Remember the girl who would be pickled?
The grandmother strikes again. This time it is to go the temple, to worship the family god, can't miss the ceremony, etc. etc.
Hope the child survives this academic year at least.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Passed - 1st class
Some good news.
Two boys -- both studying D.Ed. have completed their first year with first class.
Onto the second year now...
Two boys -- both studying D.Ed. have completed their first year with first class.
Onto the second year now...
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Follow up reports
In the past two months, we've managed to meet almost every student (except two) we are supporting this year. It took a bit of travel, but between the three of us, we managed it!
1. B.R. Hills
2. Kollegal
3. Mysore + Chamarajanagar
4. Bangalore
5. H.D. Kote
6. K.R. Nagar
7. Melkote
8. Hanur
9. Srimangala, Kodagu (pending)
10. Ponnampet, Kodagu (pending)
Reports will be posted asap.
1. B.R. Hills
2. Kollegal
3. Mysore + Chamarajanagar
4. Bangalore
5. H.D. Kote
6. K.R. Nagar
7. Melkote
8. Hanur
9. Srimangala, Kodagu (pending)
10. Ponnampet, Kodagu (pending)
Reports will be posted asap.
Helping hands
He was a student, much like those others who came to me seeking help. He was eloquent, willing to work, and urban. With jokes, compliments and some hard work, he befriended me. And today, he has become a young professional. And he donates some money to Kanasu Trust each month.
He is a friend of a friend. When I needed Rs 50,000 in a hurry, he helped raise Rs 35,000 in a matter of two weeks, from friends, colleagues, and family. Then he actually apologised for being an introvert, and not having more friends.
She was a flatmate, my sounding board, my person-to-bore-at-all-times. One fine day, as I was recalling my conversation with the latest student who contacted me, she suddenly said: "I'll raise money for this boy." And she did. For this one, and the next, and the next.
I do not know where they come from, but I seem to have friends all around. This work has enriched my life aplenty. I feel very very good personally being the channel through which so many people help so many others. Feels like a huge privilege...
Perhaps, I should not let a couple of bad experiences rule my decisions.
He is a friend of a friend. When I needed Rs 50,000 in a hurry, he helped raise Rs 35,000 in a matter of two weeks, from friends, colleagues, and family. Then he actually apologised for being an introvert, and not having more friends.
She was a flatmate, my sounding board, my person-to-bore-at-all-times. One fine day, as I was recalling my conversation with the latest student who contacted me, she suddenly said: "I'll raise money for this boy." And she did. For this one, and the next, and the next.
I do not know where they come from, but I seem to have friends all around. This work has enriched my life aplenty. I feel very very good personally being the channel through which so many people help so many others. Feels like a huge privilege...
Perhaps, I should not let a couple of bad experiences rule my decisions.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
One daughter, pickled, fresh
One of the four girls we admitted to school is back with me -- for her Dasara vacations. She is 13, has come of age, and is just ripe to be married off before she gets “spoilt” or picks up a bad reputation.
Her grandmother is very anxious to get to work – marrying her off is top priority. She has visited the social worker/local guardian twice already. “Send her to my house for the vacations.” “I am old, I want my granddaughter to take care of me.” She threatened us (how dare you keep my grand child from me?), pleaded with us (I will die soon…), cried inconsolably for her grand daughter… All for the pleasure of marrying her off at 13!
The mother is also under enormous pressure. “Why aren’t you marrying her off? Are you going to keep her and pickle her?” she was asked, according to her own reports. “Yes, I will pickle her,” she claims to have replied.
The girl, G, has a story that is typical of many others. Father drunk. Has another family now. Her mother says she left her husband as he tried to kill the second girl when he was drunk; father says the wife walked out on him… Whatever the truth, G was put to work as a 6 year old – in a Seth house in Jayanagar. She took care of the child and also helped with washing dishes, etc. Mother says her aunt did it, i.e. G’s grand aunt. Then the mother found the child and rescued her, admitted both her daughters into a convent near coastal Karnataka.
