ASHA Neketon

A Shelter of Hope

India | ASHA Neketon

A country with such huge needs, it can seem overwhelming. In 2007 Orphans Aid was introduced to the City Of Joy – Kolkata. Yes the same place where Mother Theresa served and where her charities still exist. We have built a great relationship with a Foundation in India and together we have been working on how best to serve the 200 million estimated children that live on the streets, many targeted as child workers and in danger of trafficking.

A Shelter of Hope

How do you put a price on a child? The price offered to buy one of the children who lives in the shelter we help was $60NZ. Obviously that offer was rejected – as would any offer.

If you have seen the movie Slumdog Millionaire you've seen the face of the children we serve in Kolkata, India. Since 2007 we have been funding a feeding and basic medical programme for children that live in the gutters, pavements and rubbish piles of Kolkata. The stench makes it hard to visit these children. These children are surviving because of practical help given to them via Kiwi supporters providing the bare necessities such as rice and plastic sheets to sleep under.

They also have been receiving a basic education via Indian volunteers. We recently held a skype call between children in Southland NZ and the children (small classroom) in a slum area in Kolkata.  Technology is one way which we can strengthen our relationship with and assist the people in this area.

Peter is an example of the children we help here. When we first met him in 2007, his father had just died. His mother was sick and he was only 14. We purchased him a Rickshaw, which is held in trust for him so his older brother could earn money for food. Late 2009 his mother died from an infection, and Peter and his older brother John now live on the street alone. Peter and John are receiving medical help (which they could not get otherwise, as they are considered outcasts), food and Peter is receiving a very basic education. (Names changed for privacy)

We value your support to assist the poorest of the poor.