2004-Age 11

I started sponsoring Jayanti in the summer of 2004, when she was 11. I chose her because her family had one of the lowest incomes among Indian girls on the web site. She lived in rural West Bengal in South 24 Parganas distict with her parents and 4 siblings: Sisters Basanti, 8, and Srabanti, 5, and brothers Subrata, 3, and Debabrata, 2. Her father, Sachin, is a daily worker. He earned about $13 per month. Her mother Suchitra keeps the home. The family speaks Bengali. They live--or did--in a mud house with a tile roof and mud floors on an island in the river. There were no beds in the house. Their water source was a community well, electricity was not available on the island, and their sanitary facility was an open field.

September

Dear Sponsor,
Please accept my best wishes and love. I hope all of you are well. We are well. I have passed and have been promoted to grade 5. Fall is my favourite season. During fall we celebrate "bhai phota" festival. During this festival I wear new clothes and put a dot on the forehead of my brother and feed him with my own hand many sweets. My mother blesses us. May God bless you.
With love and regard,
Yours lovingly,
Jayanti

Bhai phota, unique to West Bengal, and a similar festival called raksha bhandan, celebrate the bond between brother and sister.

The first thing I did was send $250 to construct a latrine for family. This was the contribution required to "purchase" a latrine in the CI Gift Catalog. Shortly thereafter, I got a call from CI: "You sent far more than enough; what do you want done withe rest?" I told them to use the excess to construct latrines for neighbors who need one; providing one for the family would barely make a dent in the health situation of the neighborhood if everybody else is also using the "open field." If any funds still remained, they could be used for the family's other needs.

Interim Report--September 30

Brief Description of Community project:
A gift of $250 to construct a latrine in Jayanti Mandal's community and provide the items for the family as mentioned in memo #F139F. Also use the remaining funds to provide for any other needs of the family.

Accomplished to Date:
The latrine which will be constructed in Jayanti's community, has not started due to heavy rains on the island. The roads have become muddy and inaccessible and therefore they are finding it very difficult to carry materials from the riverside. They will begin work as soon as the rain stops and the condition of the road improves. The sub-project is in the process of purchasing other items like bedding, clothing, playing materials, etc. as suggested by the family. With the remaining $51, the family has proposed to purchase a solar lantern, a chair, and slippers [flip-flops] for the family members.

Interim Report--October 28
Accomplished to date:
"The sub project has completed the purchase of items like bed and bedding, clothing, drawing and playing materials. With the additional $51, the family has purchased a solar lantern, two chairs and slippers for family members.

"However, due to heavy rains on the island, the roads had become inaccessible and therefore the subproject was unable to carry the construction material to the spot for the construction of the community latrine. The sub-project will try to complete it as soon as possible. Due to the above problem, we request you to please grant us an extension for this memo. We will be able to send you the final report in our shipment of 25 November, 2004."

Memo from Hare Krishna Mandal, Project Manager, Bhaikunthapor Sishu Seva Kendra
Beneficiary History:
Jayanti Mandal is a sponsored girl. Father of Jayanti is very poor. So he is unable to provide necessary beddings, clothing for his family. The family of Jayanti have received one wooden bed along with some necessary beddings for them from your donated money. The have also received necessary dresses for mother, three siblings and for Jayanti. Jayanti also have received story books, colour pencil box and skipping [rope]. Three neighbours of Jayanti have received latrine for them. The were habituated to use open field. NOw they have received sanitation facilities for them. Now the family of Jayanti and her community is very much happy. We are grateful to you for you kind donation.

Info on Bhaikunthapor Sishu Seval Kendra:
"Baikunthapur Sishu Seva Kendra is a Premier organisation. It was the year 1978 when the Organisation was srtarted its work. It is a reputed organisation for its developmenta activity. "--Wikimapia"Baikunthapur Sishu Seva Kendra is a Premier organisation. It was the year 1978 when the Organisation was srtarted its work. It is a reputed organisation for its developmenta activity. "--Wikimapia
http://www.trickleup.org/ourwork/asia_program.html
http://www.dorabjitatatrust.org/NGO_Grants/grantdb_civil_governance.aspx

Final Report-November 11
"The construction of the community latrine has also been completed. Three families in Jayanti's community who earlier used the open field now have proper sanitation facility. The families are very grateful to the sponsor for this kind gift.

