Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player
 

Sponsor a Child

  •  
Results 1 - 11 of 11

11 Search Results for "playground"

  • Happy 17th Birthday, Anwesha! Happy 17th Birthday, Anwesha!

    • From: jenkinsg
    • Description:

      2005 -- Ages 11-12

      Anwesha, Age 17, 2010 Anwesha, Age 10, 2004 Anwesha joined the program in September, 2000, when she was 7 years old. I began sponsoring her in April, 2005, at the same time I began sponsoring Fatma. She was 11 then. Anwesha's family had one of the lowest incomes among Indian girls.

      Anwesha lives in a village outside Kolkata (in South 24 Parganas District, I think) with her parents, 4 younger sisters and (new in 2009) baby brother. The family speaks Bengali. The first progress report available was taken in May 2004. At that time, her father Manik, a 35 year-old farmer, was earning $20 per month to support his wife and 5 children. Her mother, Purnima, was a 30 year-old homemaker.

      Their house, described as "kitchen," was built of mud, had a tile roof, and concrete floor. They cooked on a wood burning stove, drew their water from a community well. Electricity was not available, but they had a latrine. They had 1 wooden bed to sleep on.

      Anwesha, Age 11, 2005Anwesha was 4 feet, 3 inches tall. She weighed 60 lbs. Sisters Trisha, Labani and Anoshree were 7, 4 and 2 years old. Baby sister Suchana had been born in 2004 after the report was taken.

      March (CR)

      Parasol by Anwesha, Age 11 Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      Hope you are well. I and my family are fine. I have been promoted to grade seven. [The Indian school year seems to start in late March or April.] I like to go to school. In our village fairs were arranged on occasions of [illegible] and [illegible] festival[s]. I enjoyed very much.
      With love and regards.
      Yours,
      Anwesha M.

      Survey on back:
      Hi! My complete name is... Anwesha M*.
      My family and friends call me... Anwesha.
      I like where I live because... my parents and siblings live there.
      My neighborhood has... many houses, trees, fields, etc.
      At school, work or home, I...study at school and play with my friends. When at home I study and play.
      We celebrate... Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Chera[*?], Gosto [?] festivals, etc.

      In August, I sent an SNG of $225 or so.

      September--SNG Report completed by Rita Mukherji

      Anwesha w/gifts, 2005 Please list the gifts provided to child and family:
      "The family has utilized the gift to purchase 1 wooden clothes rack, 1 steel almirah, 1 bed sheet, 2 pillow cases and 1 box of colored pencils."
      What were the child's/family's comments when the gifts were delivered?
      "Thank you, dear sponsor, for these useful gifts. The almirah will be useful for keeping our belongings safely in one place. I like to draw. It will be fun using these colour pencils," said a happy Anwesha. The family will be able to keep their belongings in proper place inside the almirah and on the rack.

      Dear Sponsor,
      At the beginning of my letter I send you my love and best wishes. I hope you are well. I am fine. My exams are going on and I am doing well in the exam. The gifts I have received from you are 1 steel almirah, a loose [? illegible] clothes rack, a bed sheet, 2 pillow cases adn colour pencils. My family and I are very happy to have received your gifts. I pray to God to keep you well. I always think of you. I thank you for your help.
      I send you my love and regards.
      Yours,
      Anwesha M.       Field by Anwesha, Age 12

      September (CR)

      Swimming by Anwesha, Age 11 Dear Sponsor,
      Hope you are well. We are well. I study in grade VII now. I am very happy with my new grade. I like to go to school. My school starts at 11 a.m., ends at 4 p.m. We have playground where we play in school. English is my favourite subject. I study in Mass Education High School. I get all aids from project. Our teachers teach us with great care. We have 20 teachers. Please accept my regards.
      Yours lovingly,
      Anwesha

      Anwesha, Age 12, 2007 2006 -- Ages 12-13

      March (CR)

      Dear Sponsor,
      I hope you are doing well. I am also keeping fine. I read in grade VII. I regularly go to school and study. I am studying hard and I have my exams very soon. I like reading storybook[s]. I get all help from the project. Our teachers teach us very well. There are 82 students in our class. My best friend is Suparna Middya. I study and also help my mother in her work.
      Take my respect.
      From Anwesha M.

      Survey on back:
      Our village has... (mud roads/paved roads/tubewells/solar lights) ELECTRICITY
      We travel by... (Auto rickshaw/van rickshaw/cycle rickshaw/jeep/cycle) BUS
      In my neighborhood there is a ... (hospital/community hall/temple/mosque/church) SCHOOL
      Most of the houses in our community are made of... (straw/split cane/concrete/brick) MUD

      July--SNG Report completed by Biswajit

      Anwesha w/Bricks, 2006 Please list the gifts provided to child and family:

      • 1800 bricks
      • 10 bags cement
      • 60 bags sand
      • 1 fibre [plastic] table
      • 2 buckets
      • 2 steel pitchers
      • drawing materials
      • book

      Anwesha w/sand, 2006 How will the gifts benefit the child and/or family?
      "The child and her family live in a one multi-use room house that has 3 walls built of bricks and the other made of mud. The family will have the mud wall replaced with bricks. This would make their home strong and safe. The child can use the table while studying. The pitcher and bucket will be useful for fetching and storing water. 'As the mud wall is in poor condition and may collapse at any time, we decided to replace this wall with bricks. This would make our home strong and less damp. We will also have a brick wall constructed inside the room to divide the room into two where the smaller part will be a verandah. The verandah can be used as storage area and also as a kitchen. We thank the sponsor for giving us this opportunity to make our home strong and comfortable,' said Anwesha's father. The mud wall will be completely replaced with bricks. But about 50% of the partition wall that would divide the room into a single room with attached verandah will be constructed with the donation. The family will complete the partition wall with their own funds."

      Boat by Anwesha, Age 12, 2006 Dear Sponsor,
      I hope you are well. We are all fine. I study in Grade 8. The gifts that you have given me are:

      • table - 1
      • buckets - 2
      • pencils - 1 box
      • coloured pencils - 2 boxes
      • drawing sheet - 12
      I have also received brick, sand and cement for repairing our house. This will enable us to live comfortably. I thank you for your help. You keep well.
      I send you my regards.
      Yours,
      Anwesha M.

      September (CR)

      Landscape by Anwesha, Age 13, 2006 Dear Sponsor,
      I hope you are doing well. We are all keeping fine. I read in grade VIII. I regularly go to school. I help my mother at home. I love painting. I get many help from the project. I love flowers. I visit the doctor of the project. Thank you for all your help.
      Take my respect.
      From Anwesha M.

      September -- Progress Report

      Almost 18 months after the last progress report, Anwesha is 4 feet, 8 inches tall (5 inch gain) and 71 lbs (11 lb gain). Her favourite school subject is languages and she enjoys playing with friends and drawing. She helps with the general housework. The family income has increased substantially, to $69/month. (If their income has in fact more than tripled in past 18 months, that would explain how they have savings to add to the home improvement fund--they know how to live on $20/month, so saving out of $69 per month isn't so surprising.) Their house is now described as being brick, "kitchen, one bedroom."

      Anwesha, Age 13, 2007 2007 -- Ages 13-14

      March (CR)

      Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      I hope you are all fine. Me and my family members are fine. It is for your help that my house has been repaired and I have benefitted by getting many things. I study in Class VIII now. I go to school daily and study seriously. We are five sisters. I am older and one of my sisters       [Labani, Age 7] is in education class. Another sister [Trisha, then 10] reads one class above. Two small Farm by Anwesha, Age 12, 2007sisters [Suchana, then 2, and Anoshree, then 5] doesn't study. My father is an L.I.C. [Life Insurance Corporation of India] agent and is also into farming. My mother does housework and looks after us. The doctor who comes from Mass Education programme has prescribed medicine for my illness. Take my regards.
      From Anwesha M.

