Shaping mind & future of poor children

TURA, SEPT 29: Bridge of Hope (HOH), an institution for the underprivileged at Tura in West Garo hills, has shaped minds and future of poor children in  Garo hills.

The Kerala based institution, which has its branch in Shillong and Tura ,has been working with children for the past one decade in Meghalaya.  The branch at Tura was set up in 2006.

“We work with the poor and underprivileged children and their families”, said Jish A Sangma, the mission coordinator. The institution has seven staffs and all are passionate about their work.

“We mostly work with school dropouts, poor and needy children by extending all support, care and handholding”, said Jish.

“Our aim is help these children through education and maintenance of personal hygiene and nutrition. Children are provided free tuitions for six days in a week, except Sunday. We also do counseling sessions”, Jish added.

Currently, the mission has 131 children. The Bridge of Hope is a church organisation founded by Reverend Dr KP Anand in Kerala. In Meghalaya,

Stewart Kom heads it.

“It is not a school but a study centre. Free study material, clothes, mosquito nets, mats, umbrellas etc are provided to children. We serve food to children based on their nutritional requirement. We take utmost care for hygiene as we believe in good health and healthy mind”, Jish asserted.

A periodic medical check-up is also provided to children.

“It is really inspiring to work with these children, some of whom are too poor to afford their studies”, said Priyanka Dey, who handles accounts and teaches at the centre.

Narrating a case of recent enrollment at the centre, Dey said, “A boy had to discontinued his studies as his parents were not able to afford. We located the family and assured to look after his studies and other needs”.

To boost the morale of the children at the centre they are given birthday gifts. The aim of the centre is to get all children enrolled to complete their matriculation at the age of 17 years.

“Most people we touch are poor, including labourers, vegetable vendors, auto drivers, road side businessmen who have difficulty in sending their children to school. We help in any way possible to ensure their children do not lose out on education”, Priyanka explained.

The centre keeps in touch with the children’s families. Every month the team visits their homes. The Tura team comprises of – Ajanta Hajong, Gobindo Dalu, Sarnita R Marak, Pratima Sangma and Kolina Sangma besides Sangma and Dey to help the children in their daily studies and needs.- From Our Correspondent