From there, the story is fairly clear. The children stayed there, and attended school while the mother wandered for work. She has worked in a hostel as a cook, in a garment factory, in umpteen homes, etc. The girls stayed in the hostel for 4-5 years. Last April, the mother was asked to remove the younger daughter as she was “stupid”. The elder daughter, G, was labeled as bright.
She now wants to learn English and that's why she is with me. She has two teachers, who have been arguing about what is more important -- reading or comprehension. :)
Such a relief to worry about this, rather than the previous issue...
Her grandmother is very anxious to get to work – marrying her off is top priority. She has visited the social worker/local guardian twice already. “Send her to my house for the vacations.” “I am old, I want my granddaughter to take care of me.” She threatened us (how dare you keep my grand child from me?), pleaded with us (I will die soon…), cried inconsolably for her grand daughter… All for the pleasure of marrying her off at 13!
The mother is also under enormous pressure. “Why aren’t you marrying her off? Are you going to keep her and pickle her?” she was asked, according to her own reports. “Yes, I will pickle her,” she claims to have replied.
The girl, G, has a story that is typical of many others. Father drunk. Has another family now. Her mother says she left her husband as he tried to kill the second girl when he was drunk; father says the wife walked out on him… Whatever the truth, G was put to work as a 6 year old – in a Seth house in Jayanagar. She took care of the child and also helped with washing dishes, etc. Mother says her aunt did it, i.e. G’s grand aunt. Then the mother found the child and rescued her, admitted both her daughters into a convent near coastal Karnataka.
From there, the story is fairly clear. The children stayed there, and attended school while the mother wandered for work. She has worked in a hostel as a cook, in a garment factory, in umpteen homes, etc. The girls stayed in the hostel for 4-5 years. Last April, the mother was asked to remove the younger daughter as she was “stupid”. The elder daughter, G, was labeled as bright.
She now wants to learn English and that's why she is with me. She has two teachers, who have been arguing about what is more important -- reading or comprehension. :)
Such a relief to worry about this, rather than the previous issue...
Sunday, September 20, 2009
We got taken for a long ride...
It was quite shocking.
The receipt number is the same.
The amount is the same.
The date and month are the same.
Only the year has been changed -- from 08 to 09.
We discovered that one of the students we support was cheating -- us! He had sent us last year's bill and claimed money.
We were upset and felt betrayed. After all, we all spend so much time, energy and money to ensure these boys get a decent education... coming as they do from families of coolies who drink away their earnings...
What do we do?
First, we tried to understand why he did it.
1. We ask for receipts, receipts, receipts. Perhaps the college did not issue a receipt and we were asking for receipt. What else could he do?
2. We only pay for educational expenses (fees, books, uniform, hostel, etc.) -- not debts incurred by the family, not daily wear clothes, not the occasional movie, not... not... not... Perhaps, he needs the money for any or all of the above... especially debts as boys a decade younger are earning an income, whereas he is not.
3. Perhaps he needs a mobile?
4. Or even a new pair of shoes...
5. Or perhaps, he just saw a bunch of do-gooders with money to burn...
I do not know the reason, but do we stop supporting him?
He is midway through his course. The money invested so far will be wasted as he will certainly drop out. Do I have the right to do this?
I tried meeting him, but he is sick and has gone home.
Plan of action:
1. After his return, go to his college and hostel and get first hand information about the fees paid this year.
2. With this information in hand, meet him and ask why he did this?
3. Explain that this has demotivated all of us to such an extent that we would like to close the Trust and stop the work entirely.
4. Make him and others sign a bond that they will repay all the money they have taken for their studies. This was a verbal agreement till now.
Or
Scream at him and get it over with.
Option 2 is always easier, isn't it?
But the big question is: How do I trust him with money henceforth? Need to work out a method whereby I pay the college directly, and not him. How fair is that? Life has no answers right now...
The receipt number is the same.
The amount is the same.