      Back in 2007 when I googled LIC agent, I found an article about how the company was successfully promoting life insurance among poor communities by hiring community members as agents to sell small policies for small sums. Now all I can find are the agents' web sites. I have no idea what she means by "my illness." I thought it best not to overreact, since it could well have been a simple sinus infection or something.

      August--SNG Report completed by G. Gharai

      Anwesha w/Gifts, 2007 Please list the gifts provided to child and family:

      • 1 steel showcase with rack
      • 1 bicycle
      • 1 mattress
      • 1 bedsheet
      • 1 pillow with cover [actually, 2 pillows, based on the picture]
      • 1 tiffin box [Indian-style lunchbox]
      • 1 aluminum handi [some kind of pot, I think]
      • 1 pitcher
      • 1 jug
      • 2 stools
      • 2 uniforms

      Anwesha w/Gifts, 2007 How will the gifts benefit the child and/or family?
      "The family can keep their belongs in the showcase and the child can use the bicycle to move around on errands, or to school. The bedding items will provide a comfortable sleep. The family can use the utensils for household work. The school uniform will be of help to the child. The child said, 'I am very happy and thankful to the sponsor for all the gifts. We have greatly benefitted from this.'"

      Roses by Anwesha, Age 13, 2007 Dear Sponsor,
      I hope you are well. My family and I are fine. My family and I are very happy to receive your gifts like cycle, a big cooking pot and a big pot for storing food; 1 mattresss, 1 bedsheet, 2 pillows and 2 pillow covers, 1 tiffin carrier, 1 pitcher, 1 jug, 2 stools and 2 school uniforms. I thank you for your help.
      Yours,
      Anwesha M.

      Around this time, I read an article about how one Indian state considered bicycles to be such an important tool in keeping girls in school that they gave one to each 14 year-old girl. Some girls were dropping out of school because the time required to walk back and forth, in addition to school itself and studying, took too much time away from their responsibilities at home (in their family's opinion). By cutting the commuting time and (as the report notes)enabling them to run errands more efficiently, the program persuaded many families to keep their girls in school.

      August -- Progress Report

      The family now has 3 beds and electricity is available (meaning they have it to use).

      September (CR)

      River by Anwesha, Age 13, 2007

      Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      Hope you are well. Me and my family are well here. I am reading in Grade IX. Daily I go to school. I study at home and help in my mother's works. I am learning computer in my school's computer centre. Our school's teachers teach with great care. Every year class tests occur in school. I love drawing. Me and my family get help from the project. I go to project's clinic. Me and my family are happy on getting your help.
      With regards,
      Your's lovingly,
      Anwesha M.

      Anwesha, Age 15, 2008 2008 -- Ages 14-15

      March ? (CR)

      Yucca by Anwesha, Age 14, 2008 Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      Wishing you my love and regards. I hope you are all fine there. We are fine here too. I am now studying in Class IX. I show the doctor of the project.      [?] Exam is going on in our school and so I am studying seriously. I receive various benefits from the project and so greatly thankful to you. We four sisters had lot of fun during Christmas. [I suppose the fifth is still too young...]
      Thanking you for your help and support.
      Wishing you my heartfelt regards.
      Anwesha M.

      April (CP)

      Yucca by Anwesha, Age 14, 2008

      Dear Ms. G- Jenkins,
      I hope you are all well. I am fine. I am very happy to get your letter and photo. Your photo is lovely. I like to learn computer and study English. I am doing well in studies. We have all passed. I send you my love and regards.
      Yours,
      Anwesha M.

      July--SNG Report completed by G. Gharai

      Anwesha and Mom w/Plastering, 2008 Please list the gifts provided to child and family:
      • Plastering of walls
      • Construction of concrete floor
      How will the gifts benefit the child and/or family?
      "The child's house consisted of 1 room and a verandah which had mud flooring [despite the reports saying concrete] and brick walls but was without any plastering. Hence, they have plastered the inner walls of their room and has constructed concrete flooring in their room and verandah so the house looks proper and the floor is also protected from further damage due to dampness in monsoons and winters. The child said, 'We are very happy that we could repair the floor of our house and plaster the inner walls. This could not have been possible without the kind and generous support of my Sponsor.'"

      Notice that the outfit from 2 years before still looks nice, and still fits. Fits differently, but fits.

      Flowering Shrub by Anwesha, Age 15 Dear Sponsor,
      Hope you are well. My family and I are fine here. I am happy to tell you that we have used the amount you donated for concretizing the floor of our house and plastering the inner walls of our room. We have been greatly benefitted by this and take this chance to thank you very much. I am studying in Grade X now and my studies are going on fine. We are having our unit tests now. That's all for today.
      With love and regards,
      Yours,
      Anwesha M.

      Notice that the outfit from 2 years before still looks nice, and still fits. Fits differently, but fits.

      August -- Progress Report

      Anwesha is now 4'10" tall (2" gain) and weighs 97 lbs (26 lb gain[!]). Otherwise, not much has changed, except that the concrete floor is now actually there.

      October (CR)

      Palm by Anwesha, Age 15

      Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      I hope you and your family members are all fine there. We are all fine here too. I am now studying in Class X. We are thankful to you for your help and support. I often visit the project and had health checkup too. We are two sisters and we go to school every day. My class exam will begin soon. My other sister studies in class VII. I will appear for Madhyamik exam this year. My favourite subject is English. I love drawing. I love gardening.
      Wishing you my regards,
      From Anwesha M.

      Try out the Madhyamik exam for yourself HERE!

      December (CR-received April, 2009)

      Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      Hope you are all well. My family and I are doing fine. My final exam of tenth grade is coming near. So I am studying sincerely. It is winter here now. I get your help regularly. So thank you. I visit the programme doctor. I like to draw. I like flowers. I like to read story books. My favourite subject is English. Hope I will do well in the exams.
      Regards,
      Yours,
      Anwesha M.

      Christmas Tree by Anwesha, Age 15

      2009 -- Ages 15-16 Anwesha, Age 16, 2009

      July/August (CR)

      Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      Hope all is well with you. I am doing well with my family. I passed Madhyamik in first division       [Highest scoring groupSmile]. I read in Grade XI. I've started my studies in my new class. Monsoon has just started over here. I am feeling happy to go to new school. I go to school regularly. I follow my texts and prepare my lessons regularly. I receive your helps regularly.
      Regards to you.
      Yours,
      Anwesha M.

      August--SNG Report completed by B. Mondal

      Anwesha w/Textbooks, 2009 Please list the gifts provided to child and family ($225):
      • 10 months private tuitions
      • 1 practical instrument kit for studying geography
      How will the gifts benefit the child and/or family?
      "The child has been provided with 10 months of tuition fees for grade XI from July '09-Apr.'10 in Languages, Geography and Social Sciences, so that she gets proper guidance and encouragement in her studies that will help her to do well in school. The child has also been provided with a practical instrument kit for studying Geography to aid her studies in that subject. The child said, 'I am very happy to be provided with tuition support in my studies. Thank you, Sponsor, for looking after my educational needs.'"

      Anwesha w/Geography Tools, 2009

      Dear Sponsor,
      At first I send you my best wishes. I hope you are well. I am fine. Now I study in grade 11 and my subjects are Geography, History, Political Science, Education, English and Bengali. With your financial help I have been provided with 10 months of private tuition support from July '09 to April '10 in Languages, Social Sciences, and Geography. This will help me to do well in my examination. In addition, I have purchased a practical instrument kit for Geography which will help me to receive better marks in Geography. I am grateful to you and thank you for looking after my educational needs. Please keep well. I send you my love and regards.
      Yours,
      Anwesha M.

      September--Progress Report

      Anwesha is now 4'11" tall (1" gain) and weighs 99 lbs (2 lb gain). And after 5 girls, her parents have a baby son, Anik!

