Happy Day!

March 3rd has been declared Happy Day across the world by G4S president Mr. Hudson! The goal is to bring fun and games to children who do not have the privilege to have such fun, as they are often required to take on the burdens of work and household chores from childhood onwards. In Delhi, G4S organized a day long event of games, rides, music, dancing, treats, and delicious food for 500 children, on the grounds of hte British High Commission.44 children from Jamghat/Max India Outdoor Program attended and had an absolute blast! Copious amounts of chocolate and ice-cream were consumed, every child danced their heart out and sang to the songs performed by G4S staff. It was lots of fun for everyone and we thank G4S for inviting Jamghat to the event! Jamghat Team

Greenathon!

On the 7-8Feb. 2009, NDTV hosted the first ever 24hour live telethon in India. The focus of this telethon was environment and the goal was to raise money for solar powered lamps that TERI distributes to villages that have no electricity. Because the theme was green, the event was called the GREENATHON. Environmental events took place in Chennai, Chandigarh, Mumbai and Delhi throughout the 24hour period and NDTV covered it all live. In Delhi, Swechha (www.swfc.org.in) organized the event- a 24hour Yamuna river clean-up, complete with live music performing on a floating stage! Two-thousand people came and helped pull 12 truckloads of garbage from the river...and our Jamghat boys were right in there helping to send out the message that we want clean water in Delhi's lifeline, Yamuna! We are very happy that the event was such a success and that Jamghat got to help make history in India, by partaking in the first ever Greenathon! Save Yamuna...Care for your planet...keep your recyclables separate from medicianl waste and food to help keep the kabari wala safe...enjoy green plants in your home...don't toss wrappers from any windows....keep India beautiful! Jamghat Team

Website!

Hey Everybody! Jamghat is proud to announce the launch of our very first website! While we work out the kinks, please visit it and browse around...there are lots of photos of all the children you so kindly support by following this blog and our endeavours. www.jamghat.in Hurray! Jamghat Team

Blanket success!

Last night we conducted a Blanket Nightwalk with about 30 helpful sets of hands. We hired 2 rickshaws to roll the blankets along beside us, while we walked, distributing to those who were sleeping with no cover.

Though at times we had a small group following us and begging, we feel wholeheartedly that this experience was much more efficient and successful.

It is a slightly strange experience to cover a man sleeping on concrete with only a bag or maybe a sheet to cover him. I guess I expected that when they awoke, they would pour gratitude. But instead I received blank stares and somewhat cold response. Sometimes the person jumped up and begged for another. Most of the time they simply stirred and went back to sleep with no acknowledgement whatsoever.

Despite the small part of me that wished for thanks, I feel invisible donations are better. In this way the nature of hte act remains pure and the need for recognition is denied. This is better.

Thanks again to everyone that donated and to those that helped distribute! Blanket Success!

Blanket BlowOut!

On Saturday, January 10, we took 200 blankets to the Outdoor Shelter in Jama Masjid, with hopes of calmly walking through the area, speaking to people, determining if they were in need of a blanket, and quietly distributing them.

This was the plan

This is not quite what happened!

We probably should have realized that this was impossible, especially having 2 foreigners in the crowd to draw attention. What actually happened was that as soon as we were noticed, a mob of about 70 people surrounded us and frantically scrambled for blankets! There was no way for us to determine who was in need or not, and for fear of being trampled (at least that was my fear!) we quickly let people take them and returned to the shelter to think of a new tactic.

People followed us back to the shelter and before we knew it the whole room and staircase up to the 2nd floor, plus (I imagine) the entire lane leading to the building, was FULL of people all wanting a free blanket. We tried to get everyone to sit, but with more and more people pressing up the stairs, the mood changed from organization to urgency and soon we had chaos inside.

Unfortunately we had to ask everyone to leave as shopkeepers in the lane were worried about business and the landlord was concerned about the building.

So attempt one was not too successful.

However, we have a new plan. After talking to some people we've decided that we will be invisible donors, walking through various parts of the city at night, seeing who is sleeping without a blanket and quietly laying it over them. A sort of Blanket Focused Nightwalk if you will.

When we decide the date, we will let you know and would be delighted if you'd like to help. It will take many arms to carry 160 blankets around the city!

Winter cold brings us together

Every Monday to Saturday, our Jama Masjid Day Care Centre is open for street children to have a safe, warm, residence for the day. In the 6 months since this Day Care Centre opened, we have had more and more children joining and regularly attending the programs. On a slow day we'll have about 20 children come, on a busy day, up to 50 children of all ages fill our small Centre.

These children have become close to our hearts. We have learned their stories and heard their struggles and triumphs. We have seen them change habits, partake in chores, dance along with movies, and get excited about learning to read and write.

As winter set in, we became worried about the well being of these 50 children, having to sleep on the street through the cold nights. With this in mind, we sent out a request for donations to buy blankets and have received an overwhelming response! In just 2 short days, we have received enough money to buy 100 blankets to distribute as needed!

In the next day we will buy and deliver the blankets, enough for the children and possibly for any family members as well.

Thank you to all who supported us financially and in kind. Our rejoices continue thanks to your endless support and encouragement!