The date and month are the same.
Only the year has been changed -- from 08 to 09.
We discovered that one of the students we support was cheating -- us! He had sent us last year's bill and claimed money.
We were upset and felt betrayed. After all, we all spend so much time, energy and money to ensure these boys get a decent education... coming as they do from families of coolies who drink away their earnings...
What do we do?
First, we tried to understand why he did it.
1. We ask for receipts, receipts, receipts. Perhaps the college did not issue a receipt and we were asking for receipt. What else could he do?
2. We only pay for educational expenses (fees, books, uniform, hostel, etc.) -- not debts incurred by the family, not daily wear clothes, not the occasional movie, not... not... not... Perhaps, he needs the money for any or all of the above... especially debts as boys a decade younger are earning an income, whereas he is not.
3. Perhaps he needs a mobile?
4. Or even a new pair of shoes...
5. Or perhaps, he just saw a bunch of do-gooders with money to burn...
I do not know the reason, but do we stop supporting him?
He is midway through his course. The money invested so far will be wasted as he will certainly drop out. Do I have the right to do this?
I tried meeting him, but he is sick and has gone home.
Plan of action:
1. After his return, go to his college and hostel and get first hand information about the fees paid this year.
2. With this information in hand, meet him and ask why he did this?
3. Explain that this has demotivated all of us to such an extent that we would like to close the Trust and stop the work entirely.
4. Make him and others sign a bond that they will repay all the money they have taken for their studies. This was a verbal agreement till now.
Or
Scream at him and get it over with.
Option 2 is always easier, isn't it?
But the big question is: How do I trust him with money henceforth? Need to work out a method whereby I pay the college directly, and not him. How fair is that? Life has no answers right now...
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Travails of being a social worker
H planned to be a social worker as his father was one. But S and I never did. We were just your normal people, wanting to lead normal lives. But fate has other things in store. We deal with people today -- people wanting to make lives at their convenience.
1. "We need Rs 20,000. Can you send it?"
20,000? That's a lot of money. What for?
"We have some loans, and we have a jatre (fair) coming up. So we need the money."
I am sorry, we only support education. And I do not have a job to give you my money.
They had their jatre, and they are deeper in debt with the local moneylender.
2. "Can you please send Rs 20,000?"
Why?
"For my daughter's marriage."
She is only 15. How can you get her married? Why do you want to ruin her life? Isn't it enough that you are suffering? And no, I do not have the money, and even if I did, I would not give you the money to get a child married. Cancel the marriage if you don't have money.
The marriage did take place, and the entire extended family is in debt.
3. "They said, whoever wants to take you away has to give Rs 2,000 each month."
What for?
"That is what I am earning here now."
A bright-eyed kid who barely looks like he has completed 4th grade, B is working in a grocery shop. He has dropped out of school because his parents want him to earn money. Both his parents migrated from North Karnataka and worked in Bangalore for the past few years. I know recession has taken hold of the economy because they are all out of work. So they sit at home and send him to work. Both the parents drink only once a week. They're good people. The rest of the crowd drinks everyday.
I spoke with him daily asking him to get back to school. He said he would speak with his parents and this was their response. He said he ran away, but someone found him and brought him back. He was not willing to run away again.
Should I call the child helpline and inform them? Where does he get taken? How will his life be there? I do not know, and I do not have the time to follow up with a part-time job, a full-time child, a full-time trust and an income to earn. :(
1. "We need Rs 20,000. Can you send it?"
20,000? That's a lot of money. What for?
"We have some loans, and we have a jatre (fair) coming up. So we need the money."
I am sorry, we only support education. And I do not have a job to give you my money.
They had their jatre, and they are deeper in debt with the local moneylender.
2. "Can you please send Rs 20,000?"
Why?
"For my daughter's marriage."
She is only 15. How can you get her married? Why do you want to ruin her life? Isn't it enough that you are suffering? And no, I do not have the money, and even if I did, I would not give you the money to get a child married. Cancel the marriage if you don't have money.
