FROM THE FIELD

March 2008

So many stories to tell, each student we have visited is unique and inspiring.

This city of several million, which is referred to as Vizag, hosts India’s fourth largest port.

It is a city of wealth and poverty - of bullock carts and modern cars – of manual labourers and an HSBC call centre.

Here there are thousands of young people who face a future of attending a third rate high school, or just working as daily labourers.

For Venkatalaxmi, life changed when, at age 15, she was accepted as a HUGGS student and entered a quality high school with good academic standards. For her, life had turned a corner, and there is now hope for the future.

Last week, she had the opportunity to meet with us and with other HUGGS students over a picnic at the Kailasagiri Hill Park. As the students told their stories, the continuing theme was: “I had no hope when I thought of the future – and then HUGGS came into my life. Thank you, HUGGS!”

February 24, 2008

Sai is one of our students. He lives at the top of a hill –first many steps, then picking our way through an area like a garbage heap, then a steep rocky path. The little white house at the very top of the hill is clean, with cool breezes and a great view of Vizag.

Sai is a serious student, he studies or attends classes from 5 am to 11 pm daily. You should see his 'desk' and the lighting available to him; no wonder he has headaches and needs glasses, which is the next thing we'll be arranging for him. His father is dead, his mother is a day labourer, his sister attends degree college (free, but not a good education), and this boy is in standard 11, heading for degree college (a better education, so it costs, that's where we come in).

We have a lot of respect for the family; they have dignity, no self pity, just so pleased at the help they are receiving, and willing to work very hard. They are Hindu; the mom said, 'God sent you at just the right time to help this family.' (Of course in translation from our Indian staff member Bobby.)

That was only one student, but we were very glad we had this opportunity to meet him, and his family, and be a part of where he is going next.

 

Sujatha, HUGGS first University Graduate, receives her B.A.

Five years ago, Sujatha shared with Lisa her lost dream of continuing her education. At the same time, back in Canada, HUGGS received a cheque in the mail from someone who wanted to sponsor a student! Thanks to the continued, enthusiastic support of her sponsors. Sujatha is now studying for her Education Degree