When I went back to my mother country of India 10 years ago for a class reunion, one of our tours arranged for us was to visit one of the creches run by HKI. As my son and I leaned forward and had one of these amazing young children put a mark of appreciation on our foreheads, I fell in love. The concept of "nesting" these beautiful young children in a safe, loving and educational environment so their older siblings could go to school and escape the endless cycle of hopelessness and poverty was so simple, so elegant, so divinely human! This is what the human race was meant to be, and I'm proud to be part of it as a donor and board member. "Namaste" is that ancient Indian greeting that says it all in it's deepest meaning: "I honor the divine that I see in you". Please help this organization plant seeds that grow into fruit bearing trees through the fertile ground of faith, hope and love...especially these children who will be the future leaders of their communities and remember the hope you gave them!
This organization works towards giving young kids a healthy start to life through education, nutrition, art and sport. I took these photos in 2013 while visiting the organization and I’ve been impressed to see consistency in their work since then. Unlike other organizations which make decisions outside the local context, this one is deeply rooted in local experience to guide the board of directors, who value the agency of those working on the ground. Their volunteer board and their commitment to a greater good is what encouraged me to join in 2022.
I began my involvement with Help Kids India as a donor and volunteer, and was so impressed with the work being done that I eventually became a board member. The children in the preschools are those with the most difficult life situations in their communities, and through the education, nutrition, healthcare, and attention they receive at school, they become some of the most prepared and successful elementary and secondary school students in their villages. Many of the HKI preschool children receive scholarships to private schools, and end up earning college and trade school degrees. HKI sends monthly newsletters that provide excellent insight into daily life in the schools, and donors learn about challenges and successes, parent workshops, admissions, healthcare, and many other topics. HKI is in constant contact with the staff at the schools, and there is very open and frequent communication so that HKI understands the needs of the schools. The teachers also attend teacher workshops locally, as well as attending workshops conducted by HKI members with backgrounds in education. This organization truly positively impacts the lives of students, their families, their teachers, and their communities.
I visited all of the pre-schools in 2016 to take videos of all aspects of student life. I imbedded in the schools and with families of students in their homes I recorded parents in their workplaces, medical visits in the school health center, and student checkups at local hospitals. I interviewed teachers, Managing Director Hilda, families, and graduate students in high schools and college. I shared (and filmed) delicious, nutritious meals with the kids and teachers. The hope and progress these preschools bring to the children, their families, and their communities is beyond measure. I have observed many approaches to helping people rise from poverty, but I am convinced that early childhood education has got to be the most effective, long term investment in change.
I've never been to India, so I've never seen the poverty which confronts so many families there. Yet I've talked to people who have and their experiences prompted me to want to help.
So, I was glad to learn about Help Kids India. I was very impressed by their letters and videos.
They've helped deepen my understanding of challenges the children face and what can be done to help them. The staff are clearly very dedicated and doing great work in helping them. I'm glad to be able to contribute to this great organization.
In 1966 I started a small school in Kolkata, India. It thrived because of financial support from local and international persons. Many years later, when my cousin asked for support of the Help Kids India school, I was happy to contribute. Frequent newsletters keep donors like me well informed. From these reports, I conclude that the school is well managed and meets a critical need.
My church has helped to support one of the creches of Help Kids India for many years. I have visited the creches, several times, most recently in February 2019. Each time I visit, I am impressed anew with the care, learning and love that the children receive. HKI helps to break the cycle of poverty by giving the children a solid preschool foundation, health and wellness care, nutritious meals, and programs for their parents as well. We have found that the small amount we can give goes a very long way.
I lived in India for five years and have seen-smelled-tasted-heard-touched the poverty there. I didn't live it and it's hard to imagine a life where you have no security, safety or hope. When these little kids go to our creches with their good teachers, good food, safety and cleanliness, their learning, fun, health care, nice uniforms, and love, they leave poverty behind for a little while each day. They can be kids for awhile. I always wanted to help and HKI is a way to do it for all the kids with haunted eyes we saw every day.
catherinekidder 10/20/2022
I'm sorry we don't know who wrote this, but thank you for doing it, and for your support for the preschools! -- Catherine