Whenever i would see a child or a handicapped person on the streets asking for money, i felt a pang of pain. Sometimes i donated to a cause, sometimes gave money to beggars and sometimes just felt helpless.Gradually, i realised they don't need my money or my pity, what they really needed was support and opportunities so that they could lead their lives in a more dignified manner.
Thus, this strong urge led me to join AID, where i met so many like minded people who helped and guided me throughout, to enable/empower me achieve this dream.
After working for AID Aashayein for nearly 9 months, i decided to start a new project for people who are devoid of the basic necessities of life. After a series of discussions and site visits and with the help and support of our Aashayein team we started, Project Pehal.
Project Pehal started on Children's day ie. 14th November, and caters to children of construction workers, who are mainly Bengali migrants. These children usually spent their day playing with mud, running around and at times getting into socially unacceptable activities. The main aim is to introduce them to education along with making them realise their potential.
Getting this project in place was not an easy task and initially we met with a lot of reluctance from the workers. They feared they would have to spend money for enrolling their children with us and suspected our intentions. But, thankfully, Deboshree, A Pehal volunteer, who happens to know Bengali , struck the right chord with them and convinced them that it was for the benefit of their own children, that would educate them and none of their expenses was required.
A well qualified teacher has been employed to provide them with primary education whereas our volunteers conduct the skill building classes.
It is just the beginning, as the name suggests, its our first step. However, i am confident and hopeful that with the dedicated efforts of the Aashayein team and guidance of AID NCR, Project Pehal will cross many new milestones in future.
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