Below are excerpts from the July 2023 edition of the Hope Project Newsletter. You are invited to view the full edition here.
Photo: Huts for KIDS IN NATURE
The Hope Project’s Kids in Nature Project originated to provide the children with the opportunity of practical exposure to nature. Facilitated by their teachers and trainers, the kids experience an open and natural environment outside of a classroom. Our goal is to offer a holistic experience of learning, being and feeling. With this in mind, we have expanded and are developing a campus ‘Eco Resort Sustainable Environment, Education & Training, KIDS IN NATURE’ in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, near the world heritage Ranthambore National Tiger Park. The construction of huts and caretaker residence is almost completed. We have found a cost-effective, noise-free and environment-friendly source of energy by installing a solar water pump. The plants selected are suitable for that land and climate enabling further plantation.
Zahida (middle) is the only daughter of Akeejah Begum, who works as a domestic helper. Deserted by her husband, Akeejah had to work to survive. Zahida was four years old when she was brought to creche. Unexpressive and uninterested in other kids, she always used to lie down all the time and talk to herself. The creche coordinator took note and found her emotional development was stunted. Befriending her, she found out that the domestic violence between her parents left Zahida traumatized. With regular counseling by the creche coordinator, Zahida started to play and talk to her and later made some friends in her group.
Photo: Muskan with her sewing machine
Muskan, now 18, was only a child when her father passed away. Her mother had to work as a packer to support her family of five daughters. The girls could not continue their studies because of the instability prevailing. Muskan came to know about Hope’s vocational centre at Seelampur and enrolled in Cutting & Tailoring as well as Beauty Culture courses. She learned diligently. Amidst the rocky financial condition, two of her sisters passed away within a few weeks gap and the mother lost her job. Knowing about the misery and hardships, the coordinator of the vocational programs intervened and Muskan was provided with a sewing machine and a beauty kit from Hope free of cost.