The marriage did take place, and the entire extended family is in debt.
3. "They said, whoever wants to take you away has to give Rs 2,000 each month."
What for?
"That is what I am earning here now."
A bright-eyed kid who barely looks like he has completed 4th grade, B is working in a grocery shop. He has dropped out of school because his parents want him to earn money. Both his parents migrated from North Karnataka and worked in Bangalore for the past few years. I know recession has taken hold of the economy because they are all out of work. So they sit at home and send him to work. Both the parents drink only once a week. They're good people. The rest of the crowd drinks everyday.
I spoke with him daily asking him to get back to school. He said he would speak with his parents and this was their response. He said he ran away, but someone found him and brought him back. He was not willing to run away again.
Should I call the child helpline and inform them? Where does he get taken? How will his life be there? I do not know, and I do not have the time to follow up with a part-time job, a full-time child, a full-time trust and an income to earn. :(
Saturday, September 5, 2009
We are closed for this year... Try again next year...
We at Kanasu have finally started putting up this sign to aspiring students. Simply because we lack the time and energy to raise funds and mentor the students at the same time.
A team of three -- with everyone holding down income-earning jobs -- and families to take care of, it has become kinda tough to mentor 40+ students. And boy, they do need mentoring.
N.N. lost his father in early August. His father was a habitual drunkard, not surprising as most of the houses in his village brew some very potent liquor. He beat his wife, threw her out of the house, and finally did himself in. Now that he is gone, his ghost continues to haunt the family. They had to pay the local "shastra"-reader a good sum of money to rid themselves of the ghost. This has left the family deeper in debt. They spent Rs 16,000 + on the death rituals, ghost-busting rituals, and feeding family and friends for the funeral. A collection was taken up, which brought in Rs 4,000 something. They still have Rs 12,000 in loans in the village.
Will N.N. continue studying? Or will he drop out to support his mother and mentally retarded brother and pay back the loans? I really do not know. But H (from Kanasu team) visited the house and handed over a small sum of money. We called several times from Bangalore and spoke with N.N. We asked his peers to talk to him and ensure he continues his education. He promised to return in 3 days and then go back for the 11th day ceremonies. But what actually happened was that he missed 15 days of college, including internals, and then came back.
Every day, we wonder if he is in school or not. If he has cut and run. If he is planning to continue the course or just simply give up... I will never know. We all live on tenterhooks, and will continue to do so all year, I guess.
If each child takes so much time and energy, how do we care for 40 of them?
A team of three -- with everyone holding down income-earning jobs -- and families to take care of, it has become kinda tough to mentor 40+ students. And boy, they do need mentoring.
N.N. lost his father in early August. His father was a habitual drunkard, not surprising as most of the houses in his village brew some very potent liquor. He beat his wife, threw her out of the house, and finally did himself in. Now that he is gone, his ghost continues to haunt the family. They had to pay the local "shastra"-reader a good sum of money to rid themselves of the ghost. This has left the family deeper in debt. They spent Rs 16,000 + on the death rituals, ghost-busting rituals, and feeding family and friends for the funeral. A collection was taken up, which brought in Rs 4,000 something. They still have Rs 12,000 in loans in the village.
Will N.N. continue studying? Or will he drop out to support his mother and mentally retarded brother and pay back the loans? I really do not know. But H (from Kanasu team) visited the house and handed over a small sum of money. We called several times from Bangalore and spoke with N.N. We asked his peers to talk to him and ensure he continues his education. He promised to return in 3 days and then go back for the 11th day ceremonies. But what actually happened was that he missed 15 days of college, including internals, and then came back.
Every day, we wonder if he is in school or not. If he has cut and run. If he is planning to continue the course or just simply give up... I will never know. We all live on tenterhooks, and will continue to do so all year, I guess.
If each child takes so much time and energy, how do we care for 40 of them?
Monday, July 20, 2009
Taking stock
Lately, all we seem to do is run run run... And the work is still not done.
