Just One Feeding Initiative began distributing meals to children in this slum neighborhood, the Kanshiram Awastham, Shivpur, six months ago in March 2014. This must be our 6th feeding in this area during that period. Awastham means 'residences' or the Western version of our governmental subsidized housing for low income and impoverished families. It is the toughest area for us to feed because this area has a lot of teenage and troubled young adults. They are always on the periphery of the feeding area causing mischief and lacking respect for discipline, the coordinators, and the local staff.
This area is chosen for many reasons. One, the animators, or the local coordinators, are new to this area, but very energetic. The animators act as teachers that provide education and discipline so severely missing in most slum areas. We can see, feel, and experience the difference in these communities when Sai Maa Vishnu Shakti Trust and ASMITA feed the children here.
This area is chosen for many reasons. One, the animators, or the local coordinators, are new to this area, but very energetic. The animators act as teachers that provide education and discipline so severely missing in most slum areas. We can see, feel, and experience the difference in these communities when Sai Maa Vishnu Shakti Trust and ASMITA feed the children here.
Two, the animator for this area, Sunita and her partner, are always eager to serve this community. It takes a tremendous amount of energy and responsibility to organize and host one of these feedings in a slum district. Not all the animators are willing to expend that much time and energy to rally the resources of the local community. Third, not all of the slum areas have enough children to feed 250 to 300 children in one day. Kanshiram is the poorest of the poor and they are uniquely brought together by the government allowing flexibility in the distribution of the food to the children.
I had an interesting discussion with one of the men that was timidly hoping to get a meal after the children were fed. He is properly rebuked by Father Dilraj. This is an important aspect of the feedings, The children are the priority and these feedings are for them. In these areas, everyone is in need. And in India especially, it is very easy to allow exceptions for those in need. However, the Sai Maa Trust and ASMITA are one of the few non-profit or governmental programs that I have witnessed with an integrity and impeccability in ensuring that all funds are distributed for the cause of feeding needy children.
Why is this so important? In these communities, everyone is scrutinizing our actions. They judge every move. Our actions have to match our cause. Sai Maa Vishnu Shakti Trust and ASMITA are there not only to serve the children, but to provide an example. To show the community that there are people that do care for them and will do things the 'right way' according to their principles, words and actions. Examples of caring and right action have a tremendous affect on a community. We can see the results over time. I see it in how the animators are empowered and shine ever more brilliantly. I see it in the community members and in how they behave and respect the staff. But most of all, I see it in the behavior of the children. I see it in the discipline while waiting hours in the heat of the day for their meal and in their interactions with us. I see it in their eagerness to receive us and in their gratefulness for our presence. Today, we are able to feed another 300 children, however it is so much more than Just the One meal that has happened today!
I had an interesting discussion with one of the men that was timidly hoping to get a meal after the children were fed. He is properly rebuked by Father Dilraj. This is an important aspect of the feedings, The children are the priority and these feedings are for them. In these areas, everyone is in need. And in India especially, it is very easy to allow exceptions for those in need. However, the Sai Maa Trust and ASMITA are one of the few non-profit or governmental programs that I have witnessed with an integrity and impeccability in ensuring that all funds are distributed for the cause of feeding needy children.
Why is this so important? In these communities, everyone is scrutinizing our actions. They judge every move. Our actions have to match our cause. Sai Maa Vishnu Shakti Trust and ASMITA are there not only to serve the children, but to provide an example. To show the community that there are people that do care for them and will do things the 'right way' according to their principles, words and actions. Examples of caring and right action have a tremendous affect on a community. We can see the results over time. I see it in how the animators are empowered and shine ever more brilliantly. I see it in the community members and in how they behave and respect the staff. But most of all, I see it in the behavior of the children. I see it in the discipline while waiting hours in the heat of the day for their meal and in their interactions with us. I see it in their eagerness to receive us and in their gratefulness for our presence. Today, we are able to feed another 300 children, however it is so much more than Just the One meal that has happened today!
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