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The most awaited happening, for which the children were waiting for a long long time happened in first week of March. They joined an evening computer class, for an hour daily, five days a week for three months. As you can see from the above photograph, the girls were thrilled. We were waiting for their terminal exams to be over before starting the course. A heartfelt thanks to the people whose helped make this dream come true.
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The story of Pallavi & Dev
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In the beginning of March, two children, Pallavi & Dev, were brought to us by Child Helpline. They were abandoned on a busy market road by a stranger, who was luring them with chocolates but fled when questioned by passerbys. He was apparently kidnapping the two. A report was lodged with the local police station at Vikasnagar Police Station and the children were brought to Saheli Women's Shelter. They were given a good bath, fresh set of clothes and were looked after for two days till the police were able to trace their parents, who turned out to be daily laborers, living in a makeshift shelter in the same area. The picture above on the right is of the children reunited with their parents.
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The latest addition to Saheli family is Hema. A very determined 22 year girl who used to stay alone with her father, who was alcoholic and used to beat her regularly. Her brothers live in Jaipur and cannot help her. She is doing MBA first year by correspondence. To pay her fees for BBA Hema met the CM of Uttarakhand all by herself and got the sanction, such is her determination.
She is determined to succeed in life but has absolutely no help and an alcoholic father.
We took her in the shelter without wasting even a minute. Being academically inclined, she has been helping out the other children with their studies.
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Holi, the Indian festival of Colors, was celebrated with happiness, food and colors in the Saheli Women's Shelter. This is the one time of the year, when children really miss their parents and families because such festivals are spent with one's family. Thankfully, with lots of sweets and colors, the children got into the festive mood and shared the joys of the festival, with their new found family.
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Meeting on Domestic Violence
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A wonderful very stimulating meeting today at Kathbanglow 2 slum for the first time on 28th March. The slum is on the outskirts of Dehradun and is home to around 30 very poor families. It was really well attended and the women participated very enthusiastically. As in the Sapera Basti, wife beating is a common problem here. The good news is that at least here, girls are not married before 18 yrs. We will be having regular monthly meetings here and try and bring about a change.
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Message from the Secretary
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Greetings from Saheli,
March has been an happy month for us, we reunited two children, who were about to be kidnapped with their parents, gave shelter to a very bright energetic girl who has dreams in her eyes and the best part was our girls going for computer classes. Their is no substitute for being computer literate in the modern world.
Our hunt for a bigger house is still on, with last stage bargaining with two parties, hopefully in the next newsletter we should be able to give you good news. We desperately need a bigger house as we are full to the brim and refuse so many children and ladies, who are in dire need of help.
Prakash, the boy mauled by a leopard, is doing well. He has started going for private coaching as he cannot go to school because of the tube in his throat. His appetite has now improved and he is due for review in PGI Chandigarh in May.
A humble request I would like to make everyone is to help us out with donations. You can "adopt" a child for Rs 3000/- per month, for as long as you like. You can stop the donations as and when you wish, no questions asked. This amount of Rs 3000/- includes Rs 800/- for studies, Rs 2000/- for food and Rs 200/- towards personal expenses. Details of ways to donate are here:
http://www.sahelitrust.com/donate.asp
Please remember, each rupee counts and please don't think that there are many "others" who will help us. Do help us yourself too. We now have 80G, so you get tax benefit too.
And finally, a big request to everyone is to please help us grow by giving us advice on the way forwards, by pointing out our mistakes and by suggesting new ideas to us. Please do not hesitate in criticizing anything you don't like. And if you live in Dehradun, or if you ever visit our city, my earnest appeal to you is to visit us. Do call me and I shall be honored to arrange a visit for you. My number is +91-9760371958.
With regards,
Shruti Kaushik,
Secretary, Saheli
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