When I decided to be part of the joy of giving event, I was looking ahead to take part in the fun activities that the office would be organizing as part of the event. I got into the organizing committee so that I would have a change from my day today activities. The team had already identified 4 NGO’s and the organizing team needs to visit the NGO’s to get an understanding of their needs and how we can help them and whether they are really needing attention.
I was not looking forward for the visit but thank fully I was not feeling down that I may have to forgo my weekend afternoon sleep.
We reached the NGO at 1.45 Pm in the afternoon 15mts before our planned visit time, we were greeted by the care taker who explained to us that there are about 50 children and they have two houses where 1 was for girls and 1 for boys. We were taken to the 3rd floor were the tailoring classes are usually held. The house was quite small but well maintained. The kids were waiting in the second floor and gave us big hello when we entered.
I was not sure what to expect from them. I was also feeling little nervous for the fear that anything I do should not hurt them. We spoke in English as the local language was not our forte, to my surprise and relief the children were ready with a huge smile to converse in English. Their vibrant eyes and happy faces spoke a lot more that they intended to. The kids were receiving good education and were also part of good colleges and schools.
The confidence in them definitely showed that they have been taken care well. Hats off to the caretaker and her two helpers. They manage 50 kids, sit with them for homework, guide them in this cruel world and take care of them. I could not end up but compare myself with my 4 year old son his homework, his school activities, his stories, his medicines, his complaints, his food habits, his friends and finally his day’s narration and questions. The whole comparison left me with a huge sense of what can be done, and what needs to be done.
I always had a thought that NGO’s may not spend money efficiently, But seeing the JP Nagar Literacy India kids I realized that the kids here were taken care well, given good education and had a special bonding among themselves and the caretaker. I am sure there are many such NGO’s.
They danced, sang and played with us. It was already 4 and we had to leave. Having spent 2 hours with them I left with a lighter heart and on a happier note that my Sunday was worthwhile.
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