AFP

Background

Hope Worldwide India was established in 1991 with the motto “Compassionate Continuum of Care”. Their programmes are primarily about prevention, care and empowerment and involve projects such as education on family planning and child health to slum dwellers, HIV/AIDS intervention and TB eradication programmes. Hope Foundation has established centres of care for orphans, widows, HIV/AIDS affected women and children and the elderly.

Education and Mid-Day meal programme in Bhuj, Gujarat

Bhuj was one of the worst affected areas of the 2001 earthquake, in Gujarat. Thousands of lives were lost, hundreds of homes were destroyed and many schools and hospitals were razed to the ground.

To reinstate educational and medical facilities caused by the quake, Hope Foundation decided to build and run a school in the under served area of Ashapura, Bhuj.

The project is in need of funding to support its 250 pupils, many of whom are from disadvantaged families, are provided a quality education. There is a teacher–student ratio of 1:25 and counseling to address children’s emotional security and develop their self esteem. Hope School ensures that all the children have uniforms, schools and footwear and are provided with a nutritious mid-day meal. Their progress will be monitored on an on going basis.

Employment Training opportunities for Disadvantaged Youth

The Hope Foundation wants to provide access to the opportunities being created by India’s expanding economy in the fields such computers, construction, hospitality, travel and marketing. Providing skills through job-oriented, vocational training that would help young people gain dignity, secure employment and the chance to change their lives for the better.

“The Centre of Hope” in Ashapura, Bhuj requires funding to provide a computer training facility and masonry and electrical courses. The training will help students to acquire new marketable skills to find jobs and gain a sense of self-worth and confidence. Students may become the main bread winners, easing financial burden for their families and also give them the resources to help their siblings into education. The project is fully accessible to women and aims to help their employment or entrepreneurship opportunities.

Example of a success story

Kalaivanan aged 23 is a skilled mason.

Kalaivanan had a traumatic childhood, losing his parents at an early age. After his parents’ death, he and his younger sister went to live with their uncle. Kalaivanan had to leave school after completing Class 6, because his uncle insisted he was old enough to work and support the family. Even when he was at school, he was obliged to take up part-time work to contribute towards family expenses.

For INR 80 (less than USD 2) a day, he became a construction labourer. However, things did not improve at home. With his 15-year-old sister, Kalaivanan left his uncle’s house. It was hard making ends meet, especially when there was no work to be had. Friends told Kalaivanan about MVTC and he enrolled in the masonry course.

Today, Kalaivanan earns approximately INR 3,000 (about USD 68) a month as a skilled mason, and more importantly, has earned the respect of his entire community.