Testimony from Kashmir
Mukhtar Ahmad Bhatt is a boy of 11 years living in Naroo. The village where he lives is a backward and remote village. His parents are farm laborers and were unable to pay for the education of their child. Therefore, Mukhtar stopped going to school. He started spending his days just roaming around or joining his parents on the farm lands.
He was contacted by our staff at Srinagar while we were carrying out a survey to start a non-formal education center in the village. Initially the boy was reluctant to come to the center, because he had developed a habit of roaming around free. But slowly he began to come to the center and spend time with other children coming to the center.
He developed an interest in learning. He did well like other children in the center. Considering his progress, we suggested his parents readmit him to school. With some follow ups it was possible to readmit him to school. He now regularly goes to school and is performing well in his studies.
His parents are thankful to CSS and CWR for the good done to their son.
Testimony from Bihar
I am Kalwadevi, wife of late Sugarat Baswa, and I belong to a scheduled caste [the recognized Dalit caste – the mass, untouchable castes] in Sitamarhi, Bihar. I am living the poverty stricken life of a widow. Recently my husband passed away because we could not afford for his treatment. Thereafter, responsibility of the family came upon my shoulders. I started going from house to house and cleaning their utensils for a living and for taking care of my three daughters and one son. But my situation got worse whenever I did not receive my wages on time. It happened that sometimes we went hungry for days.
I was in such a bad condition, I had to give my eldest daughter in marriage, because she had already reached marriageable age. I collected some money asking from door to door and from village to village. I also took some loan with high interest rate. Somehow the marriage was done. Sometime later, my son got married to a girl in the neighborhood village and went away to Punjab in search of job. I hear less about him and his family.
In addition, I became weaker and sick by not taking medicine in time. But I had to live on, because I had the responsibility of my two daughters. They have to be given in marriage.
But, by the mercy of our God, that I met Jitendra (the field staff at Sitamari). He came to know about my situation and suggested that I can start a business for a better living. He also offered me a micro loan with no interest. With his guidance and micro loan, I have started a small business of selling readymade clothes and toys for children. I go from lane to street with a tri-cycle and sell those items.
Now I am able to live a better life through the profit received from the small business. I, on behalf of my family, express millions of thanks to CSS and CWR for their generous support and guidance.
Apki Behen (Your sister),
Kalwadevi
Update from Orissa
40 families have been supported through a connection with the government for various projects and facilities. Two training programs have been conducted on how to avail government linkages and what are the appropriate projects and facilities available for the tribal Christians.
30 farmers have been rewarded farm lands on a one-year lease basis for cultivation. Rice will be their major cultivation in these lands. These farmers cannot cultivate in their own land, because they fear that once they enter their village, they may be asked to convert to local religion.
The beneficiaries of all categories have been encouraged to participate in the Palli Sabha (village meeting). The Palli Sabha has agreed to approve Indira Awas for availing housing to seven poor people. Seven of the beneficiaries have received job cards (an arrangement which provides at least 100 days of earning opportunity to poor). Some of them have received Ration Cards (under this arrangement, a card holder receives few kilograms of rice, wheat, sugar and cooking oil at very subsidized rates). Four persons have been able to receive BPL card (a BPL card holder is recognized by the government as Below Poverty Line, and is given all schemes available for them).
Non- formal education classes are continuing at Padrikiya. Sewing classes are continuing in Murdiparga and Kopukuta with 12 and 15 students respectively.
We are continually grateful for this great partnership with HCC. Click here to watch a great video about their ongoing with children living in the slums in India.
