Child sponsorship update from Jaipur, India

Update for child sponsors from the SOS Children's Village Jaipur, India from Winter 2008.

Dear Friends,

Seasons’ greetings from SOS Children’s Village, Jaipur family.

It gives us immense joy to share with you the developments, happenings and progress of our children as this year comes to an end. We are thankful to you and express our gratitude for your continued support for our children.

This year 09 new children were brought home (07 boys & 2 girl). They all found a home, brothers and sisters and their SOS Mothers. All the children have settled well and are growing up well under the love and care of SOS mothers. SOS Children’s Village, Jaipur has successfully completed more than three decades’ selfless services to the needy children of Rajasthan.

The village is operational with 14 well equipped family houses, Nursery School, Auditorium, Learning Centre, Library, Medical centre, Basketball & Table- tennis courts and Swings & Slides. At present; there are 145 children in the village. The flooring work in all the 14 family houses was completed during this year. Various types of plants have been implanted in the village premises to keep the village’s green line intact. Rain water harvesting system too has been installed in the village to save precious rain water.

The village has a state of the art learning centre which is fully equipped to cater to the developmental needs of children. During summer vacations various developmental activities were organised for the children to stimulate their holistic development in the village learning centre. The village learning centre has 10 modern personal computers along with other accessories. A computer instructor comes regularly to impart basic computer skills to children. We are planning to expand our learning centre to add dance room, music room and a modern library.

At present we have 10 children studying in the village nursery school, 123 in school and 2 in colleges and 10 babies are at home. This year our children have performed very well in class X and XII board examinations. Out of a total 10 children appeared in board examinations (CBSE & Rajasthan board) all except 4 qualified with good grades. Supervised evening study sessions, personal tutors in specific subjects, Language enhancement classes, spoken English classes, personality development & grooming classes were organised throughout the year to promote holistic development of children. Two girls joined Regional Vocational Training Institute for Women, Jhalana Doongri Jaipur in Computer Operator & Programming Assistant Course. Two girls and one boy got admission in Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Jaipur in Apparel designing course. One of our girls has got job in Safdarjang hospital New Delhi as nurse. 1 boy and 7 girls got married during this year and are leading happy married life.

The Village Medical Centre is now upgraded with new construction and is fully equipped to cater the needs of the village as well as the nearby needy community. All the children are growing healthy. General medical checkups like Eye, ENT and the active participation of the outside community. Our basic vaccination programme is going on as per schedule with regular follow-ups.

Working with children and communities at Jaipur, India

On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, children called on Smt. Vasundhra Raje Scindia Chief Minister of Rajasthan and tied Rakhis. Various developmental activities like Yoga & Meditation, drawing, Sports, Music and dance, personality development & grooming classes, Career counseling sessions, Life skills training for mothers were organized on a regular basis to promote overall growth of children and mothers alike. Children participated in the Youth festival organized by “Pravah” an NGO and won accolades. Various co-curricular activities like hobby classes, yoga, meditation and sports classes were organized in the youth house during summer vacation.

The Youth facility for young adults ( Arunodaya) is functional well. At the moment, there are 10 boys under the care and guidance of a trained youth leader. Boys are attending regular schools and few are pursuing career oriented vocational courses of their choice. Different developmental activities were organized for the holistic development of youths.
Family Strengthening program (FSP)
Our Family Strengthening Program (FSP) which aims to bring self- reliance to the vulnerable families is successfully running in its sixth year. At present, 103 vulnerable families and their 311 needy children from the vicinity of SOS Children’s Village are being benefited under this programme. Time to time, workshops on varied issues like personality development, Career Counseling, Self help groups & Child rights were organized throughout the year for the beneficiaries. 6 children (3 boys & 3 girls) were admitted to pursue technical courses from Industrial Training Institute - Jaipur, 45 children were facilitated towards 3 months “Computer Education Training”, 35 mothers/caregivers/children were provided 3 months “Tailoring & Cutting training” with exposure to job in export houses and self reliance, and 16 girls were provided 3 month professional “Beautician Training”. Rests of the children are attending regular schools, Time to time follow ups are done to evaluate academic progress of the children. 9 children out of 13 scored first division in 8th board. Sensitization and capacity building programs for FSP mothers on topics like HIV/ AIDS, Child rights & Child abuse, Parenting skill & Gender sensitivity, Health, Nutrition & hygiene, Micro credit & income generation etc were also conducted during the year.

Special donation/ Contribution:
During the year we had friends who donated important thing to our SOS families. Member of Parlimament Giridhari Lal Bhargava approvd Rs. 5 lakhs for SOS Jaipur from his MP fund. Family Sponsorship of one house and flooring work in all family houses. We are highly grateful to Durlabhji family for their continued support in health care for our children.

It is your support, friendship and generosity which enable us to carry on our work. We hope to continue to receive your cooperation always to ensure a full life and a bright future to our children. With our warm good wishes to you the family and your friends.

Yours Sincerely

Shobha Kaul, Village Director