2024 Annual Report

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CO-CEOS

Dear Friends and Partners,

As we reflect on 2024, we are struck by both the immense challenges that faced the world’s most vulnerable children and the extraordinary resilience we witnessed daily in our Nest communities. This pivotal year tested our adaptability like never before—from escalating conflict in eastern Congo to shifting immigration policies at the U.S.-Mexico border—yet it also reaffirmed why our work has never been more essential.

In a world where over 100 million people are forcibly displaced and countless more face povertydriven hardship, the need for healing-centered early childhood education continues to grow. But within this sobering reality, we find profound hope in the children we serve and the communities that embrace them.

Expanding Our Reach, Deepening Our Impact

In 2024, we celebrated the successful completion of our one-year pilot program in Los Angeles, which served 154 recently arrived migrant children and demonstrated the vital need for culturally responsive programming in domestic settings. Meanwhile, our established programs continued to evolve: At Nest Tijuana, a record number of participants were internally displaced Mexican families, reflecting the changing dynamics of border migration, while Nest Zimbabwe and Nest Congo maintained their roles as beacons of stability in communities facing ongoing economic and political challenges.

What moves us most is witnessing transformation—not just in the children who discovered their voices through play-based learning, but in the educators who embraced our inquiry-based approach, and in the parents who found community and support during their most difficult moments. When a mother in Tijuana tells us her daughter now “teaches me lessons” or a teacher in Congo describes children learning “the basics of patriotism” through respect and protection of one another, we see the ripple effects of healing-centered pedagogy extending far beyond our classroom walls.

Innovation Rooted in Community

Our partnership with Stanford’s Dr. Xinshu She to develop “Crianza con Amor”—the first evidencebased parenting curriculum tailored specifically to migrant families in Latin America—represents exactly the kind of community-driven innovation that defines our approach. By co-creating this curriculum with Nest parents themselves, we ensured it addressed real needs while respecting cultural strengths. The preliminary results showing decreased anxiety and depression symptoms validate what we have long believed: when families heal, children thrive.

Looking Forward with Resolve

As we move forward from 2024’s achievements, we do so with clear eyes about the challenges ahead. Global displacement continues to reach record levels, economic instability persists in many of our program regions, and the political landscape remains complex. Yet we also advance with unwavering commitment to our core belief: every child deserves access to transformative early childhood education that honors their culture, addresses their trauma, and nurtures their inherent capacity for joy and learning.

Our programs will continue to adapt—whether that means establishing new programming to serve migrant agricultural communities, deepening our mental health support in conflict zones, or developing new models for serving domestic migrant communities. What remains constant is our commitment to community partnership, healing-centered pedagogy, and the conviction that education is both a fundamental right and a powerful tool for building more peaceful, equitable communities.

Gratitude

and Partnership

None of this work would be possible without you—our funders, partners, volunteers, and advocates who believe that the world’s most vulnerable children deserve nothing less than excellence. Your support enables us to maintain the high-quality programming that sets Nest apart while remaining nimble enough to respond to emerging crises and opportunities.

As you read through the stories and data in this report, we hope you feel the same sense of possibility that continues to drive us each day. In every child who discovered the power of their own voice, in every educator who embraced inquiry over instruction, and in every family that found refuge and community within a Nest, we see the foundation of a more just and compassionate world. Thank you for standing with us as we continue this vital work. Together, we are not just providing education—we are nurturing the next generation of peace builders, critical thinkers, and compassionate leaders our world desperately needs.

With deep gratitude and continued commitment,

Lindsay Weissert & Kristina Brittenham Co-Chief Executive Officers | Nest Global

Our Mission

For millions of young children experiencing forced migration or poverty, education is not available. We’re changing that.

Nest Global’s early childhood programs, or Nests, offer free, culturally responsive preschool education in refugee camps, migrant shelters, and communities experiencing poverty and hardship. As an internationally-recognized leader in the field, we provide educator training and conduct groundbreaking research to further our mission of making high-quality education available to children most in need.

Programs for Children and Families

Nest early childhood programs, parenting programs, and caregiver & me programs provide education that centers creative expression, healing, and joy.

Research and Educator Training

Our academic programs, educator trainings, and Nest Approach Handbook train non-profit leaders, early childhood teachers, and other stakeholders in our internationally-recognized approach.

