Child sponsorship update from Bhimtal, India

Update for child sponsors from the SOS Children's Village Bhimtal, India

Dear Friend,

Golden time comes again to wish you and your family 'A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year 2009'. We feel overwhelmed to have your company in our efforts and together in a movement to bring love and peace to our children. We extend our heartfelt thanks to you, as all this has been possible with your sincere and valuable support.

Facilities
Our SOS Campus Bhimtal, is a glittering jewel amidst the lush green Himalayan hills and the exquisite Bhimtal Lake, it comprises of 12 family houses, SOS School, B.Ed College, SOS Medical Centre, Consumer store, Guesthouse and Co-worker residence. All the facilities are well equipped and maintained to fulfill the dreams of our children at Bhimtal.

Home coming
On the way to our destination we have been able to reach out 7 destitute children (One boy & six girls) they have adjusted very well in the atmosphere of the village and are happy with their new families. At present our family at Bhimtal comprising of 110 children, amongst them 71girls and 39 boys are residing in the village with 12 mothers and four aunts. Apart for this 54 young boys are in youth facilities.

Scholars
At present our 21 children are attending Nursery School, 94 schools, 13 college, 15 vocational 2 at home, in the field of education our children are performing very well, all the children have passed and continuing their education in next grade. Children are being provided with regular tuition, continuous support and guidance to keep up their performance. Three girls have joined Master of business administration from different institutes and two have joined coaching classes for entrance exams of Master of Business administration.

Socio Economic Development
Our state is providing emphasis on organic farming; most of the agriculture in done by Bio composes fertilizers this increase fertility of the land and it will also decrease the possibilities of lots of infection and diseases. This year Block Member & Gram Panchayat election were held in the state

Celebrations
We have enjoyed all the festivals with great joy and happiness the whole year passed with happiness. Lots of cultural and educational activities were organised for the children in the village. A group of children went on the tour to Haridwar and Dheradun and other group went to Garja Temple Ramnagar on the excursion tour they enjoyed a lot on the tour.

Achievements of goals
Three girls & four boys after completing their education have started job in reputed organisation they are happy and enjoying their jobs. Three girls got married during the year, all are happy in their new life. Some of the youth of our Village have started their small business with the help of their Money gift savings. Their business are running well, they are able to establish a good and secure future for themselves. Kavita is one of the successful girls she has completed her general nursing and Midwifery course and got a job in government hospital she has been able to build a secure future for herself.

Working with children and communities at Bhimtal, India

Family strengthening programmes
The SOS Children organisation joins hands with individuals, families, communities and other partners to support families where children are at risk of falling out or families which are on the verge of collapse through our family strengthening programmes. This year we have been able to reach out to 136 children and 61 families including. Training programmes were organized in the field of candle making, food processing, and organic farming. Over all result of the children was 95%. One of the youth secured 63% in class XII and now he has joined graduation with science stream, other has passed class X with 65% and got science stream for further education. Beside this we have adopted one village in which we are supporting 37 families including 94 children.

The SOS School Bhimtal organised parent’s teacher meeting four times in a year to discuss the progress of children. The Curriculum has been designed to provide a balanced education laying equal emphasis on academics, physical and cultural development. Over all result of the School was good highest passing percentage is 91.6% for class XII and 91.2% for class X. Present strength of the school is 820 scholars including 168 boarders.

B.ED (Bachelor of education) College
Organised lot of cultural and educational programme for the enhancement of the students. Intel Teach Programme was carried out by master trainers. They trained 11 students for integration of technology in teaching and learning and these 11 students trained the whole class for the same. Annual day of the college was celebrated with great enthusiasm student and teacher were at their best in exhibiting their talents

SOS Medical Centre
was established in the year 1991, with the aim to provide comprehensive health care to all the intimates of SOS enclave Bhimtal and near by communities. Our medical centre is well equipped with well educated medical staff and good quality equipments. Free consultancy and X-ray, Lab, ambulance facilities on nominal payment as the same is not available locally. Besides the above indoor and outdoor treatment the center envisages to have various specialists visiting the centre once a fortnight and arrange health and medical camp for the inmates and the community.

We are very much thankful for all your support and courage you have provide to us for our continued movement of building and strengthening families for children in need.

Yours sincerely,
(Dr. S.C. Mishra)