India is in the process of gradually easing its strict SARS-Cov-2 restrictions. What does this mean for our Keshwa Child Welfare Center project? After we were suddenly stopped with the adoption of our “brand-new” programs by the pandemic in spring 2020, all major programs will start in the coming weeks: Skill Development, followed by our new inclusion school and then the ChildLine service. We have never completely stopped looking after the poor people in the villages (outreach program), with disability Welfare and women empowerment programs.
In February the Skill Development Programs with licenses from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the National Small Industry Corporation (NSIC) will kick-off. The last details are just being clarified and then annually around 300 young people and women will begin their professional training as self-employed tailors or beauty therapists.
For our unique Inclusion School in Sonbhadra District, we are now firmly expecting school to start on March 1, 2021, according to the announcement by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh. It is the first school of its kind and we will gradually start with children from nursery age to 5th grade in our modernly equipped center. We expect around 100 children in school in 1-2 years. An unbelievable offer for the children from poor families together with handicapped children.
To run the school we also had to buy a piece of land, that is next to our center. On 6,600 sqft, we have enough space for games and sports and over time we want to use a small part as agricultural cultivation area or planting area.
Finally, some more positive news: The local government in Robertsganj has decided to repair the dilapidated road to our center and implemented it immediately, so that we are now easily accessible by vehicle. This is also a sign of appreciation and recognition for our program offer and our work.
We would like to pass this recognition and appreciation on to our donors who make this work possible. Thank you so much.