Saturday, 11 September 2010

Shikshantar Outreach Program's "Koseli"

Dear Friends,
Greetings and Namaste!!
The month of August started on a very positive note with the introduction of the hot mid day meal from the 1st itself.  The excitement of the children knew no bounds and the tangible result was that absenteeism dropped dramatically right in the first week. There was a perpetual state of euphoria in the whole school. We would like to thank the group of women, headed by the Bhimsaria ladies who took charge of the kitchen. They not only sponsor all the kitchen expenses but also decide on the menu broadly. A special mention to Namrata Garg for the treat of Miho noodles.
“The children of Koseli would also like to thank them for the beautiful raincoats they sent for them”.
In August, we also ran the drive of collecting second hand stationery and loads of people came forward with their support. A special thanks to Jeanette Sollen who sent us stuff all the way from Switzerland and her friend Eumir, who carried it for us. Eumir is on an expedition to  Mt. Manaslu, we wish him all the very best in his edeavour.
This month also witnessed the heavy downpours of the monsoons which had a very heavy impact on our kitchen garden. The garden got flooded over and over gain until all the veges we had planted died. The children were next to feel the impact of the monsoon. The water entered their homes, toilets over flowed and eventually a whole load of them fell sick. Thus we once again observed high absenteeism in the middle of the month. Thankfully, towards the end of the month normalcy started to resume in the premises once again.
In the second week, Koseli went abuzz with nervousness of the first term examination, the pre primary children excelled in all the subjects and the results of the primary kids were satisfactory but they need to work harder. The results will be formally distributed in September.
In our monthly round of medical checkup, we had Maria going for her follow up. Chandrakala who had been complaining of a chest pain since she had joined was actually diagnosed with worms in her stomach and was treated for the same. She is fine now. Yogesh and Januka both were treated for eye infections and have fully recovered. Sanjib and Sabin were treated for ear infection.s Sanjib has recovered but Sabin needs another visit to the doctor.
To our delight, Ritu and Junu have joined us as a volunteer English teachers. Ritu works with grade Six kids on creative writing skills and Junu with grade one and two. We welcome them to Koseli family and also thank them for their services. We would like to extend a hearty welcome to Ms. Monica who has joined the teaching staff at school.

Finally, we would like to thank all our sponsors and well wishers for believing in us and supporting us.

Have a great month!!

Friday, 6 August 2010

Shikshantar Outreach Program's "Koseli"

Dear Friends,
Greetings and Namaste!!
The month of July has been full of activity.  To begin with the children got their school uniforms. Each child has got 2 sets of uniforms. Since they brush and bathe in school, they also change into their school uniforms in school. However the class VI children are old enough to take care of their hygiene needs so they have been given their uniforms to take home.
The children are well settled into their routine and enjoying their activities even more with the new white boards finding their way into each class room.
On the last Friday of the month, we had a great trip to the zoo so much so that when the bus driver called to go back little Manoj got very angry and we had to carry him back to the bus.
On Saturday we visited their homes in Jadi Buti slum and Sukhumvasi areas.
Thankyou Jen and Stephanie for some of the greatest shots u took. We totally loved your company.
We had a great time with “Jadugar Himshaa” performing her magic tricks in front of the Full House. Thankyou Himshikha, it was simply awesome.
We also started preparing for the hot mid day meal. Thanks to food committee headed by the Bhimsaria ladies. We thank you and love you for your concern.
This month also saw Maria and Brindesh falling sick. Actually, both of them have been suffering with skin diseases. For a long time. The consultation with doctor confirmed that Maria is suffering from a rare skin genetic disorder epidermolysis bullosa which cannot be cured. The condition is aggravated by poor hygiene conditions and was pretty severe when we first looked at it. With some medications and a long lecture on hygiene issues to Maria and her older sister (who is also her care taker), she has shown tremendous signs of improvement. Maria’s mother had also suffered from the same disease before she passed away a few years ago.
6 year old Brindesh was diagnosed with scabies and is currently on leave. Hats off to Upendra (14yrs), his older brother and also the caretaker of the family for maintaining the hygiene requirements and administering medication in time. We hope to see him soon.
Finally we would like to welcome Beena Agrawal, Vishnu Agrawal, Sunil Dugar, Neha Jalan and Payal Dugar for their contributions  which will make a huge difference to our lives.

Have a Great Month!!