretches far in Sri Lanka, and these particular youth are more than secure for the foreseeable future, thanks wholly to Burton's and Matthew's efforts and generosity! Emery Academy of Martial Arts - Matthew Emery
Jeet Kune Do Unlimited - Richard Burton

2017-2018

A couple of fun, colourful video slideshows of OSI's Pune children on their excursions to Shantivan (February 2018) and Morachi Chincholi (January 2017).  Watch them full-screen or their smiles might not fit :-D

August 2017

Nesebar Excursion - The kindness of OSI donors provided a very special excursion for youth in a new orphanage, as a means to help them get to know each other via specially-designed team exercises, and lots of fun on the beach!  Indeed they returned to their new home as a family...

October 2014

The Cedar Foundation, our partners in Bulgaria who established and manage the homes where the OSI-sponsored children reside, have produced a fantastic and moving video, which displays Cedar's (and OSI's) philosophy in serving special needs children.  Philosophy aside, most of our OSI-sponsored Kyustendil children are present in the video, so it's a great way to get to know them! Thanks to Cedar Foundation for sharing this marvelous production with us! The Cedar Foundation - OSI's partners in Bulgaria

August 2014

Minal Dani serves as OSI-Pune's liaison, and is founder of a local charity (ASHA) to assist women in the Pune slums.  In this remarkable Minal describes the barriers that girls in Indian society face, quite literally from the moment they are conceived.  Far better than all of our own synopsis, Minal's words describe in detail what OSI-Pune sponsorship is addressing for our girls. This interview was conducted by OSI sponsor and dear friend Dina Fesler, founder/president of Children's Culture Connection.  We thank Dina and CCC for allowing us to share this wonderful video with OSI's sponsors and friends!

14 December 2013

Commentary - OSI's President/Founder shares some thoughts on the achievement of our remarkable Pune girls, as well as unforeseen benefits lately being observed in their neighbourhood...

15 November 2013

As part of their "International Week", the International Student Council of Iowa State University held a "Dance Night" fundraiser to benefit OSI's Sri Lanka and India children.  Attending students were instructed in traditional dances from around the world.  Molly Sexton and Danielle Gallet coordinated the event, giving presentations on OSI's effort to Rotary Club and Ames/Lennox Heating and Cooling, who generously provided matching funds.  Raised funds will provide sponsorship to OSI's newest India children, and provide further educational opportunities for our Sri Lanka children.  Thanks Molly and Danielle!  Thanks Rotary-Ames and Ames-Lennox!  And thanks to all the caring students of ISU-ISC! ISU-ISC Dance Night Photos on Facebook

24 October 2013

Commentary - OSI's President/Founder reflects on the remarkable journey and unique virtues of our Bulgaria children...

17 March 2013

Riki Kölbl-Nelson has single-handedly executed the most remarkable fund-raising effort in the history of OSI.  Combining her passions for art and education, to celebrate her 70th birthday Riki held a special event to sell 70 of her paintings, the proceeds providing educational support for 70 girls.  The paintings spanned many years of Riki's artistic career, a contribution of an unfathomable amount of creative energy, talent, and time; a truly priceless gift.  Seventy purchasers received beautiful paintings, and 70 girls received 1-year educational 'scholarships'.  For OSI, 17 of Riki's paintings were sold at US$300 each, providing one year of sponsorship for 17 of our Pune, India girls.  This allowed us to immediately take 17 new girls into our Pune program.  Riki also sold 10 smaller paintings at $85 each to supplement the educational needs of 10 of our Sri Lanka children.  Forty-three of Riki's paintings benefitted girls attending school in Afghanistan.  ArtAboveLaw.Wordpress.com - Riki's Website
Northfield News - Media report for Riki's '70 for 70' event

September/October 2012

Among her many benefices to OSI's effort, in 2012 Jennifer Meleana Hee coordinated a visit to OSI's Sri Lanka and India program sites by actress Charlyne Yi, photographer Leigh Righton (see below for more on both), and herself.  An accomplished writer and photographer herself, Jenn also served previously as OSI-Bulgaria's site liaison, and since then has been OSI's greatest supporter and best friend.  Jenn continues to fund the staff salary for our Sunset Villa home.  On her 2012 visit to OSI's Sri Lanka and India sites, Jenn took some remarkable photography, and many of her photos are utilized on the OSI website (if it's a standout photo, it's probably Jenn's!).  Below are links to more of Jenn's photos from her visit. OSI-Sri Lanka on Facebook - Jenn's photos of her OSI-Sri Lanka visit

September/October 2012

In 2011, Charlyne Yi, American actress and comedian, AKA Dr. Park from "House", generously provided the initial funding to refurbish and furnish our "Sunset Villa" youth home in Sri Lanka.  We were honored to have Charlyne visit the home in September 2012, where she spent a fabulous two weeks inspiring and entertaining our kids, bringing an everlasting ray of bright sunshine into their lives!  Charlyne then traveled to OSI's Pune, India site, creating more happy memories for more of OSI's children.  Charlyne was accompanied by the equally-talented but slightly more serious Leigh Righton and Jenn Hee (see above/below).  Charlyne continues to fund the maintenance of our Sunset Villa home, and our children continue to cherish their fond memories of Charlyne's visit. YouTube Video - Charlyne's video production of her OSI-Sri Lanka/India visit
Sunset Villa - Charlyne's "Sunset Villa" home project with OSI

September/October 2012

Accompanying Charlyne Yi on her visit (see above) was professional photographer Leigh Righton (far right, below).  Working with the most artistic of our girls, Leigh provided three weeks of photography instruction (taking many smashing photos of her own in the mean-time!).  On her departure, Leigh provided each of her OSI "students" with a digital camera to continue the practice of their new art.  Back at home in her Vancouver, BC studio, Leigh worked through the girls' photos, selecting the best for a local gallery display, as well as creating an online shop where the kids' photos can be purchased, all proceeds forwarded to the girls themselves through OSI (see below for links). Leigh Righton Photography - Leigh's Website
Leigh's OSI Photo Project - Leigh's blog page, with images, describing her photo project with OSI children

4 March 2010

OSI-India Site Sponsor, journalist Lynette Lamb visited OSI's Pune site in February 2010 and shares her impressions in an article on Round Earth Media below.   Thanks Lynette! Lynette's Article - Round Earth Media