"Jayanti and her family are also very happy with the gifts they have received. The solar light will be of immense help to them as their is no electricity on the island and hence doing any work after sunset was very difficult. The child is very excited with drawing materials she has received. Jayanti and her family thank the sponsor for the wonderful gifts they have received. They send their love and best wishes to the sponsor."

Dear friend,
Greetings to you! With your help, a latrine has constructed in our community. Three families will be able to use this latrine. Without your help this would not have been possible. We thank you very much for your concern. We will be ever grateful to you. May God bless you.
from
Shribani Daskar
(Community Group Leader)

Dear friend,
Thank you very much for your kind donation towards provision of bed and beddings, clothings, book and playing materisl for Jayanti, solar lantern and fibre [plastic] chairs for Jayanti's family.
We are also thanking you towards provision of latrine for community of Jayanti. Three families will use the latrine. The family of Jayanti have received one solar lantern, 2 per fibre chairs, one wooden bed along with quilt, bed cover, one mat and 4 per pillow. The also have received dresses for Jayanti and her 3 siblings. Mother of Jayanti has received sharee [sari] and chappal [flip-flops]. Three siblings of Jayanti have received chappals for them from your donated money.
We are grateful to you for your kind donation.
With sincere regards,
Yours faithfully,
H. Mandal
Project Manager
Baikunthapur Sishu Seva Kendra

Dear Sponsor,
At the beginning, I would like to extend my warm wishes to you. I hope you are well. We are all fine here. With your help, we have been provided with bed and bedding, solar light, chairs, clothing, slippers, drawing material and playing material. These items were needed by us and therefor it is of great help to us. I thank you very much for your kindness.
With your help, a community latrine has also been constructed nearby. The three families who have benefitted by this also send their thanks to you. May God bless you.
Sending you my love,
Yours lovingly,
Jayanti

While for some reason, none of this material indicates that a family latrine was constructed for Jayanti's family, one was. Somewhere I have photos of both constructions and members of the 3 other families.

2005-Age 11-12

March

Dear Sponsor,
I begin with best wishes and regards. Hope you all are fine. We are all fine. I got to school regularly. I go to [town] Higher Secondary Joykrishna High School. They are 16 teachers and they teach with care. There is a playground and a garden in front. During tiffin [lunch] we play with friends and I tell them about you. They feel happy. May God bless you.
Take my love.
Your loving child,
Jayanti

June-SNG report completed by Rita Mukherji
Please list the gifts provided to child and family:
The family has utilized the donation from the sponsor to purchase 186 pairs of bangles, 10 dozens combs, 20 mirrors and cosmetics, and 28 fibre [plastic] toys for an income generating program. They have also purchased a bicycle and an air pump.

How will the gifts benefit the child and/or family?
"Jayanti's father is a daily worker. There are times when he has no work. So with the sponsor's gift amount, he is interested in starting an income generating program. He said, 'I have purchased bangles, combs, toys and cosmetics with this amount. I will sell these in the local market and also sell them in nearby villages. I expect an additional income $8 per month from this IGP. We are very grateful to the sponsor for giving us this opportunity to have a better standard of life.'

"Jayanti is very excited about her bicycle: 'I will not have to alk to school anymore. It will be fun riding this along with my friends.'

