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In India, last summer, helping the
aged and poorest. |
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by Sharon Dawson After 29 hours of flying, 46 hours of hair-raising bus journeys, a lot of bumpy rickshaw and taxi rides (not to mention the headlice) - the job of delivering US $40.000 to 450 people in India and Nepal was finally over. Instead of salted butter tea (drunk in large quantities by Tibetans) and dahl bhat (the traditional Nepalese dish of rice and lentils) I could finally relax with a cappucino and reflect upon the experiences of the past two months. Regardless of the hardships of travelling in India, it is always a great honour for me to deliver the donations of sponsors to their «adopted» - whether Tibetan, Nepalese or Indian, young, old or monks living in monasteries - and over the years I have had the pleasure of seeing the light of hope illuminate many desperate situations. It is hard to describe the looks of gratitude, the tears of relief, the joy and happiness of those receiving help, but it is impossible to describe the desperation and burning hope of those who still need help. Many faces and situations are imprinted in my memory and heart but, if someone asked me the most memorable occasion of this recent trip (July to September) I would answer without hesitation «spending Paolo’s US $1000». Before my departure for India, Paolo (one of our long-time sponsors and friend) donated $1000 to help four elderly people living in the village of Hunsur in South India. His idea, after seeing the photos and requests during a previous visit, was to give a one-off donation to help them, whilst giving «Help in Action» more time to find a permanent sponsor. Fortunately for some people in South India it did not work out quite as simple as that. First there was 72 year old Ngawang Sonam, who walked (without shoes) from his village in Kollegal to Tsangpa Khangtsen in Seramey Monastery because one of our sponsored families had told him I might be able to help. To avoid looking at his tear stained face, I concentrated on his bare feet and torn trousers, as I listened to his story. Before long however my own face, and the face of my translator, were both tear stained and my conscience told me I could not let this man leave without helping him. I gave him $100 and promised that I would find a sponsor. Next there was Yangyi aged 85, blind and bedridden, living with her devoted husband who at 87 years old still goes everyday to work in the fields to support them. I gave them a donation of $200 aware that it would ease completely their situation for a year or more - allowing him to stay at home to take care of his wife. Then, I was asked by my translator if the sponsor of Kensum - a 77 year old lady suffering from senile dementia - had sent more money, because the donation left with him two years ago to cover the cost of her necessities was almost finished: I checked desperately my list and had to answer no. Remembering the inhumane situation that we had found her in - four years ago - I knew that I could not leave without finding a solution, so I once again dipped into Paolo’s money and left US $100. At least Kensum would eat for the next year and be warm over the winter months. The four elderly people in Hunsur did eventually receive their donation - not at all bothered if it was $250 or $150 - all happy and content that someone, somewhere had sent them something. Looking back I feel happy and justified with my decisions to help these people, I only hope that Paolo will feel the same. Thinking of this experience I have now realised how vital it is for us to create a fund that allows us to give help immediately to such people. When someone is old, sick, without food and has no family to take care of them - the most beautiful thing is to be able to say «yes» when they ask for assistance. For these people next year could already be too late. If you can help
contact «Help in Action»
Cops siding with Calcutta street kids
Street kids in Calcutta (India) are no longer running from the long arm of the law, since the Calcutta police jump-started their drive for a more friendly image with a new project called Nabadisha. When the project started in January of this year it only had one aim on its agenda: helping the city’s underprivileged children to healthcare facilities. But since last July the police also added education to the agenda. Now, thanks to the efforts of Child Relief and You (CRY) and Vikramshila Education Society, the 8000 street children already benefitting from the project also get a chance to study. Classes are held three days a week, along with health check-ups and a “picnic” of home cooked meals, right inside the police stations. A total of thirty-seven police stations are currently involved with the project. At the end of a year’s non-formal instruction, the police will find mainstream schools for these children and at a later stage there will also be vocational training - anything to keep the kids off the streets and crime. |
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