Where We Work

Since 2017, we have created Nests in Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Greece, and on both sides of the US-Mexico border in Tijuana and Los Angeles. In 2024, we continued to adapt our programming to serve evolving community needs while maintaining our commitment to the most vulnerable children.

CURRENT PROGRAMS (2024)

North America

1 Nest Los Angeles, California

Successfully completed a transformative one-year pilot program serving recently arrived migrant families in partnership with Refugee Children Center

2 Nest Tijuana, Mexico

Providing education to up to 150 children daily at the U.S.-Mexico border

3 Border Support Programs

Including Nest Centrito, The Nidito, and Nest Norte, addressing specific community needs across the border region

CURRENT PROGRAMS (2024)

Africa

4 Nest Zimbabwe

Serving 80 children daily with essential care, clothing, meals, and education in partnership with I Am Zimbabwe Trust

5 Nest Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Providing comprehensive early childhood education and nutrition programs within the Congo Peace School

What is a Nest?

Nests, our early childhood programs, are safe, engaging spaces where young children and their families learn and heal through play. For children who have been separated from their homes or face daily hardships, these programs offer something transformative: the chance to experience independence, make their own choices, and play freely within a nurturing social environment. This opportunity for self-directed exploration provides significant healing and restoration.

Each Nest is developed through close partnerships with local organizations, ensuring programs are thoughtfully designed to meet the distinct needs and build upon the existing strengths of their communities.

OUR ROLE IN CREATING NESTS

Program Development

• Space design and renovation

• Staff recruitment

• Initial and ongoing pedagogical training and mentorship

Ongoing Support

• Operational support

• Ongoing funding through our institutional partners

• Research and program evaluation

• Community partnership development

Our healing-centered pedagogy encourages children to think critically, explore creatively, and work collaboratively. This approach addresses trauma while building resilience and joy through play-based learning.

2024 Program Highlights

Nest Tijuana: A Refuge at the Border

Located just seven miles from the San Ysidro port of entry, Nest Tijuana continues to serve as a vital educational haven for migrant children ages 3-6 and their families.

2024 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

102 enrollments in 2024

Educational Impact Community Partnerships & Events

More than 80% of participants were internally displaced Mexican families, reflecting the impact of changing immigration policies

72 students participated in afternoon art programming between February and September

Maintained CONAFE certification as a nationally recognized school in Mexico, enabling departing children to receive official proof of educational progress

2024 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

• Launched a thriving Arts Enrichment Program for children ages 6-18 and monthly Family Days, expanding Nest access to even more members of the local community

• Partnered with Glasswing International to offer mental health workshops to Nest parents and hosted the AMBULANTITO Short Film Festival, bringing new arts programming to the community

• Hosted students from Hauser & Wirth’s education program for a week-long collaboration

“My daughter has changed so much—she speaks more clearly, behaves di erently, and even teaches me lessons. I see progress in her education—she can identify her name, recognize letters, and has developed a strong curiosity for reading. She has learned to be more caring, to look after and protect others.”

VOICES FROM NEST TIJUANA

CLARA’S JOURNEY

Finding Her Voice at the Border

Clara joined Nest Tijuana almost a year ago after her family relocated from Guerrero. Like many families, they arrived at the shelter expecting to stay only a few months while awaiting their asylum interview. Due to recent changes in immigration policies, however, their stay has extended to nearly a full year—transforming what began as temporary shelter into an extended chapter of Clara’s early childhood.

When four-year-old Clara first entered the Nest Tijuana program, she faced significant social-emotional and communication challenges. Extremely shy and often silent, she communicated through just a few whispered words shared only with the most trusted adults. She avoided eye contact, struggled to express even her basic needs, and found it difficult to connect with other children. Withdrawn and anxious, Clara often remained on the program’s periphery, watching but hesitant to engage.

Throughout her time at the Nest, Clara has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The most significant transformation has been in communication—an area she has gradually allowed herself to explore with growing freedom and confidence. Month by month, she has developed stronger bonds with her peers, opening up new opportunities for learning and meaningful engagement. As Clara gained confidence in her environment, she moved from being a quiet observer to becoming an active participant in her own learning journey.

