Child sponsorship update from Rajpura, India

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

Dear Friend,

Warm wishes for MERRY CHRISTMAS and A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR from all members of SOS Children’s Village, Rajpura family. May this New Year bring lots of happiness, peace and good health for you and your loved ones. It’s always a privilege to share with you various happenings and developments.

As per our objective to provide home to needy children, 26 new children were brought home which includes 13 boys and 13 girls. They have adjusted well in the new environment and are happy in their new families. At present, the SOS family Rajpura comprises of 164 children (112 girls and 52 boys).

Family Strengthening Programme:
This is also making good progress. Under this programme 313 children from 121 vulnerable families are being provided direct monthly financial assistance as support for education, health and nutrition. We also organised workshops to spread awareness on issues like health, hygiene, education, career-guidance, vocational training, women and child rights. Seven children from these families are undergoing vocational, professional courses to prepare them for becoming self reliant.

Academics:
Continuous guidance and support is provided to children to improve their performance. Developmental initiatives have been taken to further improve the quality of education such as individual care, supervision classes, tutorial classes and more importantly self study. Good results were shown by children during the last academic session. In class XII final examination all the five girls have qualified while many other children scored good percentages. Three girls have got admission in General Nursing and Midwifery Course, one in diploma in Fashion Design and one in diploma in Computer Engineering. One girl is well settled through a good job after successfully completing Masters in Physical Education. In the SOS Nursery School we have 53 children, in which 22 are from the Village and 31 are from the local community.

Our Youth Facility:
At present, there are 39 boys under the care and guidance of experienced Youth leader. Boys are attending regular schools while few are pursuing career oriented vocational courses of their choice. Five boys passed class X, three passed class XII board exams and other classes results have also been satisfactory. Regards higher education one boy got admission in Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, three boys got admission for diploma in Mechanical Engineering, one in Electronic Communication Engineering and one in Computer Engineering. A boy and a girl are performing well in their Hotel management course.

Projects

The Children’s Village has 14 family homes, Youth House, Kindergarten, Office facility, Dispensary, Guest House and Community House. Children and youth are making good use of the sports facilities that are available. Besides sports, Yoga is a regular feature to ensure health of body and mind. Eight children participated in North Zone Yoga Competition where one girl was selected for National trials. Learning Centre which comprises of Computer Lab, Library and Music Room is a favorable site for children to develop their hobbies and skills under professional guidance.

Festivities :
Traditional festivals of all faiths were enthusiastically celebrated in the Village. Baisakhi, the famous festival of Punjab was celebrated with great enthusiasm. Children wore new dresses and were at their festive best. Children and Mothers visited local Gurudwaras to worship and to serve in “Langar” (community kitchen) to the devotees. Some mothers along with children visited historical Gurudwara at Fathegarh Sahib. National festivals like Republic Day, Independence Day and other events like SOS Day, Mother’s Day were also organised with great joy and celebration.

Activities:
During summer vacations, various extra curricular activities and competitions were organised for children. In addition Art of Living, Workshop on child rights, health awareness and career perspective sessions were also organized. Bal Sabha, (a children’s forum) meetings were conducted on monthly basis and decisions taken for new initiatives through children’s participation. Mothers Regional workshop was conducted in November 2008 to update their skills in child care.

Health Care :
Regular checkups of the children and mothers were conducted. A comprehensive medical camp was organised in the Village to cover all disciplines including dental. Follow-up actions were taken. Immunisation programme for small children is an on going process and includes children from our family support programme.

Awards :
Mother Ms. Harbans Kaur of Hemkunt house was presented SOS Ring at Ring Award Ceremony held at Mothers Training School at Faridabad on 15th January, 2008.

We extend our sincere thanks to State Bank of India for their generous support for donating a School bus for the children. Also our thanks to sponsors for their kind donation of Dish TV’s for the entire Village Community which is being enjoyed by all children and the Village community.

All these achievements have been possible because of the valuable support and contributions from friends and sponsors like you. Once again on behalf of SOS Children’s Village, Rajpura, I thank you and wish you and your family a MERRY CHRISTMAS & a HAPPY 2009.

With warm regards and best wishes.
Yours sincerely,

Lt. Col. Harinder Singh (Retd)
Village Director