Suryapet Orphanage - Thirteenth Report - FINAL
Final Report - It is difficult to sum up my experience. Of course, it is nothing to do with me, but the 100 children who through no fault of their own ended up with nobody to love and look after them. They do now have a caring ‘hostel’ as they describe it, with dedicated voluntary staff and helpers and most of all each other. They do not get cuddled, have a lap to sit on, but they do hold each other’s hands, sit and lay together, comforting each other, share their joy and what little possessions they have. I saw how the older children look after the six-year old’s, as they learn to adapt to their new environment. They all seem happy, with the odd squabble as would be expected, and live lives that do now have a future. I met some of the boys, now young men, that had left and were working; one as a Driver for a Businessman, dress smartly and another working in a ‘Medical’ shop. They and the others I met, where proud to have been brought up at the Orphanage and had nothing but praise.
The children took me to their hearts as I did to them, with their outstretched hands to be shaken and their massive smiles and that will stay with me for ever. Everything seems to be done with enthusiasm; their classes, singing, dancing, even cleaning their teeth, sharing their joy with me, if only for a short time.
There are many frustrations, not least the money needed to keep the Orphanage running. The kind and regular donations do cover the basic needs of the children. However, the general maintenance is poor. Presently, requests for extra cash is unplanned and I talked through a system of prioritising with justifications. It is difficult, this is India and I appreciate the differences. The children’s clothes are worn, but they are thankful for a casual set and a school uniform. The children clothes are clean, they are well feed (apart from a fasting day, once a week) and they keep themselves washed and tidy.
Pastor Samson started the Orphanage 10 years ago and it has grown and will continue to grow as some children want to stay to continue with a High School education. The Christian faith is the driving force and this accounts for much of the good will. The children seem happy with this, although they have little choice and it works. Samson does deserve much credit for his leadership and dedication to the children, as do the other adults giving part of themselves to the Orphanage.
There are few answers, only questions in my mind. There is no doubt that I am shocked, but at the same time I have experienced something quite remarkable. There are thousands of children in need around the world, but at least for these 100 wonderful children they do have a future.
Signing off… Nick
A big thank you to those who have supported this project to supply three computers, software and books.
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