      October

      Farm by Anwesha, Age 16, 2009

      Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      I got your letter. You are looking very nice in your photo.       [Me at 16.] Now I am learning computer and songs along with my studies. I hope to be a teacher in future. Hope you had nice birthday. [My birthday is in August, like hers. Lots of August birthdays in my family.] Thank you very much for your help. Please accept my best for Durga Puja. I am very happy to get your letter. Now it is autumn here. I am very sad to get the death news of your mother. [Slight confusion; I mentioned that my mother's 90th birthday would have been in August, too. But she died 30 years ago--not recently.] Please accept my best wishes for your birthday. Please accept my love and regards.
      Yours lovingly,
      Anwesha

      2010 -- Ages 16-17

      January (CR)

      Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      I convey my wishes & regards on New Year. Hope you are well. I and my family are fine. I am in Standard XI. Geography is my favorite subject. I learn music. It is winter season now. My final exam is in March. I like to paint. I like to cultivate flowers. Saraswati Puja was celebrated in our home. I enjoyed a lot there. You take my love and respect.
      Yours,
      Anwesha M.

      May

      Boat by Anwesha, Age 16, 2010

      Dear Ms. G--,
      Please accept my best for       [Bengali] New Year. I am glad to know that you are well. We are well. I study in Grade XII. [Passed!] It is summer here. I go to school daily. [When school is in session, I suppose; she should be on break during April and May.] I study sincerely. In my free time, I go to singing class. I learn computer also. Geography is my favourite subject. I like English, also. I wish to study B.A. with Honors in Geography. Last year my grandmother died. My Higher Secondary exam is near [next spring] so I am studying hard. I like to draw. It is very hot now. It is very difficult to go outdoors. Thanks for your help. Stay well.
      Yours lovingly,
      Anwesha M.

      August--Progress Report

      Anwesha is still 4'11" tall and weighs 103 lbs (4 lb gain). Her house is now described as having a kitchen, 2 multi-use rooms and 2 bedrooms (wow!), but the walls and floor are described as mud again. I think they must have been building on over the last couple of years, but there's some inconsistency between the family reports and SNG reports. If they've added a couple of mud additions, that would make some of the brick walls interior walls. Another possibility: Anwesha's last letter mentioned that her grandmother had died during the last year. The family may have been able to move into the grandmother's house.

      August--SNG Report completed by S Palit

      Please list the gifts provided to the child:

      • Anwesha with Gifts, 201012 months private tuitions (tutoring) for the child (grade XII)
      • 1 bicycle
      • 1 mosquito net
      • 1 bedsheet
      • 1 umbrella for the child
      • 1 set of glasses
      • 5 sets of 2 steel plates
      • 3 candies

      How will the gifts benefit the child/family?

      Anwesha with Glasses, 2010The child is presently in grade-XII and has been provided with 12 months of tution support from July '10 to June '11, so that she gets proper guidance in her studies that will help her to do well in school. The mosquito net will protect the child from harmful mosquito bites while at sleep. The family can serve drinks to their special guests in the glasses they have purchased. The child and her family will use the steel plates when they have their daily meals. The umbrella will protect the child from sunrays and rain when she goes out. The child and her sibling can use the bicycle to ride to school and to their tuition classes. This will help them to save some travelling time and cost. The child said, 'Thank you Sponsor for taking care of my educational needs and also for providing us with household utility items.'"

      Anwesha with Bike, 2010Dear Sponsor,
      I hope you are well. We are all fine. With your financial help I have been provided with 12 months of private tuition support from July '10 to June '11 for grade 12. This will help me to do well in school and my [school leaving/college eligibility] examination. We are very happy to receive a bicycle. My sibling and I will ride the cycle to school and tuition classes. The umbrella I have received will protect me from rain when I go out. We have purchased a mosquito net, a bedsheet, a set of glasses and 2 steel plates. The mosquito net will protect us from insect bites and we will use the plates and glasses when we have our meals. I love candies. We are all grateful to you and I thank you for the useful gifts and for taking care of my educational expenses. I end my letter with love and regards to you. Take care.
      Yours,
      Anwesha M.

      I love the way they itemize everything down to the candies purchased with the spare change. Since Anwesha has 4 younger sisters (and a little brother a bit young for candy), it looks like she didn't have to share... But I think she's giving her existing bicycle (assuming nothing has happened to it) to her next sister, who should be in 9th grade now, so they can ride together.

      I'm waiting for a  a DP report in a couple of months.

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

    • Blog post
    • 4 weeks ago
    • Views: 253

  • Surprise Letter from Jazmin! Surprise Letter from Jazmin!

    • From: bammertheblue
    • Description:

      On Saturday I got TONS of CI mail. I was so happy! Among the items was a letter from Jazmin, my 13-year-old sponsored girl in Guayaquil, Ecuador. I was so suprised to see it, because I only started sponsoring Jazmin 1 month ago. On the back she drew two people playing soccer (I think it's soccer), and for the question on the back "My favorite sport is..." she checked Gymnastics and Soccer.

      Here's what Jazmin had to say in her Welcome letter:

      Dear Sponsor: I think you for choosing me as your sponsored child! I live in Guayaquil and I am writing these lines from my beautiful city. Let me tell you that I'm glad to know that you are my new sponsor. The first thing that I want to tell you is that I am very grateful because you chose me as your sponsored child. The second thing is that I like sports so much. [This girl is so awesome.] I practice it during my free time after doing my school homework and helping my mother to do the household chores. I'm also studying in high school and I like it so much because they teach me many good things, such as: Computing, English, Mathematics, Language, Values, and other subjects. Our high school has a very big playground and a large field where I have fun with my friends and classmates. I feel very happy. May God bless you and your whole family! Says good-bye with affection, Jazmin Estefania P. C.

      What an excellent letter! She has beautiful handwriting, although it's hard to read the original because she used pencil and didn't press very hard, but oh my goodness does that ever not matter. This girl is great! I love that she loves sports, and I'm so glad she seems to be enjoying school. I'm very glad she's studying in high school- sadly, a lot of poor kids don't get that far. I've asked for an education report on her, like I have for all my children, so I can see if there are any special needs there.

      Next up...Egda's second letter! Stay tuned! Laughing

    • Blog post
    • 1 month ago
    • Views: 207

  • Education Report Education Report

    • From: jenkinsg
    • Description:

      The education report I got didn't have anything we aren't allowed to discuss, and that was for a child doing poorly. I suppose it's possible that a health condition might be discussed as it relates to educational issues, in which case it shouldn't be posted, but there shouldn't be a problem with posting a report otherwise. The one I got didn't go into any kind of detail about class sizes or the child's performance in individual subjects, reasons for underperformance, or anything like that. Most of the in

    • 2 months ago
    • Views: 66
    • Forum: Q&A...

  • Fatma, Age 10 (07/02/2010) Fatma, Age 10 (07/02/2010)

    • From: jenkinsg
    • Description:

      Fatma, Age 10, 20102005 (Age 4-5)
      Fatma, Age 4, 2004Fatma joined the program in September, 2004. I started sponsoring her in April, 2005, when she was a few months shy of 5 years old. I had decided to sponsor another child, and according to my usual practice had selected the Indian girl with the lowest family income. But I was charmed by Fatma's cute smile. Back then, between Indian cultural norms and picture-taking methods that were often intimidating, virtually all the photos turned out looking like mug shots. I caved in and took her, too.

      Fatma & Family, June 2005Fatma lives in Kolkata city. In 2005 she lived with her parents, Haider, 26 or 27, and Amna, 22 or 23, her older sister, Haleema, 6, and baby brother Ismail. Her father made $33/month as a daily worker. The family speaks Hindi. Their dwelling (which I assume is some sort of flat or a single room in a rowhouse of some sort) has brick walls, a tile roof and concrete floor. Water comes from a community faucet, electricity is available, and they have access to a community latrine. When sponsorship started, they cooked on an earthen stove.

      Six months earlier, when the report was compiled, Fatma was 3'1" tall and weighed 31 lbs. She was already attending school, and enjoyed playing with dolls and drawing.

