WORLD PEACE AND NON VIOLENCE DAY

Nobody is less able to aid his fellow beings than he who commits acts of violence, since the scope of our actions is potentially devastating for developing generations and, therefore, for future ones.

From remote ages, violence has been employed as payment for offenses and to impose points of view and desires. Moreover, it has been used to fight itself – this way, the imagined solution has turned the path to the much desired Peace into an endless one.

The seeds of life without violence are to be sown in children at every moment, through our daily actions. However, for the seeds to develop their potential, it is essential that parents and educators be the living example of a culture of peace. It is not enough to talk about it – it is vital to back up words with countless experiences of harmony, understanding and kindness. The redemption of the human species lies in adults who, awakening their spiritual intelligence, go deeper – not only in relation to a sense of transcendence, but also in regard to important traits such as gratitude, non-violence, humility and compassion. This is the best legacy we can bestow upon the children we love.

Let us discover the innate spiritual intelligence within each of us. Human fulfillment necessarily involves being accessible to others through sensitivity and justice.

Let us make our wells deeper. Let us bestow upon ourselves and our children a life full of joy, vitality and dignity. Let us get down to work…

RAJU AND MAHESH

Two brothers aged 10 and 6, Raju and Mahesh, have joined Yashodhara. We have welcomed them with open arms.

The story of their short life, like that of the rest of the children in our family, is full of struggles. Their family is in a very precarious financial situation. Every day, their mother looks for work at construction sites but does not always find it, and when she can work she earns about €2 a day.

When work was available, there was nobody to take care of the boys or make them go to school. The lack of a responsible adult was also evident in a poor diet and the constant fights Raju and Mahesh had with other kids of their slum.

At Yashodhara, Raju takes care of Mahesh. They are always together when they eat, go to sleep and when they get ready for school. Raju gets along well with the rest of the group and serves their peers at mealtimes as a sign of gratitude. He has blended in effortlessly and pays attention during academic support classes at Home. Mahesh is very energetic; he’s always looking for ways to play, but does not miss a beat in support classes either. He is cared for by the other children because he looks somewhat frail.

We are pleased that after two weeks in Yashodhara and already in school, both of them appear happy and self-assured thanks to the attention of our staff and the warm welcome from the other children.

They undoubtedly have a way to tread, but the moments that make up their path will support their development and health in every way. We are deeply thankful for the opportunity to walk beside them.

CYCLING FREE

On Sunday, January 9th, ten bicycles donated by a Sponsor and contributor of Asha-Kiran arrived at Yashodhara. The children were waiting for their ‘present’ impatiently without knowing what it was ... some said they would like it to be bikes. Their wait dragged on since the bikes came four hours later than expected.

All the children jumped for joy when they saw what it was. As there were 10 bikes and 23 children, they sometimes shared one bike among three or went on short individual rides and then let someone else have a go. Some children learned to ride with help from a friend, while the younger ones were happy to ride in the back. One boy refused to ride but was happy to chase after the rest...

During the week, the children's schedule is tight, so bike-riding is reserved for weekends. There are bound to be some arguments about whose turn it is, some tears after a fall, and some bumps here and there, but come Saturday, everyone goes out to ride around the spacious grounds where Yashodhara is located, discovering unexplored areas and skills.

THANKS to our dear friend and Sponsor for giving joy and providing new experiences to our children.

EDUCATING FOR DEVELOPMENT

What if the fairytales’ fairy lost her magic wand? ...thus began the activity carried out by Asha-Kiran on December 30 at the City of Dreams in Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid. This activity had the aim of educating children in a fun and participative way on the importance of respecting their fundamental rights without distinction of race, gender or background.

Stories, magic and puppets were the main tools that Ana and Jaime used while personifying the Fairy and Panchocolate and with which they invited, engaged and educated the children in an enjoyable manner suited to their age.

Here are some pictures… by the expression on the children’s faces it seems they all enjoyed the show!