A Visit to HUGGS—By Anne Taylor
(From Page One) First was Krishnaveni (introduced in the fall newsletter) who lives with her mother and brother in one tiny room. Like all these girls, as well as studying, she must help with household work. Next we met her school mate, Alekhya, who lives with her parents and hopes to become a teacher. Then off we hustled to another part of the city to meet Dhanalakshmi, an aspiring nurse. This struggling family lives in one small room - the only bed is outdoors under a thatched roof, which James says leaks when it rains.
We marveled at the strength and focus of these young women pursuing an education when given the opportunity – instead of entering into an early marriage. They all indicated a strong desire to help others.
James was a most enthusiastic and committed guide to us and also to these students. It was wonderful to see HUGGS in action.

Journal Excerpt—By Laurie Hanlon
(From Page One) On the drive back to our hotel we discuss Dhana’s grades. She is far below the required 75%. James tells us she is unable to study most of the time because she is needed to help clean and cook and scrape together an existence at home. There is no place for her to study and the noise and distraction where she lives would make studying prohibitive. Here grades are suffering but James insists she is very bright. She can not go into school residence because her mother needs her to help at home. What do we do? Should we withdraw support from the most needy student because she cannot maintain the necessary 75% average?

I want HUGGS to be successful – for the sake of the students; for the sake of the families. To help lower the 40%+ of mostly poorly educated women who are victims of spousal abuse. The people I’ve met here have impressed me in different ways. I see that we can make a difference; much like a pebble tossed in a pond - over time the ripple effect of the first cast pebble will spread to the outermost reaches of the pond. I believe that much of what I have witnessed in the past weeks is a direct result of the power of faith – in any religion. How can it not be? I live a blessed existence by the grace of God and the lottery of my birthright – being born in a developed country. Opportunities abound for me and my children. What about the HUGGS students? What are their opportunities? Where is the balance?

HUGGS Recognizes . . . Debbie Pearmain of One Stop Human Resources Shop for bringing together HUGGS and Laurie Hanlon. Thank you Debbie!

One Stop Human Resources Shop
Human Resource Solutions
Empowering people and businesses 
(604) 725 - 5183
www.onestophr.ca

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT—Maricela Paniagua

HUGGS has been blessed to have Maricela as a key volunteer since 2004, soon after she arrived in Vancouver from her home in Mexico. It was while she was completing her web design course that Maricela came to us as a volunteer and created the HUGGS website.
On behalf of HUGGS, I would like to express my appreciation for all that Maricela has contributed; her gentle spirit, her drive, her willingness to work through difficult situations, her computer skills and most of all her dedication to HUGGS. Thank you, Maricela

Lisa Heel, Founder of HUGGS Canada