      Ripening Chili, by Fatma, Age 5March
      Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      Your sponsored child Fatma Khatoon thanks you for sponsoring [her]. Fatma Loves eating rice with dal [lentils]. Fatma has just started going to school. She is enjoying school as she has made a lot of friends there. Blue is Fatma's favourite colour. Yours truly, Sutithi on behalf of Fatma

      (Survey on back)
      When we're at home...we play with dolls.
      We celebrate...Id, Bakri Id.


      The weather here is... very very hot, I am not liking it.
      In our neighborhood... There are lot of trees where there are flowers of different colours.

      I love it when the children see the beauty around them, instead of an ugly slum.

       

      June--SNG Report completed by Rita Mukherji
      The family has utilized the donation from the sponsor (@ $235) to purchase
      Fatma, Age Nearly 5, June 2005--1 water pump
      --1 steel trunk
      --1 pressure cooker
      --1 table fan
      --1 water filter
      --1 spoon
      --1 bowl
      --1 lunch box
      --1 water bottle
      --1 mattress
      --4 pillows with covers
      --1 bed sheet
      --1 [kerosene] stove
      --1 doll for Fatma
      --1 shirt and pants for her little brother [prospectively, I guess, since he wouldn't have been much more than a newborn at the time]
      --1 dress for her sister

      What were the child's/family's comments? "Fatma and her family are very pleased with the gifts bought with the donation. 'The pump will be useful to draw water from the water tank for cleaning and washing purposes. The table fan will give us respite in this hot summer. We can use the trunk to store our clothes and other belongings. Fatma and her brother and sister are very happy with their gifts. We are very grateful to the sponsor for giving us such useful gifts,' said Fatma's mother. The family has been immensely benefitted from these gifts since these are meant for their regular use but which the family could not afford till date.

      Something with Leaves, by Fatma, Age 5Dear Sponsor,
      Thanks from Fatma and her family. Fatma has received tube pump, steel box, table fan, water filter, mattress, bed cover, pillow, stove, doll, dress for the children, tiffin box and glass. Fatma's mother went for an operation. [C-section, maybe?] Now she is recovering but still she is not able to carry a bucket of water. So the tube pump will give relief to her mother. Fatma likes to go to school every day. She also likes to play with her siblings & doll. She does her homework in the house every day. Fatma's parents want to thank for providing all the assistance. On behalf of Fatma, Parveen Begum (volunteer)


      As I mentioned earlier, the same day I sponsored Fatma, I also sponsored another child with an August birthday. Well, when I went to send her SNG, I made an error and directed it to Fatma, instead. By the time I noticed--I really wish the acknowledgement email contained the children's names as well as their numbers--it was too late to correct the error. Oh well.


      July--SNG Report Completed by Rita Mukherji
      The family has utilized the donation (@ $235) from the sponsor to purchase
      Fatma & Family, July 2005--a steel almirah
      --clothing for Fatma's sibling(s?)
      --1 steel lunch box
      --2 dresses
      --1 steel bucket
      --writing slate
      --1 box pencils
      --groceries (rice, lentils, sugar, flour, cooking oil, salt, spices, semolina, soybean, tea leaves, match boxes, detergent, bathing soaps and hair oil)
      --[and 2 dolls, not mentioned on this list]

       

       

       

      Haleema & Fatma, July 2005What were the family's comments when the gifts were delivered? [Jackpot!!! Two months in a row!] "Fatma's mother is very pleased with the gifts: 'The steel almirah will be very useful for keeping our belongings. Our clothes would remain clean and safe from insects. The groceries will be sufficient for  the next 6 months. We will have enough food to eat. Fatma is very happy with her dolls, slate and pencils. We are grateful to the kind sponsor.'"

      Fatma, Age 5, July 2005Dear Sponsor,
      Fatma and her family thank you very much for providing them with all support. With your support they have received a steel almirah, steel bucket, dolls to play, clothings for both Fatma and her infant brother. She has also received a ABBACUS slate and pencil box. Besides, Fatma and her family is also going to recieve 6 months grocery items which will help them. Both Fatma her parents and her elder sister send you lots of love and greetings. On behalf of Fatma, Sushita

       

      All those groceries troubled me. I don't want to make these families dependant on me. But stay tuned...

       

       

      Fatma, Age 5, 2005September
      Cabbage (Soccer Ball?) by Fatma, Age 5Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      Your sponsor child thanks to you for your letter. She is very happy to get your letter. [Sympathizing about not liking hot weather.] She wants to say [to] you that at present in Kolkata rainy season starts. Now weather is pleasant. She goes to school every day. Today she ate rice, dal, potato chips.[Not sure whether those are American chips or English chips; i.e., home fries.] She will be very happy if she get your photographs. Rakhi on behalf of Fatma.

       

      Fatma, Age 6, 20062006 (Age 5-6)

      March
      Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      Kindly accept New Year's greetings from your sponsored child, Fatma B. Every day at 11 a.m., she goes to school. On her return, she has her lunch and takes a small nap. At 4 o'clock she goes out to play badminton with her friends. Many, many thanks from her to you for being sponsored and the gifts she is receiving. On behalf of fatma, Sahina

      Survey on back:
      My favourite colour is...yellow. My favourite food is... fish.

      [July-since I sent a double gift last year, none this time.]

      August--report updated
      Fatma is growing slowly--3'3" and 32 lbs; only 2 inches and 1 lb since Sept. '04. But the family income has supposedly more than quadrupled! Haider is no longer a daily worker; instead, he is a street vendor. Evidently, once he knew his family would have enough to eat for 6 months, he was able to take the risk of investing his wages in stock for a vending business, and had enough time to build it up before it had to completely support the family.

      September
      Dear Sponsor,
      Fatma is fine here and hopes you are also fine there. She reads in class K grade. Her favourite subject is Urdu. She has a friend whose name is Grudiya. She loves her family a lot. She sends you her love. From Aftah Alam (Volunteer) for Fatma B.
      Fatma's favourite color is now red, although fish remains her favourite food.

      Fatma, Age 7, 20072007--Age 6-7
      March
      Ms. Jenkins,
      Fatma says hello to you! She studies in class K grade. She loves drawing very much. Her examination starts from next month and she is preparing for it. She has keen interest in her studies. She loves summer season a lot. She loves her parents a lot. She sends you her love, Nasreen Begum (Volunteer) on behalf of Fatma B.
      Survey on back
      Apple by Fatma, Age 7I like to be...At home [as opposed to school, the garden, or playground]
      My favourite animal is...fish [as opposed to dog, cat, squirrel, hen/duck, birds, butterfly. Practical child, her favorite animal is her favorite food...]

       

       

       

      July--SNG Report completed by S. Rashid
      Please list the gifts (@ $235) provided to the child and family:
      Fatma w/van and mangoes, 2007, Age 71 van-rickshaw
      19 boxes of mangoes
      1 mixer-grinder
      1 transport cost

      How will the gifts benefit the child/family? "The child's father is a fruit vendor, and therefore the van-rickshaw will help the child's father carry the fruits around and sell them. This IGP will help them earn an extra $30-40 per month which will help to better their standard of living. The mixer-grinder will be of help in the kitchen. The child's father said, "Thank you dear sponsor for helping me to take care of my family's needs in a better way. We will always be grateful to you.

      Dear Sponsor,
      Fatma wishes to know how you are doing. Her father is giving regards and thanking you for supporting him to support his family. He is thanking you for the fan rickshaw and mangoes. He will sell these and work for the betterment of his family. Her mother is thanking you for the mixer-grinder. Fatma [likeS] the clips you have gifted her and is very happy. [?Not on report. I suppose they mean barettes...] The family is sending regards and Fatma is sending lots of love for you . On behalf of Fatma [illegible] (Volunteer)

      July--Progress report
      Fatma has grown! She is now 3'8" tall and weighs 40 lbs. Her favourite school subject is languages and she likes playing with dolls. The family income is a more realistic $80/month (the 2007 figure must have been based on a bumper day...) and a 2nd little Mohommed has appeared, age 7 months. (They are Md.Ismail and Md. Israil. Nothing like inviting sibling rivalry...]