I seem to be seeking new people to sponsor the kids, while H seems to be running around meeting the students, their parents, teachers, wardens...
It was time to take stock. And we did. We found that we had touched 40 lives in the past year alone!!!!!!!
School students (11 - 10 girls, 1 boy):
Several surprises... 10 of them were school students, a group we did not plan on touching at all. But somehow, when parents and students ask for help to get a child into school, it seems impossible to say no. In the case of five students, the support has been minimal -- between Rs 400 - 500. They are all girls, living in small hamlets far from high school facilities. They all wanted help with travel, fees and basic necessities to prepare them for hostel life. We did it -- another need met.
Four other girls were in need of more urgent intervention. It has been chronicled last month...
One boy was all set to drop out as he had no "home" to stay in. He has now been put in a hostel, and a relative of his will be supporting him indirectly through the trust. We have paid his expenses now, a similar amount will be donated to the trust by his relative.
One girl is being supported for more than a year. She was a drop out, due to sickness and poverty. Now she is back in school, enjoying life. Her brothers take care of her, we help out when required. Her smile is enough to pick us all up! Somehow, she makes it worthwhile to beg!!!
ITI (5 students - all boys):
Three children from Ramapura in Kollegal taluk have joined ITI in Kollegal. It broke my heart that a student with 94% in one subject in PUC Commerce should go for ITI where the marks are not even considered. But that's what he chose to do. Do I dare to say I know better?
One more tribal boy (working in Bangalore), who has not found his niche also decided to join ITI in Bangalore. He has to continue supporting his parents and family. I have to find him some work that brings in enough money to keep his home fires burning... Washing cars, perhaps? 1 car @ 350 per month. 10 cars @ 3,500 per month. That's his current salary. And it takes just 2-3 hours each morning, whereas the job takes all day.
One finishes his course this year. A spunky kid with loads of initiative. We had to crack down on him for his initiative! Awaiting his successful graduation!
Degree (6 students - five boys, one girl):
Three in Bangalore, two in Mysore, one in Ponnampet... Three will graduate this year. Awaiting results, thinking of further studies (MA, B.Ed, MSW, Law) vs jobs.
BEd, DEd (5 students - all boys):
Right now, five students... The fifth one called today! Child labourer, behind his classmates by four years, as he spent more than three years working in an estate, herding cows. He was rescued in a media blitz and then resumed his Std 5, and graduated four years behind his contemporaries. Needs money for food to complete his course. About Rs 350 per month, he estimates. Do I dare turn him down? No.
Nursing (one boy):
He is an efficient boy who does his work and calls once in a while to inform us about how he is doing.
Diploma (4 students - all boys):
Three in Mysore, one in Melkote.
Law (1):
He is in his final year. Somehow, he is critical to us as he got Kanasu Trust started. Have to meet him and discuss his future.
PUC (7 students - 2 boys, one girl, rest pending):
One in Kamagere, one in Bangalore, one in Odeyarpalya, the rest in Yelandur.
That's our 40 for now. Now I understand why it seemed like a Herculean task over the past couple of months. There was just no time to mentor them. Need to strategise the financial aspects so that there is some time for mentoring too. Need to find more mentors as well... And miles to go before I sleep...
I seem to be seeking new people to sponsor the kids, while H seems to be running around meeting the students, their parents, teachers, wardens...
It was time to take stock. And we did. We found that we had touched 40 lives in the past year alone!!!!!!!
School students (11 - 10 girls, 1 boy):
Several surprises... 10 of them were school students, a group we did not plan on touching at all. But somehow, when parents and students ask for help to get a child into school, it seems impossible to say no. In the case of five students, the support has been minimal -- between Rs 400 - 500. They are all girls, living in small hamlets far from high school facilities. They all wanted help with travel, fees and basic necessities to prepare them for hostel life. We did it -- another need met.
Four other girls were in need of more urgent intervention. It has been chronicled last month...
