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Partnerships that Work
Janet Wilson — Renfrew, ON India, the second most populated country in the world, is an emerging country with many contrasts and challenges. Kolkata and area is a microcosm representing the challenges facing the country. Solving the issue of poverty requires teamwork from many partners. SCAW is a good example of an outstanding partnership. The money that you, the donor, generously give is so appreciated and needed by the children. The process of getting your bedkit donation to the children involves many groups. SCAW determines the number of bedkits for each distribution. In Kolkata, the Rotary Club of Dum Dum, in partnership with other Rotary Clubs in outlying districts, selects the sites and the recipients and purchases the items for the bedkits locally and assembles and delivers them to the distribution site. Volunteers from Canada inspect the quality and contents of the bedkits and photograph each child who receives the bedkit. The bedkit is personally handed to a child with "Ate tomar – Canada" (This is for you from Canada) This partnership puts smiles on the children's faces and hope in their hearts.
Kolkata has other examples of people working together to improve the quality of life for the poor. Although Mother Teresa died in September 1997, her phenomenal spirit lives on. Many organizations, groups and individuals are continuing her work. The Missionaries of Charity (MOC) continue to live and work out of the Mother House. Here we saw Mother Teresa's tomb and her bedroom. There is also a large room with numerous photos with descriptions that outline her religious philosophy and her impact on the people. The Home for the Destitute and Dying receives support from doctors and other volunteers from Kolkata and around the world. The most emotional impact for us was visiting her orphanage. There were 260 children with very few over the age of ten. Some children had parents, but were living in the orphanage to receive proper nourishment. The orphanage was crowded but bright and cheerful. The children were visibly receiving care and love from the sisters and the many volunteers. Most children are adopted by Indians. However, some receive international homes. Indeed, the childrens' lives are enriched by different groups working together.
Organizations like the Rotary Club of Dum Dum help rural people become self sufficient too. One year they provided rice to the farmers to allow them to produce a crop. This year they are purchasing piglets for the farmers. This too is proving to be a profitable program for the farmers. There are also government organizations working to improve the lives of the children. One group of children who received bedkits had mothers who were street workers (prostitutes) and were being helped by an organization to leave the sex trade and learn more appropriate skills to support their children. Other agencies are working with the rural people to increase literacy and job skills. These are only a few examples of how people working together make a huge difference. Definitely SCAW working in partnership makes a very positive difference. We are reminded of Mother Teresa's words: "Intense love does not measure, it just gives." |