      House by Fatma, Age 7September
      Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      Hello! Fatma is doing fine here and she hopes youre also doing fine. She thanks you for sponsoring her. She is in Class 1 and enjoys studying a lot and reading Urdu. She sends you lots of love, Nazia Parveen on behalf of Fatma B.
      Fatma's favorite color remains red and fish is still her favorite food.

      Fatma, Age 8, 20082008--Age 7-8

      March
      Ms. Jenkins,
      Hello! Fatma would like to thank you a lot for giv[ing] her all the benefits. She is in class I and loves studying a lot. She wants to become a teacher when she grows up. She loves her papa most at home and she misses you a lot, too! She sends you lots of love, Shabama (volunteer) for your sponsored child, Fatma B.
      Survey on back: Fatma's favorite color is still red, but her favorite is now fruit. I think this change  may have been influenced by my complimenting her father on his wisdom in choosing to supply people with healthy fruit. The fruits of India are supposed to be wonderful, especially the mangoes.

      April (CP)
      Dear Ms. G,
      Hello! Fatma thanks you a lot for writing to her. She is so happy to read your letter and to know about yourself. She is now so little cute child & loves her parents a lot. She loves fruit. She is very happy to see your picture and loves you, too. She sends you her love, Rafia (volunteer) on behalf of Fatma B.


      June
      Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      Hello! Fatma is doing fine here & she hopes you are also doing fine. She wants to thank you for sponsoring her & supporting her. She studies in grade 1 [no promotion] and enjoys studying a lot. She also loves drawing besides studying. Her summer vacation is now going on & she went for an outing during holidays. She sends you lots of love. Nazia (volunteer) on behalf of Fatma B.
      Her favorite color continues to be red, and her favorite food has reverted to fish.

      Fatma and bed, 2008July--SNG Report Completed by S. Rashid
      Please list the gifts provided to child and family:
      1 wooden bed [double]
      1 mattress
      1 table fan
      1 hot pot
      1 spatula
      1 exercise book [workbook]
      1 shampoo pouch

      Fatma w/Mom, bed and other gifts, 2008, Age 8How will the gifts benefit the child and/or family?
      "The wooden bed and the mattress will provide the child and her family a comfortable sleep at night. The table fan will provide them with a lot of relief from heat during summers and also throughout the year. The hotpot will keep their cooked food warm for lunch and dinner. The cooking spatula will be used by the family every day during cooking of meals. The child will use [her] exercise book to do his regular class and home assignments. The child's mother said: 'We are very grateful to my child's Sponsor for providing us with essential household items that are very useful for our family.'"


      Dear Sponsor,
      Fatma and her family hopes you are fine. They all are fine too. Fatma's parents, especially her father, want to thank you for the help & support you have provided in bringing up their child. They want to thank you for the useful gifts you have given them. They are thanking you for the wooden bed, mattress, table fan, hot pot, cooking spatula, exercise book and shampoo pouch. Sending loads of love and regards on behalf of Fatma and family, Sun--- (volunteer)

      July--Progress Report
      Fatma is now 3'10" tall and weighs 43 lbs. The family income is $50/month, which looked like a decrease but may have been due to exchange rates.

      July--Letter (Reply)

      Ouch! by Fatma, Age 8Dear Ms. G,
      Hello! Fatma is doing fine here & she hopes you are also doing fine. She says she is very happy to get your letter. She studies in grade 1 and pays much attention to her studies. She says she ate cake with her family on her birthday and went for an outing with her parents also. She says it is rainy season here & hopes that you tell her something about yourself in your next letter. She & her family send you lots of love & blessing. Ayesha Naar (volunteer) on behalf of Fatma B.

      December
      Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      Fatma says that she is fine here and hope that you are also fine. She studies in class 1. Her favourite subject is English and favourite game is football. She wants to become a doctor when she grow up. Her exam is over and it was good. She wish you a lot of love. [For] Your loving child, Fatma B. [by] Rabab (volunteer)

      Fatma, Age 9, 20092009 (Age 8-9)
      June
      Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      Hello! Fatma is doing fine here & hopes you are also doing fine. She wants to thank you for supporting her. She loves to read and her studies are going well. She says her exams results are out and she has passed her exams and [been] promoted to the next grade. She is very excited. It is now summer here and very hot. She went to her grandmother's house for an Outing during the summer break and enjoyed herself there a lot. She misses you a lot & it is her desire to see you. She sends you her love and regards. Nazia for Fatma B.

      July--SNG report completed by A Oberoi
      Please list the gifts provided to child and family:
      Fatma with gifts, 20093 steel storage containers
      1 ceiling fan
      1 emergency light
      3 aluminum cooking vessels
      6 steel place settings (plate, bowl, glasses)
      1 [pressed] glass place setting
      1 aluminum bucket
      1 electric iron
      2 bedcovers
      1 table fan
      1 doll
      2 shampoo pouches
      50 kgs rice
      5 kgs flour
      5 kgs pulses [beans]
      5 ltrs mustard oil for cooking
      1 kg dates
      2 jars health drink

      How will the child/family benefit: "The family has been provided with large supplies of essential food items that are needed for their regular consumption. The health drink will keep the child strong and healthy by providing her with essential nutrients and vitamins. The family will use the iron to iron their clothes properly. It will also help them to save part of their laundry cost. The family will use aluminum bucket to store water for domestic use. They will use the set of steel plates, bowls and glasses when they have their meals. The ceiling fan and the table fan will provide a lot of relief from heat to the family mainly during summers. The emergency light will be very handy to use during power cuts. The steel storage containers will be used to store large amounts of rice or flour. The family will cook their meals in the cooking vessels provided to them. The child and her sibling can enjoy playing with the doll whenever they want to. The child's mother said, 'We are very grateful to my child's sponsor for looking after our needs. We wish to convey our sincere thanks and regards.'"

      Fatma and Mom with gifts, 2009Dear Sponsor,
      Please accept regards from me and my family. Hope this letter finds you happy and healthy. With your financial support we have bought ceiling fan, emergency light, electric iron, bed covers, table fan, dinner set, steel storage container, cooking vessels, aluminum bucket, plates, bowls, glasses and groceries like rice, pulses, flour, cooking oil health drink, and date palm. We are very happy to receive all these items because all the items are very much useful to us. My family and I are sending you lots of love and best wishes. With love, Fatma

      [This letter is worded like she wrote it herself, and the Urdu writing is double-spaced as a child might do it, although it looks quite neat. (As far as I can tell, Fatma struggles with "neat" so that makes me wonder.) The composition doesn't sound like a child's first letter, though. Of course, many of the thank yous from younger children sound like they were composed by the social worker. If Fatma copied it herself, that's a victory.]

      July--Response to Inquiry about Fatma's language, and why her name was changed after the first report
      I was curious whether Fatma's family speaks Hindu or Urdu, since she was reported to enjoy reading Urdu books. The response was that the family speaks Hindi, but Fatma attends and urdu school, which is why her letters are written in Urdu. [Actually, the letters are written in whichever language the volunteer uses. ]
      "...in the religious community that Fatma belongs to, people can have different names which are interchangeable, and do not have to match the parents' titles. Sometimes children may carry titles such as 'Parveen,' 'Bano,' or 'Khatoon,' as your child did." Lindsey's Indian fiance explains that the original name is used in the Muslim communities to designate a girl or unmarried woman; upon marriage women use another title, which is how Fatma is designated on her birth certificate, because it's the surname her mother uses.

      July--Progress report
      Fatma is 3'10" and weighs 43 lbs. The family income is $64, which when changes in the exchange rate are considered is the same as $80 in 2007.

      Twiggy by Fatma, Age 9September
      Dear Sponsor,
      Hello! Fatma is doing fine here and hopes you are also doing fine. She got your lovely letter and enjoyed reading it. She now studies in Grade 1       [what happened to the promotion?] and is enjoying her new class. She has also some new friends in her class. She says her grandma lives very far away from her house and she goes to see her by train. She says it is now the rainy season here but sometimes it is hot and sometimes it rains here. She goes to school every day and her studies are going well. She and her family send you lots of love and blessings. Ayesha Naaz on behalf of Fatma B.

