Amidst the jostling alleys of Nizammudin Basti is The Hope Foundation, Mecca for the poor to unfold their hidden potentials, to realise their aspirations and become contributing members of their communities. 7 students of class XI as a part of their summer internship, volunteered to help spread the mission of the Hope Project, one of H or Happiness, O-Optimism, P-Prosperity and E-Enthusiasm.
The internship was spread over 5 days ( 2-6 June, 2014). On the very first day our coordinator Mr. Masoom, oriented us about the foundation and it's working. The Project was founded in 1975 by Sufi preacher, Pir Vilayat Khan, who, moved by the extreme poverty of the people living near the mausoleum of his father, Hazrat Inayat Khan, envisioned a program which would enable the poor to help themselves.
The Hope Project currently runs community health centres, mobile medical units, education centres, a thrift and credit program, baking and catering courses, vocational courses and income generation projects for the benefit of the community.
We, students were divided into 2 groups, one to help in the health department and the second one to help with the crche. The Hope Project's health department serves the medical needs of residents of the Nizamudin Basti, Sarai kale khan, Srinivaspuri, and Nehru Nagar . It aims to implement a comprehensive health program that offers both allopathic and homeopathic medicines and includes diagnosis, treatment, and preventive check-ups free of cost. Here we were asked to help fill small bottles with pills with homeopathic medicines. We also got an opportunity to interact with two German doctors who are helping the NGO for the last six months.
Working at the crche was a very enjoyable experience.The crche serves some of The Hope Projects youngest beneficiaries, providing a healthy and stimulating learning environment for the children as young as 2 months and up to to 5 year's old. Led by a coordinator, a supervisor and 3 trained support staff, the crche ensures essential psycho-social and motor development for the local children so that their mothers can go out to work to bring in a wage. On our last day, a small a thanksgiving party was organized for the little ones. it was a great delight to see blissful smiles on their faces. This Project has made a significant impact. Initially we were unsure about how such a project would benefit us. However our internship instilled in us that several things of so-called no value in our lives are a dream for those less privileged. We thank my School for giving us this opportunity and The Hope Project for welcoming us in their midst. It was indeed a very enriching experience.
Diksha Thakur
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