The Story of Nathiya and Soundhria

They insisted
on staying together.

They are not blood sisters.
But have bonded as sisters.
Orphaned.
Found by a social worker.

Nathiya and Soundhria.
Working in the fields.
They were not attending school.
Now they are 11th graders at St. Xavier’s School.

Seventy mattresses hit the floor at 8PM.
Nathiya and Soundhria and 68 other girls living in the hostel.
Orphaned, from very poor families or from far away villages.
Living at the school hostel so they can attend school.

Breaking the cycle of poverty.
Through education, loving care, guidance.

Nathiya and Soundhria.
At the top of their class.
Always wearing wide and glorious smiles.

They still have each other.
But now, also, a future, empowered by education.
By opportunity.

They give back.
Tutoring, mentoring, and supporting other girls.
Intelligent and caring.

Future leaders in training.

Nathiya and Soundhria.
Headed to the University.
But there are no funds to pay the fees.

They need generous donations.
Becoming empowered to live fruitful lives.
Giving back to their own communities. Benefiting the world at large.

The Story of Jane

I am Jane’s mother.
I was a prostitute.
I died of AIDS.

My husband died of AIDS last year.
I just died three days ago.

Our daughter Jane is 8 years old.
Nowhere to go.

My family will not take care of Jane.
Nobody will touch a child whose parents had AIDS.
Not even relatives.

A family friend intervened before she ended up on the streets.
Took her to the orphanage.
She was warmly received by the staff and the other children.

I am watching her today.
She is sitting with other children watching a skit.
She has been at the orphanage for two days.

A child is holding her hand.
Another child is stroking her arm.
She looks lost.

The other children seemed to understand her fear and sadness.

I see children in orphanages tend to stick together.
Support each other.
Just today I watched them at lunch and they were sharing their food.
Leading Jane around by the hand, showing her the ropes.

I am grateful.
Jane has the potential for a great life.
She will be educated, physically cared for.
She will be provided with love and affection.
She will be safe.

She now has sisters and brothers.

She will either learn a trade or go to University.

How can the orphanage survive?
Pay all the expenses for Jane and her new brothers and sisters?
Be in the position to accept the next “Jane” who arrives at the doorstep?

I sure hope that Jane’s new home will be able to raise enough money to continue.
To survive.
To give my daughter and others like her a life that I never had.