I have recently returned from New Delhi. As reported previously, the Kathputli Colony slum was in danger of demolition. This has proved to be the case; all gone and fenced-off. The slum dwellers, many of them long-term, scattered in all directions.
A number of families relocated to the sprawling Daya Basti slum, and it is there that I was able to contribute both financially and hands-on. My friend Santan was again on-board, my opinion of him and his efforts only increasing. Being known by some of the newly-arrived residents from Kathputli made Santan's acceptance by the Daya Basti parents and residents in general far easier.
Asking friends to donate money, on-line or otherwise, does not sit comfortably with me. That said, I remain truly grateful to those who contributed through my crowdfunding campaign. The classroom consists of an open-air concrete rooftop only, with a brick retaining wall (paid by Santan) running around the perimeter.
The rent for this space is around AU$80 per month. Presently there is no dedicated teacher and nothing in the way of classroom fixtures; nor is the present site guaranteed to become permanent or long-term. Santan and his good friend John are teaching around forty to fifty children of varying ages, two hours per session, three days per week.
I spent two weeks in Daya Basti, I am still sporting the glow!
Grateful thanks to the following (in order received)
for their kind donations:
DAVE SALHUS
CAROL BRANDT
ELLEN BIRKBY
CHRIS ALEXANDER
JASON CHU
ROLAND VETTER
PHIL ARMSTRONG
ZACHARY DEXTER
CÉDRIC GALOPIN
SONU PANDEY
CARINE LUSTENBERGER
JANE, FRAN & DI
👍👋👋👍
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| Small whiteboards x 3, first purchase with donor funds! |
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| Santan (left) and John |
