An Open Door
This past July, a door opened for Everyone’s Child and 12 Indian boys in grades 1 – 8 from India. Earlier in the year, Lee and Praveena Ruud of Abundant Life Care, based in Hyderabad, India solicited our help. They wanted to start a program designed to help children with their studies after school. We learned that numerous parents in rural areas of India don’t understand the importance of education. As a result, many children are not able to study at home, and most spend their afternoons working in the garden or taking care of cattle. Their education suffers, and they are unable to reach their potential. Everyone’s Child responded by funding a pilot after school program for up to 20 students. The reaction has been positive and encouraging.
The Value of Education
In the past three months as Lee and Praveena have talked with parents about the benefits and value of studying after school, families have begun allowing their children to attend this after school program. Five days a week their children gather in a classroom in Shamirpet, a suburb located a half an hour northeast of Hyderabad.
A teacher was hired to help the boys with their homework. She also shares information about health, hygiene, and important educational values. She reported that even after one month she was able to see a substantial increase in the focus and concentration of these students.
A New Opportunity
For us working with Everyone’s Child, we are extremely excited about this new opportunity. Not only have we been able to broaden our horizons by reaching out into new areas of Kenya this year, now we are also crossing the ocean to lend a hand to needy children in India. The goal is to provide a strong education for the next generation, increasing the potential for leadership in the years to come. We are all looking forward to what will come of this and hopefully other similar programs in the future. If you would like to help with this endeavor, please consider making a secure online donation here, or visit our website here to learn more about Everyone’s Child.
ధన్యవాదాలు Dhan’yavādālu! (Thank you! in Telagu)