Today, Clara’s voice—once barely audible—now fills the classroom with questions, stories, and laughter, embodying the transformative power of healing-centered education.

Border Support Programs: Comprehensive Community Support

Nest Global’s commitment to serving children and families along the U.S.-Mexico border extends beyond our flagship Tijuana location through three additional programs that address specific community needs and geographic areas.

Mobile Nest Centrito

Retrofitted school bus providing flexible education access to families across Tijuana

The Nidito (“Little Nest”) Nest Norte

Parent educator-led sessions centered on infant development and family bonding

Partnership with Al Otro Lado providing a safe environment for children while parents receive immigration legal services

2024 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Educational Impact

796 children served through Nest Centrito’s mobile classroom and early childhood programming

374 participants engaged through Nest Norte’s childcare support during legal consultations

FROM NEST ZIMBABWE

“Seeing

these children learn and grow gives me such satisfaction as a teacher. The meal program is so important - many of our children arrive without having eaten, and you can’t learn when you’re hungry.”

Margaret Yalad, Nest Zimbabwe teacher

VOICES

Nest Zimbabwe: Community Strength Through Education

Located in Mbare, a densely populated community just outside Harare, Nest Zimbabwe operates within the I Am Mbare School for Orphans and Vulnerable Children through our partnership with I Am Zimbabwe Trust. Since 2020, this program has served as a beacon of hope in a community facing significant challenges including overcrowded housing, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to healthcare.

2024 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Educational Impact

Provided 62 preschool-aged children daily with comprehensive early childhood education, nutritious meals, clean water access, and trauma-informed psychosocial support

Children demonstrated remarkable growth in social skills, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and social awareness

Successfully prepared students for transition to primary school while building essential life skills

2024 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Community Empowerment Programs

• Caregiver Orientation Events - Hosted sessions for parents to experience the Nest curriculum and strengthen relationships with teachers

• Income-Generating Workshops - Organized trainings on baking and urban mushroom farming to support family economic sustainability

• Psychosocial Support - Extended ongoing mental health services to parents and guardians

Nest Congo: Revolutionary Education for Peace

Located in Mumosho village outside Bukavu in Eastern Congo, Nest Congo operates within the groundbreaking Congo Peace School in partnership with Action Kivu. This unique educational model serves the most vulnerable children in a region affected by centuries of conflict and systemic oppression.

2024 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Educational Impact

82 students served daily through Nest Congo’s preschool program

Nest Congo’s healing-centered pedagogy is rooted in curiosity and equality, creating a learning environment where children are encouraged to ask questions, explore, and develop their own voices

2024 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Community Partnerships & Events

• Nutrition Program - Includes both on-site meals and take-home parcels to support healthy development and family stability

• Play-based Learning Curriculum - Adapted to local cultural context while addressing trauma and building resilience

• Non-violent Education - Teaches children critical skills such as conflict-resolution, forgiveness and respect, preparing them to be future ambassadors for peace

FROM NEST CONGO

“We are teaching the children the basics of patriotism and how to love their country by respecting and protecting one another. The preschool program is very necessary and important to the Congolese children because it not only prepares them for elementary school, but it also facilitates the children’s adaptation to the world around them. The Nest preschool program helps the children develop their critical thinking and allows them to learn teamwork.”

Nabintu Musharhamina, Nest Congo teacher

VOICES

Nest Graduates Thriving in Primary School

Nest Congo’s inquiry-based preschool program is fundamentally reshaping how children learn and engage in eastern Congo’s conflict-affected communities. Where traditional education relies on rote memorization and discourages questions, Nest Congo creates confident, curious learners. One Congo Peace School teacher describes the contrast as “like day and night,” noting that Nest Congo graduates “are positively free students who always want to speak their minds, they always want to share their opinions, they are not shy and speak fluently, they have an advanced stock of vocabulary, they think critically before answering.”

Nest Congo alumni read more words per minute than their peers and demonstrate higher selfconfidence and learning outcomes. Beyond academic metrics, the program creates lasting emotional connections—in recent interviews, one former Nest student still treasures the warm welcome they received on their first day, while another beamed with pride recalling how they performed poems for the entire community. This educational revolution demonstrates how quality early childhood education creates lasting change, preparing children for both academic success and peaceful leadership in Congo.