      After getting this letter, I sent an inquiry about Fatma's school situation, and whether tutoring would help. I was very concerned that she seemed to be firmly stuck in first grade, although she sounds like a little trooper about it. (Interestingly, Lindsey's child Saba, who lives in the same area--we can tell by the backgrounds in photos, especially SNG photos taken at the project center--also attends an Urdu school and has similar school issues.)

      December--Education report completed by Ms. Indrani Roy
      School Information
      Describe the child's school, including construction materials and facilities:
      The school is a four storied concrete building. It has proper water supply and toilet facilities.
      Approximately how many children attend:
      500 children [no teacher/student ratio, though]
      How many minutes does it take the child to get to school:
      10 minutes on foot.
      Student--Academic
      Child's current grade level:       Class 1 [for the third time]
      Overall Grades: Poor
      Progress: Slow
      Is child receiving any special help with schoolwork? No
      Subjects of special interest to child: Languages
      Please list educational benefits received through sponsorship program:
      Stationeries and school shoes
      Student--Future
      Does the child intend to continue her education? Yes
      Additional Comments:
      "The child is weak in her studies and tries her best to do well. If educational assistance could be provided the child would fare better. It would be beneficial to provide Fatma and her sibling, Haleema, who is also in Grade 1 [year 4?] with private tutoring to better their grades." [Cost: $140, which was provided.]

      December--Letter
      Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      Hello! Fatma is fine here and hopes you are also fine. She wants to thank you for your love and care. She studies in Grade 1 and loves to read English. She is now busy preparing for her final exams and hopes to do well on it. She loves to play with dolls. It is now winter here and she loves this season. She misses you a lot. She & her family send ou lots of love and they wish you a Merry Christmas and very Happy New Year! Kashif (volunteer) on behalf of Fatma B.

      Survey on back:
      My favourite clothing is: Salwar kameez
      I enjoy travelling by: Train

      2010 (Age 9-10)
      February--SNG Report completed by A. Oberoi
      Haleema, Age 10, and Fatma, Age 9, 2010Please list the gifts provided to the child and family:
      13 months private tuition for the child (reserved fund)
      13 months private tution for sibling (reserved fund)

      How will the gifts benefit child/family:
      The child is presently studying in Grade 1 and her sibling is in grade 2. Both the child and her sibling have been provided with 13 months of tuition support from Jan '10 to Jan '11 so that they can get special guidance in their studies that will help htem to improve their performance in school. The child's mother said, 'We are extremely grateful to my child's Sponsor for looking after the educational needs of my daughters. We wish to send our sincere thanks and regards.'"

      Haleema and Fatma Reading, Feb. 2010Dear Sponsor,
      Fatma and her family hopes that you are keeping fine, by the grace of God. Fatma is fine and so is her family. Fatma's family is extremely grateful to you for providing Fatma and her sibling, Haleema, with 13 months of tution assistance in their studies. It will help them to get special care and encouragement to improve their grades in school. Fatma and her sibling, Haleema, have just completed their final examinations in school. They hope that they get good grades with your blessings and support. They send their sincere thanks for your support and care and wish you very well in life. Shaheen (volunteer) on behalf of the child, Fatma B.

      One thing I asked about was whether tutoring would continue through the 2 month school break. "13 months, January through January" indicates it will. I suspect one problem has been that like many disadvantaged children, they lose ground during their long break. Having the tutor work with them throughout should help keep them on track. Sorry, Grandma.

      If tutoring couldn't be continued through the break, I would have sent money before the break and asked that the tutor pick out educational games and other activities that they could do during the break that would reinforce what they know.

      May
      Dear Ms. G,
      Hello! Fatma is fine here & hopes you are also fine. She was very happy to get your letter and a photo of your beautiful city [Illustrated letter with pictures of the snow] and enjoyed them a lot. She loves to read and her studies are going well. She has been promoted from grade 1 to grade 2 and is very excited. [This is what she said last year, too. I will be excited in September if she's studying in Grade 2.] It is now summer here and very hot but sometimes it is rainy and windy. She enjoys receiving all your benefits. She misses you a lot. She and her family send you their love and regards, Firdas Johan (volunteer) on behalf of Fatma B.

       

      June 29--SNG Report Completed by A. OberoiFatma & Mother, July 2010
      I sent $100 as the remainder of the usual SNG after the cost of tutoring.

      Please list the gifts provided to the child: 

      • 15 kgs (33 lbs) rice
      • 10 kgs (22 lbs) beans
      • 5 kgs (11 lbs) sugar
      • 5 ltrs (I think; the list says kgs, but that's not a liquid measure) of cooking oil (mustard, presumably)
      • 1 kg semolina
      • 500 grams health drink
      • 1 pack of cornflakes
      • 1 steel glass
      • 3 sarees ("clothing for child"; I think that should be "mother"--10 year olds don't wear sarees)
      • 3 shirts for child's father
      • 1 salwar kameez for child
      • 1 night dress for child's mother
      • 1 transport cost

      How will the gifts benefit the child/family:
      "The child and her parents have been provided with new sets of clothing so that they can wear them on special occasions. The family has also been provided with large supplies of rice, pulses along with other essential food items that are needed for their regular consumption. The health drink will help in improving the health and fitness of the child by providing her with essential vitamins and nutrients. The child can use the glass to have her drinks. The child's mother said, 'We are extremely grateful to our child's Sponsor for looking after our household needs. We wish to convey our sincere thanks and regards for the kindness and generosity.'"

      Dear Sponsor,
      Fatma is fine here along with her family and they hope you will be the same. Wtih your financial support they have bought clothing for Fatma and [her] father. They have also purchased sugar, pulses, rice, cooking oil, cornflakes, health drink, clothing for the mother, semolina and steel glass. All these items are very much useful to them. They are conveying their thanks to you.
      With love,
      Shaheen for Fatma B.

      July 16--progress report updated
      Finally, Fatma has reached 4 feet tall! (I was 5'1" at that age...) and weighs 46 lbs.

      For more about life in India, read Jayanti's story.

    • Blog post
    • 2 months ago
    • Views: 889

  • Great news and not so great ne Great news and not so great news

    • From: thelolos2
    • Description:

      This info is from the news room for those of us who don't get there to often I thought I'd share:

      Not so great news, "Rich nations shy away from bold aid promises"

      http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/rich-nations-shy-awaybold-aid-promises/399550/

      Great news, Children International Inaugurates New Center to Help Poor Children in Zambia

      Lusaka, ZAMBIA, June 28, 2010 — Child poverty in 3 months ago

    • Views: 81
    • Forum: Sponsoring ...

  • Jayanti, Age 17, sp. 2004-2009 Jayanti, Age 17, sp. 2004-2009

    • From: jenkinsg
    • Description:

      Jayanti, Age 11, 20042004-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

      Buta by Jayanti, 2004Dear 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
      Jayanti w/Mother & Gifts, 2004Accomplished 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
      Letter from Leader in Jayanti's CommunityBeneficiary 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

      Sunflowers by Jayanti, 2004Dear 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.

      Jayanti, 20052005-Age 11-12

      March

      Barn by Jayanti, 2005Dear 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
      Jayanti w/IGP Goods, 2005Please 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 with Bike & Mom, 2005"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,
      House by Jayanti, 2005In 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 with Bike, 2005Jayanti with Bike, 2005Jayanti Mandal

       

       

      September

      Lotus by Jayanti, 2005Dear 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.

      Jayanti, Age 13, 20062006--Age 12-13

      March

      Lotus by Jayanti, 2006Dear 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.

      Jayanti w/IGP Goods & MomWhat 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 w/Solar Panel & MomJayanti 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."

      Letter, Jayanti, 2006

      September
      Flowers by Jayanti, 2006Dear 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.

