Each year ASMITA holds a special Christmas celebration for the children of the slum areas that it serves. This year the celebration was held on December 21st in Sigra, Varanasi. The celebration is special in that it is an opportunity for these children to freely enjoy themselves and to express their talents on stage – a stage made from six wooden beds. Although held at Christmas, it is truly a celebration of peace and unity with most slum communities being Hindu or Muslim, and very few Christians being present.
Sai Maa Vishnu Shakti Trust is supporting this gathering as part of its Just One program. These are the children that Just One serves on a regular basis throughout the year in their own communities. The communities select children to attend this special celebration at ASMITA, so many of these children know me and come up to say hello or shake hands. Today’s meal is kitcheri (rice and lentils) and a banana. As a treat each of the 200 children also receive a small fried sweet and small muffin.
Sai Maa Vishnu Shakti Trust is supporting this gathering as part of its Just One program. These are the children that Just One serves on a regular basis throughout the year in their own communities. The communities select children to attend this special celebration at ASMITA, so many of these children know me and come up to say hello or shake hands. Today’s meal is kitcheri (rice and lentils) and a banana. As a treat each of the 200 children also receive a small fried sweet and small muffin.
One small boy whom I did not recognize stood out. He was sitting silently by himself rather than chattering excitedly with others and had a wild look. His hair was newly cut, but roughly and short - almost as though fistfuls had recently been cut off. His forehead had a cut and his scalp also seemed to have been injured. When the food was served he hungrily devoured the first plateful. After everyone was served he received a second plate of food that was devoured just as quickly and just as intently.
I discovered that this young boy of about 10 had been found on the streets the previous night and was being cared for while the children’s crisis center (ChildLine) investigated. He is a reminder of the hardship many slum children face, and how the meals provided by Just One are so welcomed by those facing immediate hunger and cold.
I discovered that this young boy of about 10 had been found on the streets the previous night and was being cared for while the children’s crisis center (ChildLine) investigated. He is a reminder of the hardship many slum children face, and how the meals provided by Just One are so welcomed by those facing immediate hunger and cold.
RSS Feed