Nest Los Angeles: A Successful One-Year Pilot Program

October 2024 marked the completion of a transformative one-year pilot program serving newcomer families in Los Angeles who lacked access to quality early childhood education. This pilot demonstrated the effectiveness of culturally responsive early childhood programming for newcomer families.

2024 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS Pilot Program Achievements

• Educational Impact - Provided 154 children with free, high-quality early childhood education through the Nest LA preschool program

• Nest LA Meal Program - Over 5,000 meals served through a community-led breakfast and lunch program

• UCLA Internship Program - Established partnership with UCLA Applied Developmental Psychology students who provided essential classroom and administrative support

• Community Engagement - Offered community events to Nest families including mental health workshops, field trips, and cultural celebrations

“Nest LA has been incredibly helpful to me, because it has taught my daughter to be independent and helped her speech development. I’m really happy knowing that my daughter has friends, that she’s having fun, and I love going there because I see her happiness when she sees her teachers.”

VOICES FROM NEST LA

Karen, Nest LA parent

Research and Innovation

“CRIANZA

Groundbreaking Parenting Research

Nest Global partnered with Stanford pediatrician and global health researcher Dr. Xinshu She to develop the first evidence-based parenting curriculum specifically tailored to the mental health needs of migrant families in Latin America.

Research Achievements

• Completed initial phase of data collection through eight-session workshop series co-created with community parents

• Preliminary quantitative results show significant decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms and improved parent-child interactions using randomized controlled design

• Research presented at National American Academy of Pediatrics conference and Stanford Maternal Child Health Research Institute symposium

• Dr. She’s collaboration with Nest Global was highlighted by the Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health , bringing national attention to this innovative approach to supporting migrant mental health.

THE NEST GLOBAL HUB

Expanding Access to Our Approach

In 2024 Nest Global launched a new and improved virtual forum and learning space for educators and service providers worldwide, featuring:

• Access to the Nest Approach Handbook - Nest Global’s 100+ page comprehensive manual

• Training resources and professional development materials

• User-driven resource library and discussion forums

Recognition and Outreach

Film Award

The documentary “Learn, Play, Heal,” created by HRDWRKER and produced by Art + Practice, shares the stories of Nest Global families on both sides of the US-Mexico border. The short film was awarded the 2024 Silver Telly Award for Branded Content in the Social Impact category.

Television Feature

Nest Global was honored to be featured in A&E’s Voices Magnified series, which spotlights change-makers around the world. The 60-second video featuring Co-CEO Kristina Brittenham aired on A&E’s television channel and streaming platform.

Conference Presentations

• Early Childhood Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Conference in Pasadena - Co-CEO Lindsay Weissert presented with March Studio on “Healing-Centered Pedagogy and the Role of STEM: How Can the Built Environment Contribute?”

• Creating Refuge Guide Line: Nest Tijuana team members joined the Center for Playful Inquiry in a meaningful conversation about the values, beliefs, and aspirations that have shaped Nest Tijuana into a refuge for so many children and families. The discussion provided an intimate look at how the team sustains the Nest Tijuana program, the community, and each other.

About Nest Global

Funding & Spending

At Nest Global, we are committed to using every resource wisely to advance our mission. We believe in transparency and accountability to the communities we serve and the supporters who make our work possible.

$627,957 $622,461

Total

82,547 WHERE FUNDS COME FROM HOW FUNDS ARE USED

152,591

Foundations Administration & Operating Costs Programs Individuals & Corporations

475,366

Total

539,914

Meet Our Leadership Team

Lindsay Weissert Co-Chief Executive Officer

Vanessa Esquivel Director of Border Programs

Kristina Brittenham Co-Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Xinshu She, MD, MPH Director of Research & Public Health

Board of Directors

Therese O’Neill (Board Chair)

Kristina Brittenham

Alejandra Cano-Hampton

Jessica Chase

Kaitie O’Brien

Karl Thurmond

Lindsay Weissert

Rachel Roberts Director of Global Operations

Kaitie O’Brien Director of Pedagogy

Thank You to Our Partners & Funders

Nest Global’s work is made possible through the generous support of foundations, corporations, and individual donors who believe in our mission. We extend our deepest gratitude to: