Huelin High School in Malaga started its Solidarity Program together with Fundación Asha-Kiran. The objective of this program is to make students acquainted with the work of several NGOs as shown by their founders and volunteers.
Fundación Asha-Kiran was chosen to inaugurate and launch this program. Our objective was to have students, teachers, parents and non-teaching staff take part in the activity, and to disseminate the social work of Asha-Kiran.
For three days, all the students from grades 7th through 12th saw the Photography Exhibit of children in India and visited Asha-Kiran’s Solidarity Bazaar. Likewise, the board of directors, teachers and other staff came to buy items from the bazaar and see the photographs. Some students donated toys, puzzles and coloring pencils. The 8th grade students were the ones in charge of making Asha-Kiran signs and notice boards placed at the entrance; the 9th grade students drew a carpet and several OM’s to greet Uttam on January 15th.
Some students from the 11th grade made a welcome sign, others made drawings which they later gave to Uttam, and the rest wrote messages to the children from Yashodhara Shelter Home and the Day Care Centers. The messages will be sent to India so that the children can read them.
The activities reached their climax on January 15, when Uttam met the students from 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades, as well as the teachers. During four hours, he spoke about the Foundation and children in India, and answered many questions from all who came to the auditorium at different times to listen and to see the pictures and a brief show about INDIA and ASHA-KIRAN. During recess, chai tea and pappadums were served to Uttam and the teaching staff.
More than 300 hundred students came to the auditorium during that time. After meeting Uttam and hearing him speak about the work of the Foundation, none of us remained indifferent. We were filled with India; our hearts beat closer to this country, its culture and, above all, its children.
It was a festive and moving day, and an opportunity for reflection. In short, a wonderful and unforgettable day because of what the students received: the possibility of getting to know the way other people live.
We urge teachers to join this initiative in their schools. Children and youngsters are able, like no one else, to begin vibrating in tune with solidarity and to begin working together with a Foundation that devotes its work to children.
Children living on ‘this side’ of the world who lend their support to children living on ‘the other side’, so that they may also have similar opportunities in life.
Bright-eyed children in India who, in spite of having limited means, teach western children the great message of living with acceptance and hope and of wishing to grow against all odds.
Children interacting with one another to share and to enrich each other.
THANK YOU UTTAM, THANK YOU ASHA-KIRAN.
Remedios Montoro and Mª Ángeles Arráez (Malaga)
