“History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children.” ― Nelson Mandela. There are a few ways to view poverty , growing inequalities and the consequent suffering of children
- Blame it on the poor parents for bringing a child in to this world without having the means to provide them with a reasonable life and future
- Criticize the system & authorities for failure to resolve the issue
- Exhibit general apathy
- Or take a giant leap of faith
We @ White Desert Mahamaya supported by SRF Foundation took a plunge and launched Project Sunshine in November 2023 @ Bhuj City, Kutch District , Gujarat.
With the mantra of जहा कम, वहाँ हम, this initiative is designed for kids of migrant workers, unorganised labourers and those belonging to the socially and economically backward classes . The idea was to provide comprehensive support including but not limited to clothes and accessories , nutritional supplements, medication, continued academic support including admission to government run institutions and progressives thereof. The guiding principle would be to create responsible citizens of the future by imparting education and inculcating discipline and values
Since its inception, in two locations in Bhanushali area, near MMPJ Hospital, Bhuj, 370001, we have reached out to 45-50 odd children belonging (75 being the peak number) to 25 families . The journey has been difficult as these children had no benchmark in terms of discipline, being cared for, feeling loved and life beyond the daily struggles . With time, the enthusiasm has grown and participation has been more consistent
We also had a child operated upon for multiple kidney stones and the child is now disease free, his usual self and actively participating in our initiative. Closer to the monsoons, we also plan to host a medical camp for the children . additionally we are working on multiple fronts including basic minimum solar power for their temporary shelters, possibility of permanent shelters, etc
The current monthly expense is approximately INR 200000.This includes
- One time clothes, accessories, education accessories
- Project coordinator, teachers, support staff ( not more than 10 students per teacher as they require personalized attention and care )
- One meal per day plus milk /nutritional supplements
- Recurring academic accessories plus cost of transportation of children already admitted to government schools.
- Cost of two teachers employed to provide academic support to (50-55 in number )@ senior students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidhyalay, Kachchh Bhuj Kodaki Gujarat India
- Cost of higher education, academic support, teachers for some of the existing students of White Desert Mahamaya Trust
Currently, due limitations in fund availability , one of our Trustees is cooking the food herself @ her residence, using support from a domestic help for the cleaning of utensils, etc At some point of time, sooner than later, subject to availability of funds, we will have to shift to a rented space for housing provisions and a kitchen
The budgeted projected cost of “Project Sunshine” reaching out to 75 street children( from Pavements to Schools) as well as 45-50 odd senior students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidhyalay, Kachchh Bhuj Kodaki- Gujarat India,is approximately INR 48 lacs per annum. To the extent, SRF Foundation continues to support tour initiative, we shall stay indebted( to continue at current levels our expenses @ Rs 200000/ pm or INR 24 lacs per annum)
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One project coordinator
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35000
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7 teachers for slum children
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63000
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rent/cook/help/support staff/gas/electricity
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50000
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groceries, vegetables, cooking oil, food supplements, milk @INR 1000 Pm per child x 75 children
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75000
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academic support including projects, field work field tours, etc @INR 500 Pm per child x 75 children
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37500
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medical and lifestyle support @INR 1000 Pm per child x 75 children
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37500
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transportation to schools and back @@INR 1000 Pm per child x 75 children
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75000
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Total cost per month for “Pavements to Schools “ initiaitve
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373000
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Total number of children
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75
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cost per child per month-INR
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3773
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2 teachers for senior students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidhyalay, Kachchh Bhuj Kodaki Gujarat India incl cost of commuting -INR
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27000
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cost of Project Sunshine including senior students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidhyalay, Kachchh Bhuj Kodaki Gujarat India-INR
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400000
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Annual cost of Project Sunshine-INR
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400000
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We are the only organization in Bhuj city with a transformational agenda for under privileged children . Once the children start going to school, the cost per child, including transportation , permanent rented residence, caregivers, all meals , other overheads will be INR 8000 per child per month . At this stage, we are uncertain of covering the entire distance . As per recent surveys there are 300 odd children in Bhuj, belonging to home less families of migrant , temporary, daily wage labourers and covering as many as we can afford is a long term vision
We also take this opportunity, to invite you, alongwith family and friends to visit Bhuj,Kutch district Gujarat and participate in our journey towards an inclusive future of equal opportunities