      Jayanti, Age 13, Early 2007Jayanti, Age 14, 20072007--Age 13-14

      March

      >Dear Ms. Jenkins,
      Rose by Jayanti, 2007My 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

      Jayanti & Mom w/Water PumpJune--SNG report completed by H. Mondal
      Please list the gifts provided to the child and family:
      1 irrigation pump

      Jayanti & Water Pump, 2007How 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.

      Letter by Jayanti, 2007

      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
      Buta by Jayanti, 2007Dear 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

      Jayanti, Age 15, 20082008--Age 14-15

      Flowers by Jayanti, 2008March
      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:
      Jayanti & Mom w/Almirah, 20081 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

      Jayanti & Gifts, 2008How will the gifts benefit the child and/or family?
      Jayanti & Mom w/Thresher, 2008The 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 Jayanti & Gifts, 2008requirement 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."

      Thank You Letter from Jayanti, 2009

      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)Letter from Jayanti, 2008

      October (CR)
      Rose by Jayanti, September, 2008Dear 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

      Rose by Jayanti, November 2008December (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

      Rose by Jayanti, 20092009--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. CI Thank You (Front), 2009CI Thank You (Back), 2009

      CI Thank You (Back), 2009

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      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.

    • Blog post
    • 3 months ago
    • Views: 833

  • Rina in the New Millenium Rina in the New Millenium

    • From: jenkinsg
    • Description:

      Apparently, the main part of this story, 1983-1998, has overtaxed the limit on blog post length. So this is a continuation.

      Rina, Age 15, 19991999--Ages 15-16

      February-"F" Memo completed by U.Mitra, Administrative Officer Sponsor Services

      Reply:
      The Special needs donation that was sent for Rina Samanta has been used for buying 2 wooden windows for the child's house. The costs are as given below:
      • Rina w windows, Feb. 19992 wooden windows - $98
      • fitting charges - $2

      Dear Sponsor,
      I hope you are well. Your kindness has enabled us to fix [i.e., install] two wooden windows in our house. Thank you for your generosity. It has made us very happy. I am studying in Grade VIII.
      Love,
      Rina Samantha

       

      March

      Peacock by Rina, Age 15, 1999Dear Sponsor,
      At first receive my cordial greetings, my friend. We are all well. Now I am writing about our national animal and bird to you. Tiger is our national animal. It is yellow in colour with black stripes on it. Tiger is 6' to 8' in length. It lives in the forest. Our national bird is peacock. In cloudy weather peacock dances spreading its wings with joy. At that time the bird is more beautiful. Dear sponsor, I convey my love, regards, and lots of thanks to you for your sincere help.
      Your sponsored child,
      Rina Samanta

      August-"F" Memo completed by U.Mitra, Administrative Officer Sponsor Services
      Rina wParents and Pump, Aug. 1999Reply:
      The Special needs donation that was sent for Rina Samanta has been used for buying a mini pump set as part of an Income Generation Project. With the help of the pump they will pump the water from canals for irrigating fields. They will also lend it out on hire to others thus making an extra income. The costs are as given below:

      • 1 mini pump set - $200

      Buta by Rina, Age 16, 1999Dear Sponsor,
      I hope you are well.
      Your kindness has enabled us to buy a pump set, which will help us a great deal.
      We are very greatful to you for your generosity. May God keep you well.
      Your loving child,
      Rina Samanta

      September

      This letter is written in English!! The only one I've ever gotten from an Indian child:

      Flag of India English Letter from Rina, Sept. 1999

       December
      Rina wParents and Study Furniture, Dec. 1999Dear Sponsor,
      My respects to you. We are all well. I hope you are well.
      I am studying in Grade IX.
      Your kindness and generosity has helped us to buy a bookshelf, a chair and a table. I can now study comfortably. Thank you very much for thinking about us. We are very grateful to you. Buta by Rina, Age 16, Dec. 1999May God keep you well.
      Take care of yourself.
      Your loving child,
      Rina Samanta

       

      Rina, Age 162000--Ages16-17

      March

      Dear Sponsor,
      Hope you are well. We are all fine. I go to school regularly. I like to study. I study in Grade 9. There are 38 students in our class. We study Benglali, English, Maths, History, Geography, Science. My favourite subject is lFarm by Rina, Age 15ife science. Besides our school is a playground, the environment is very good. I thank you for all your help.
      With love and regards,
      Your sponsored child,
      Rina Samanta

       

      Rina, Age 17, w/Wholesale Rice, 2000July--SNG Report completed by U. Mitra, Administrative Officer, Sponsor Services

      "The special needs donaton that was sent for Rina Samanta has been used for buying paddy at a wholesale rate from the local market to be sold later at a higher price. This will help the family earn more and make life more comfortable for the child and her family. The details are given below: Paddy (1800 kg [3968.3 lbs]) - $200Rina, Age 17, w/Rice and Parents

       

       

       

       

      September

      Peacock by Rina, Age 16Dear Sponsor,
      I hope that you are fine in the grace of God. We are all fine. There was a fair in our village. I went with my friends to the fair. We had a ride in one of the rides there. I bought a few things. We enjoyed a lot.
      We are endlessly grateful for your help.
      With love and respect,
      Your sponsored child
      Rina Samanta

      This was my favourite letter. I was touched that the family had enough to spend it on frivolous things like a teenager's day at the fair.

      November--SNG Report by John E. Johnston-Romans, Sponsor Services Representative

      Rina, Parents, and Bamboo, Nov. 2000"...I am happy to tell you that your gift was used to purchase materials to repair and improve the kitchen in Rina's home. The list of materials purchased is as follows:"

      • bricks
      • 21 bags of sand
      • nails
      • 3 bags of cement
      • 50 tiles
      • 10 pieces of bamboo
      • labor and transportation

      Rina with Bricks, Nov. 2000Dear Sponsor,
      Your kindness and generosity has enabled us to buy building materials for repairing our kitchen. Materials have been bought and construction will be over very soon. Concrete pillars will also be built. We will be more Rina with Sand, Nov. 2000comfortable than before. It has been a dream come true for my family and me.
      Thank you for being my sponsor and for thinking about me. We are all very grateful to you. May God keep you well.
      Love,
      Rina Samanta

      Rina, Age 17? 18? 19?2001 -- Ages 17-18

      February--SNG Report completed by Urmila Mitra
      Please list the gifts provided to the family:
      "The family has bought a paddy threshing machine and a spray gun."

      Rina with Rice Thresher, 2002How will the gift benefit the child/family?
      "The spray gun will help the family protect their crops while the paddy thresher can be hired out to others for a profit of $4/month. Rina said, 'We will now earn some more money.'"

      Rina w. Parents and Rice Thresher, 2002Dear Sponsor,
      Flower by Rina, Age 17, 2002My best wishes to you. Your kindness and generosity has enabled us to buy a paddy threshing machine and a paddy spray gun. We have benefitted greatly from the donation.
      Thank you for being my sponsor and for thinking about me. We are all very grateful to you. May God keep you well.
      Love,
      Rina Samanta

      March

      Dear Sponsor,

      Hope you are doing well; we are all doing well. We have de-worming medicine twice a year. We get to know about hygiene and cleanliness from the childcare worker who teaches us by showing us posters, Bouquet by Rina, 2001performing in street plays and taking out processions. These tablets are pink in color and taste like lemon drops. We have all benefitted from these medicines.

      I am grateful for your help and kindness and convey my warm regards, good wishes and love.
      Yours faithfully,

      Your sponsored child,
      Rina Samanta

      Rina & Kitchen RepairsMay-SNG Report completed by Sujata Banerjee (Easter gift-$100?)

      "The family has purchased materials for [continuing] repairing their kitchen, brass water pitcher, water filterand stool with the donation. The family will be able to do kitchen work more comfortably.

      "Rina says: 'I am too happy that our kitchen will look new and moreover we have some materials for our convenience too.'"