Dear Sponsor,
In the beginning of my letter, I send my love and regards to you.
Hoe you are well. We are all fine. My father has purchased bangles, 10 dozen combs, cosmetics and 28 fibre toys to sell in the market. Without your help, my father would not have been able to buy these items on his own. So thank you very much. May God bless you. Please accept my love.
Yours,
Jayanti Mandal

September

Dear Sponsor,
At the beginning of my letter I send you my love and best wishes. I hope you are well. We are all fine. Without your help I could not have continued my studies nor improved the condition of our family. I thank you for your kindness. We grow chillies here. I sometimes pick those chillies. We are very happy to receive your support and to have you as my sponsor. We think of you often. May God bless you.
I end with a prayer for your long life.
May God bless you.
Jayanti Mandal.

October-Progress Report

Now 12, Jayanti was 4'5" tall and weighed 56 lbs. Her favorite subject was languages and she most enjoyed playing with friends. The family income was $17/month, up $4 (nearly 25%) from 2003 when the initial report was taken.

2006--Age 12-13

March

Dear Sponsor,
Please accept my love and good wishes.
Hope you are all well. We all are fine. Without your help we cold not have achieved so much betterment in our life. My parents think of you. In [Spring? April? Bengali month/season?] the cuckoos call sweetly. Take care. May God bless you.
Love,
Yours,
Jayanti Mandal

June--SNG report completed by Rita Mukherji
Please list the gifts provided to child and family:
The family has utilized a part of the donation to purchase pairs of bangles, 50 dozen combs and cosmetics for their income generating project. The have also purchased a 40-watt solar light with the remaining funds.

What were the child's/family's comments when the gifts were delivered?
Jayanti's father is a daily worker. He also runs an income generating programme of selling bangles, combs and other accessories. "By selling these items in the local market, I hope to earn an additional income of $7 to $8. We thank the sponsor for giving us this opportunity to improve this IGP," said Jayanti's father.

Jayanti is thrilled, as her family would have light installed in their home. She said, "We will no longer have darkness in our home. I will be able to study comfortably. My mother will be able to do her chores with ease. Thank you, kind sponsor."

September
Dear Sponsor,
At first I send my friend my love and best wishes. I hope you all are well. We are all fine. I don't know if I will ever meet you as we live far from each other. My parents often think of you and I listen attentively . Here the scenery is beautiful. All aorund there is the river and beyond is the forest. We will be very happy if you come here. I get all your help; for that I thank you. May God bless you.
With love,
Yours,
Jayanti Mandal

October--Progress Report
Now 13, Jayanti was 4'7" and weighed 70 lbs. (2 inches and 14 lbs!) Her interests remain languages and playing with friends. The family income was $22/month, up $5 (nearly 25%) from the previous year.

2007--Age 13-14

March

>Dear Ms. Jenkins,
My love for my foreigner friend. Hope you are well by God's grace. We have a cow which is red in colour. The cow has calf which is black in colour with white blocks. Sometimes I play with it. The cow gives about 2 lls of milk every day. Ilove drinking milk. Ghee [clarified butter], butter, curds [yogurt] are prepared from the cow's milk. God bless you.
With love,
Yours lovingly,
Jayanti Mandal

June--SNG report completed by H. Mondal
Please list the gifts provided to the child and family:
1 irrigation pump

How will the gifts benefit the child and/or family?
The irrigation pump will help the family to irrigate their land also rent it out to others when they are not using it. This would help the family to earn an additional $8-$10 per month, which will help to better their standard of living.

The child's father said, "I am very thankful to the sponsor for this very useful gift as I will now be able to take care of my family better.

July--Progress Report
Jayanti is now 14. She is 4'10" tall and weighs 79 lbs (3 inches and 9 lbs more than last year.) Her favorite subject is now Geography (this is trend with my girls) and her favorite pastime remains playing with friends. The family income is now $26/month, a $4 increase (18%) since 9 months before.