One boy was all set to drop out as he had no "home" to stay in. He has now been put in a hostel, and a relative of his will be supporting him indirectly through the trust. We have paid his expenses now, a similar amount will be donated to the trust by his relative.
One girl is being supported for more than a year. She was a drop out, due to sickness and poverty. Now she is back in school, enjoying life. Her brothers take care of her, we help out when required. Her smile is enough to pick us all up! Somehow, she makes it worthwhile to beg!!!
ITI (5 students - all boys):
Three children from Ramapura in Kollegal taluk have joined ITI in Kollegal. It broke my heart that a student with 94% in one subject in PUC Commerce should go for ITI where the marks are not even considered. But that's what he chose to do. Do I dare to say I know better?
One more tribal boy (working in Bangalore), who has not found his niche also decided to join ITI in Bangalore. He has to continue supporting his parents and family. I have to find him some work that brings in enough money to keep his home fires burning... Washing cars, perhaps? 1 car @ 350 per month. 10 cars @ 3,500 per month. That's his current salary. And it takes just 2-3 hours each morning, whereas the job takes all day.
One finishes his course this year. A spunky kid with loads of initiative. We had to crack down on him for his initiative! Awaiting his successful graduation!
Degree (6 students - five boys, one girl):
Three in Bangalore, two in Mysore, one in Ponnampet... Three will graduate this year. Awaiting results, thinking of further studies (MA, B.Ed, MSW, Law) vs jobs.
BEd, DEd (5 students - all boys):
Right now, five students... The fifth one called today! Child labourer, behind his classmates by four years, as he spent more than three years working in an estate, herding cows. He was rescued in a media blitz and then resumed his Std 5, and graduated four years behind his contemporaries. Needs money for food to complete his course. About Rs 350 per month, he estimates. Do I dare turn him down? No.
Nursing (one boy):
He is an efficient boy who does his work and calls once in a while to inform us about how he is doing.
Diploma (4 students - all boys):
Three in Mysore, one in Melkote.
Law (1):
He is in his final year. Somehow, he is critical to us as he got Kanasu Trust started. Have to meet him and discuss his future.
PUC (7 students - 2 boys, one girl, rest pending):
One in Kamagere, one in Bangalore, one in Odeyarpalya, the rest in Yelandur.
That's our 40 for now. Now I understand why it seemed like a Herculean task over the past couple of months. There was just no time to mentor them. Need to strategise the financial aspects so that there is some time for mentoring too. Need to find more mentors as well... And miles to go before I sleep...
Saturday, July 18, 2009
A gap in the world
The last month has been hectic. Students who have completed their 10th would like to study further. Parents do not approve. They'd rather have them get to work.
A tribal researcher employed with a prominent research organisation contacted me requesting support for five students who have completed schooling. Their village has no college and the nearest government college is at least 100 km away. Private colleges (which are closer) charge a few thousand rupees as fees. Do we try for admission in the government college? Or do we join the private college?
If we get admission in the government college (which is not at all assured), what about hostel facilities? What about food? Who will bear all these expenses? If we get admission to the private college, then the fees is a few thousand rupees. Bus fare to and from school (about 25-30 km), books, clothes, and all that. Too much, said the parents, who earned between Rs 40-70 as a day's wages.
One of the boys passed his 10th with a first class. He made his choice quickly. He preferred to work, because for the first time in their area wages were up to Rs 84 per day! The men were only paid Rs 60-70 per day otherwise. Why are the wages up? Because the NREGA is being implemented in their area! Life is like that only.
Today, another lady contacted me. She has studied theology and works with a social service organisation in a small village in Kanakapura. Would I be able to help students from her area? she asked. They come from very poor families. Some of them are bright and need support for higher education. Can we? I do not know.
Till now, we have not turned anyone away. I do not know what the future has in store. But I am spending more and more of my time in fund-raising. That leaves less time for mentoring... Not an equation I like. We need to work out some long-term solution to this existing void.