      Pond by Rina, 2001Dear Sponsor,
      We are well and hope you all are well too. With your help we have been able to purchase bricks, sand and cement for repairing our kitchen. We have also received a water pitcher, a water filter and a stool. We are greatly benefitted and are thankful to you. With regards,

      From your loving child--
      Rina Samanta

      2002 Progress Report 

      I'm going to include some information from the 2002 Progress Report (the last one, and the only one I still have) for your consideration as you read what follows:

      • Older sister Rikta is now 27 and married. (Actually, I think she was married when sponsorship started, which would have made her 15.) She's still listed on the report, so that means her husband and child/ren live with Rina and her parents. The other older sister Rina mentioned was never on the report, so presumably had already married and gone to live with her husband's family before sponsorship started. That's the customary arrangement; it's less typical for a man to join his wife's family as Rikta's husband has.
      • Older brother Sambhu is 33, unmarried, and also still lives in the home. In Hindu culture, however, it would be expected for him to remain in the home, raising his own family there. Normally, it would be his responsibility to look after his parents.
      • Family income: $38 (triple or quintuple what it was when sponsorship began)
      • Home: Living room, multi-purpose room, kitchen; Brick walls, concrete (tile) roof, brick floor (I think this paving was done with leftovers from another SNG)
      • Cooking: Earthen stove (Rina mentioned "gathering fuel" as one of her household chores)
      • Water source: Community pump ("Fetching water" was another chore)
      • Sleeping: 2 wooden beds (for 7 people, I think)
      • Electricity: Available but not affordable

      Rina w/Bricks, 2001Rina 2/Door, 2001July--SNG Report completed by Sujata Banerjee (Birthday gift, $200?)

      "The family has received bricks, cement, sand stone chips, bamboo, tiles, one door, hardware items and hired masons, laborers and carpenter for a bathing room construction with the donation. The family will be able to bathe in a proper place and in a more hygienic way.

      "Rina is very happy: 'It is because of my thoughtful sponsor that we have gradually received everything necessary to lead the life smoothly.'"

      Rina's Bathing Room Construction, 2001Dear Sponsor,
      Hope you all are well. We all are fine. With your help we have received bricks, sand, cement etc. for a bathing room construction. The work is progressing. This will be of great help to us.
      With loving regards,
      From--
      Your child Rina Samanta

      Last Buta by Rina, 2001

       

       

       

      September

      Dear Sponsor,
      Hope you are well with God's grade. We are fine. Every morning I wake up at 5 a.m. Then I was myself and to to study at 5:30 a.m. I come back home at 9 a.m. After coming back, I help my mother to do the household job. At 10 a.m., I to go to the school. When I come back, once again I help my mother. In the evening I do my studies.
      I thank you for your help. With loving regards,
      Your sponsored child,
      Rina Samanta

      Rina, Age 18, January 20022002--Ages 18-19

      Photo is detail from the SNG pictures below.

      February-SNG Report completed by Sujata Banjeree (Christmas gift, $100)

      Rina w/winter goods, Feb. 2002"The family has purchased clothes for all the family members and two quilts with covers with the donation. The family will be able to live more comfortably.

      "A very happy Rina commented: 'We have got woolen garments for all my family members and myself. These will help us to be more comfortable during the winter [when temperatures plummet to those typical of an American mid-Atlantic late April or May; i.e. anywhere from 50-90F]. The quilts will also keep us warm at night.'"

      Rina w/family, Feb. 2002

      Dear Sponsor,
      Hope all of you are well. We are well. With your aids we got winter clothes-shawl-sweater-bed sheet-quilt etc. from Project. We are very happy. Please accept my thanks. We are ever grateful to you. Please accept my regards and love,
      Your lovingly,
      Rina Samanta


      August-Additional info from Progress report

      Rina turned 19 On June 16. By this time she was 5'4" tall (pretty tall for an Indian girl) and weighed 102 lbs. She was healthy. Her favorite subject was languages (Bengali, English and probably Hindi). Her favorite pastime was indoor games.

      I believe that in Spring she started college level studies. I didn't realize at the time that class BA-1 meant first year Bachelor of Arts, but going back over old letters (the cache I can't find) after I'd started funding college for another child, I understood. She must have gotten a scholarship.

      September--Last Letter

      Last Drawing by Rina, 2002Dear Sponsor,
      I hope you are fine and so is your family. We are all fine. I am studying very hard. We have five seasons--summer, winter, spring, monsoon and autumn. My favorite season is winter. It is a very comfortable season. During winter a number of flowers bloom. We are forever grateful to you for your love and support.
      Please accept my love and regards,
      Thanking you,
      Rina Samanta

      In November, I think, I was notified that Rina had completed the program. Sahay doesn't seem to have a schedule for departures; when my next child was 18, I asked when (after she turned 19) she would graduate, the inquiry was made, and the response was they didn't know. I think for the sponsor this uncertainty contributes to a sense that the end of sponsorship is more like a dying than a commencement: You know it's going to happen but you don't know exactly when.

      But I'm going to end with the high point of my sponsorship, which had occurred in June:

      June--SNG report completed by Sujata Ghosh (Birthday gift; $100? $200)

      Rina & Friends, 2002"As per the family's decision, a steel bookshelf [with glass-enclosed shelves], a wooden long chair with backrest (3-person bench), a wooden table and twelve wooden low benches has been purchased for Rina's school with the donation. The school teachers will be able tkeep the libary books in a more organized way. Moreover the long chair with backrest and the table will be used in the teachers' common room and the low benches will enable the students to seat more comfortably. [Compared to sitting on the floor; these are really rough wooden benches.]

      Rina at School, 2002

      "Rina said: 'The sponsor has given me enough gifts to live more comfortably. Now that we do not have any more need other than her regular help, we decide to give the money to the school. A steel book-shelf was very much needed there and all my teachers and the students are very happy. More books will be properly kept in the new bookshelf now. The other items will also help the teachers and students to be more comfortable.'"

      Rina & Friends, 2002Dear Sponsor,
      Hope you are well. We are all fine. With your help 12 benches, 1 desk[?], 1 table have been bought in the school where I study. A steel bookcase has also been bought for our school library. We all will be ever grateful to you for your help. I thank you. With love and regards,
      Yours lovingly,
      Rina Samanta

      I'm so proud of this family!!!Cry

      Why I sponsor in India

      Ruksana's story

    • Blog post
    • 3 months ago
    • Views: 778

  • Around the world Around the world

    • From: dguinn
    • Description:

      Our community center in Kanyama, Zambia, is full of sponsored children clambering on the playground, one of the only safe areas for kids to play in the entire compound. Here I am, Mr. Muzungu (or, White Person) joining in the fun during my visit in 2006. We spun around so fast and furiously I could barely walk a straight line when I got off.  

    • 7 months ago
    • Views: 917

  • Playing with Poverty Playing with Poverty

    • From: CI_Staff
    • Description:

      By Scott Cotter

       

      It’s the one place they seem just like other kids. And it seems so, well, simple.

      Put up a swing set, a slide, a teeter totter and a jungle gym and you have instant happy. Laughter fills the air and kids get to be something they should be…kids.

       

      on the slide

       

      In Chibolya, it’s easy to see how much use the equipment gets. Weld on top of weld holds the parts together so the children can keep playing. And they do. Day after day, they’re forgetting the circumstances outside the walls while shouts of joy fill the air. Heck, even rain won’t run them off. In Kanyama, drops fell like rocks, pounding the community and everything in it. But many of the kids ignored the weather and kept right on having a good time.  

      Our community centers here are a refuge. I suppose they are everywhere. Especially when kids have no place to play.

       

      Zambia playground

       

       

    • Blog post
    • 7 months ago
    • Views: 1254

  • on the slide on the slide

    • From: CI_Staff
    • Description:
      boy in Children International's community center playground going down the slide
    • 7 months ago
    • Views: 1056

  • Zambia playground Zambia playground

    • From: CI_Staff
    • Description:
      kids play on playground at one of children international's community centers
    • 7 months ago
    • Views: 1202
Results 1 - 11 of 11

Terms of Service