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Katy Harper was introduced to HOPE by a former trustee, and in 2018 she herself joined the board as Company Secretary. Here Katy reflects on visiting HOPE’s programmes in Kolkata and meeting the child she supports through education sponsorship.
I had already developed a love of India (the people, colours, culture, food and scenery…) when I was introduced to HOPE by long term supporters and former UK trustees, Karen Sims and Tim Leahy. After supporting various fundraising events in the UK, I was privileged to be invited to join the HOPE UK Board of Trustees as Company Secretary in 2018.
The following year, my husband Jo and I embarked on an epic Indian adventure, flying first to Amritsar on the border with Pakistan, travelling via the narrow-gauge Kalka railway up to the hill station of Shimla, down to Delhi via Chandigarh, Nehru’s dream city designed by Corbusier, and then across the sub-continent to Kolkata to meet up with Karen and Tim to spend a few days visiting the HOPE programmes.
I found it truly moving and humbling to finally to see the work of HOPE firsthand, and to meet the incredible staff and children. When asked to write this blog post, I dug out the journal I had written at the end of each eventful day, and I don’t think I can do better than quote from this to illustrate the huge impact HOPE’s work had on me.
Day 13, Monday March 18th – Another full day with HOPE! First, we visited Bhagar Creche and school. As we walked through the door of the first classroom, we were greeted with a chanted welcome from these pre-school boys and girls – so cute! They all wanted us to sit down on their benches with them, which we did, and joined in their songs, complete with actions. Such a great way to learn English!
They are given healthy meals and taught hygiene, thus educating indirectly their parents. I was so impressed by the fun, energetic atmosphere and the caring staff. It was here Jo and I met Sushmita*, our sponsored child who had been brought across to see us; she lives with her parents and four siblings in a slum near a large rubbish dump. Her father is a rickshaw puller & has a very low income. It was lovely to meet her, though she didn’t speak much English!
We then headed off to the Life Skills Café where young people who have benefited from an upbringing with HOPE are given the opportunity to learn catering and waitressing skills. We had a delicious lunch of omelette and chips (for less than Rs400) then bought some gifts at the HOPE craft shop.
That evening Tim, Karen and I accompanied the Night Round Medical Ambulance – this is a mobile unit launched in 2017 that patrols high risk areas six nights a week for four hours. The ambulance has a doctor and nurse on board who give free medical checkups and
medicine, while two social workers patrol, checking on anyone of concern, especially the very young and old – ie the most vulnerable.
The two social workers we accompanied first walked around an area under a flyover inhabited at night by a large number of people living in rough shelters, but as Karen pointed out, most were very tidy within their own areas. The kids came up and wanted to play patter cake with us, slapping our hands. They were very endearing and sweet.
I feel honoured to support our brilliant UK team in the work they do raising awareness and funds. I encourage anyone reading this to find out more and get involved – and if you are fortunate enough to be able to travel to India, take the time to visit Kolkata and witness the crucial work of HOPE. Our charity is so aptly named – since it was formed in 1999, it has given huge hope and empowered thousands of under-privileged children and their families living on the streets of Kolkata.
*Name changed