September
Dear Ms. Jenkins,
I send you my love and gratitude. We are well. Hope you are fine. We are benefitted with your support through the sponsorship programme. We get both the facilities of medical treatment and education for your support through the programme. I enjoy when my health is checked. While checking my health, weight and height is also checked. My mother remains always with me while checking is done. We get medicines also if needed.
Love,
Jayanti Mandal

2008--Age 14-15

March
Dear Ms. Jenkins,
At the outset I wish to convey my love and best wishes to you, my friend from a foreign land. I hope you are well. I am fine here. I wish to mention here that without your kind support, it would never be possible for my family to grow as it is growing now. Thanks a lot for everything you are doing for us. You know, we speak Bengali and rice with pulses [lentils] and fish is our regular meal. The farmers remain busy with their agricultural activities, especially in the rainy season. Many of them grow lady's finger [okra] as it brings them good monetary returns. In our parts, the farmers grow chilli after the harvesting of paddy [rice] is over. With that I will end my letter.
Lots of love,
Yours,
Jayanti Mandal

June--SNG Report completed by P. Mandal
Please list the gifts provided to the child and family:
1 steel almirah
1 polythene sheet for constructing a makeshift shop
2 salwar-kameez for child
4 frocks for child's sisters
4 clothing for child's brothers (shirt-pants)
1 clothing for child's father (shirt-pants)
2 mosquito nets
3 aluminum cooking vessals
1 paddy threshing machine

How will the gifts benefit the child and/or family?
The child's family wanted to have an additional source of income. Hence, they have purchased a paddy threshing machine which they will give it out on hire to earn extra income. It is estimated that the family will earn approximately $10 per month from this IGP, which will help them to take care of their needs. Since the child's father is a bangle seller, the family has also purchased a polythene sheet (18' by 12') which they are going to use to construct a makeshift bangle shop during local village fairs. The new set of clothing for the child, her siblings and her father will fulfill their immediate requirement of clothing and also help them to make some savings for other things. The mosquito net will protect them at night from harmful mosquito bites and the related mosquito-borne diseases. The aluminum cooking vessals will be used to regularly cook large quantities of family meals for lunch and dinner. The steel almirah will be used to store their clothing, personal items and valuables in a safe and proper manner.

The child said, "Thank you Sponsor for all the gifts as they are very useful to us."

June--Progress Report
Jayanti is now 15. She is 4'11" tall and weighs 82 lbs (1 inch and 3 lbs more than last year). She still enjoys geography, and now lists "outdoor games" as her favorite pastime. Her hobby is drawing. The family income is now $35, up $9 since last year (slightly over 33%).

September (CP)

October (CR)
Dear Ms. Jenkins,
Heartiest love & greetings. Hope you are all doing fine. We are all keeping well.
I have a pet cat. It's white and has furs all over its body. It's very soft and has black and round eyes. Its behaviour is very nice. It sits beside me when I eat. It eats when I give it. I give fish & milk every day. I think about you every day. May God bless you.
Love,
Yours,
Jayanti Mandal

December (CR)

Dear Ms. Jenkins,
I convey my love and best wishes to you. Hope you all are fine. We are also fine here. I got to school every day. I really wonder how we have made good friends through letters and photos. I get all your help on time. Thank you. Very often we all discuss about you.I will never forget about your kindness. God will keep you well. Take care. Please reply.
With love,
Jayanti Mandal

2009--Age 15

January (CP)--received mid-March
Dear Ms. G-
Thank you very much for your sweet letter. We are all doing well. Hope you are fine too. It's winter time here. I go to school every day. Please convey my love to all members of your family. May God be always be with you.
Thanking you for your kind help,
With love and best wishes,
Truly Yours,
Jayanti Mandal

April 3--Letter from Jim Cook

"I know your child, Jayanti, means a great deal to you, and that you want to be informed about her well-being. So today I'm writing you about some important changes happening in her life.

"Unfortunately, we've just learned from our field staff that Jayanti will no longer be a part of our sponsorship program because she has recently been married. I understand this news may be upsetting, and while we are concerned, as you may be, that a child of her age is getting married, customs and traditions in some countries are often different from our own. In many places it is not unusual for children to marry at a very young age." Etc. 

Late May
Cyclone Aila hits West Bengal. Jayanti's family lives in one of the hard-hit areas. Account of relief effort nearby

For more about life in India, see Rina's story.