Profiles

Ashwini's father is an auto rickshaw driver (whose earnings vary), while her mother earns Rs. 800 (US $ 16) a month, by rolling incense sticks. She wants to become a doctor and feels one of the best things about being a girl, is the opportunity to dress up and look beautiful.

Vijay, a sixth grader, is a bright eleven year old whose dreams are tucked deep within his heart. His father is unable to work anymore after an accident left him with broken arms. His mother serves as a maid and earns Rs.1500 (US $ 30), a month.

Vijay is eager to take care of his family but finds the fight to survive, among the more challenging aspects of life.He likes rice and rasam but vegetable pulav is what he enjoys most. Vijay hopes that he and his friends can study and do well in life. He earnestly desires peace at home and years for his family to be happy.

Shalini a student of the HOPE school from the age of 6, would like to become an engineer.

Her dad, a responsible man, used to work as a porter, but a kidney ailment prevents him from being able to hold a regular job. Her mother, earns Rs. 1500 (US $30) per month and keeps the home fires burning by working in a garment factory.

If given 3 wishes, she would ask for a good home, pretty clothes and chocolates.

'Meals Ready !!'

Over 400 simple, hot, nutritious meals are served

(daily) at the HOPE foundation school.

Sometimes this might be their only meal for the day.

Buddies Break Barriers

Volunteers

Murals and artwork by volunteers from India ....

and abroad .....

add tremendous value.

Building Blocks

A previously unused building was renovated and transformed,

into the secondary school block.

It now has well ventilated classrooms,

a computer lab, a kitchen and a dinning hall.

The HOPE foundation school

The HOPE foundation school at Tannery road, Bangalore has over 400 students (up from 271 the previous year). They live on and around a small hill where smoke constantly spews from heaps of refuse.

From 8.30 am onwards, they make the journey down the sometimes slippery slope (from home to the school), with dexterity that would make mountain goats proud.

Some of the parents soon start work - rolling fragrant incense sticks or as daily wage earners. At school, classes begin in right earnest with the teachers also playing the role of mentors.

A little after noon all the children receive a simple, hot, nutritious meal. The school has been blessed with a large play area - one that gives them an opportunity to burn energy. after a quick meal.

As the day winds down (around 4 pm) and school closes for the day, the children climb up the hill. They leave either individually or in small groups - quite likely with a silent prayer that life at home, would be just as meaningful as it was in school.