A tribal researcher employed with a prominent research organisation contacted me requesting support for five students who have completed schooling. Their village has no college and the nearest government college is at least 100 km away. Private colleges (which are closer) charge a few thousand rupees as fees. Do we try for admission in the government college? Or do we join the private college?
If we get admission in the government college (which is not at all assured), what about hostel facilities? What about food? Who will bear all these expenses? If we get admission to the private college, then the fees is a few thousand rupees. Bus fare to and from school (about 25-30 km), books, clothes, and all that. Too much, said the parents, who earned between Rs 40-70 as a day's wages.
One of the boys passed his 10th with a first class. He made his choice quickly. He preferred to work, because for the first time in their area wages were up to Rs 84 per day! The men were only paid Rs 60-70 per day otherwise. Why are the wages up? Because the NREGA is being implemented in their area! Life is like that only.
Today, another lady contacted me. She has studied theology and works with a social service organisation in a small village in Kanakapura. Would I be able to help students from her area? she asked. They come from very poor families. Some of them are bright and need support for higher education. Can we? I do not know.
Till now, we have not turned anyone away. I do not know what the future has in store. But I am spending more and more of my time in fund-raising. That leaves less time for mentoring... Not an equation I like. We need to work out some long-term solution to this existing void.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Vision, mission, etc
What is your mission, vision, etc?
As of now, we have no mission. We do have visions, but we'd rather call them dreams. We dream that these students will complete their studies, find jobs, and then come back to support other children. We dream that a few years from now, we will not have to seek funds from the city-based friends-and-colleagues network. That the alumni will support the next set of students.
We at Kanasu Trust believe that having a mission will only restrict us and take us away from our raison d'être - the need felt by our kids. I understand that I should call them target group... but somehow they remain our kids!
So our mission could be:
- To fulfill needs felt strongly and expressed in the field of education and livelihood training.
- To mentor first-generation learners for a career in the world outside.
- To prepare the children of marginal farmers and landless labourers for life as equals in society.
This is so dynamic, and it will change. But, this is what we have been doing for the past three years, only the last one year is official!
As of now, we have no mission. We do have visions, but we'd rather call them dreams. We dream that these students will complete their studies, find jobs, and then come back to support other children. We dream that a few years from now, we will not have to seek funds from the city-based friends-and-colleagues network. That the alumni will support the next set of students.
We at Kanasu Trust believe that having a mission will only restrict us and take us away from our raison d'être - the need felt by our kids. I understand that I should call them target group... but somehow they remain our kids!
So our mission could be:
- To fulfill needs felt strongly and expressed in the field of education and livelihood training.
- To mentor first-generation learners for a career in the world outside.
- To prepare the children of marginal farmers and landless labourers for life as equals in society.
This is so dynamic, and it will change. But, this is what we have been doing for the past three years, only the last one year is official!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Q1 finances
Income this quarter has been sufficient for the students in need.
MBR: 2,500
SV: 1,000
P: 5,000
GPS: 5,000
ACL: 6,000
DrB: 5,000
PN: 5,000
VM: 2,000
AC: 2,000
SBB: 1,000
AS: 9,000
-------------
Total: 43,500
-------------
This was used for food (hostel messes are closed for the summer), exam fees, admission fees, and some last minute purchase of guides and photocopying. Some students have also been admitted to schools and colleges for further studies.
MBR: 2,500
SV: 1,000
P: 5,000
GPS: 5,000
ACL: 6,000
DrB: 5,000
PN: 5,000
VM: 2,000
AC: 2,000
SBB: 1,000
AS: 9,000
-------------
Total: 43,500
-------------
This was used for food (hostel messes are closed for the summer), exam fees, admission fees, and some last minute purchase of guides and photocopying. Some students have also been admitted to schools and colleges for further studies.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Computer centre
I visited a village of Tamilians in Karnataka, and was most impressed by their desire to get ahead. The entire village presented a united front -- about 20 men got together to request me for some support.
They do have a government school in the village, but the teacher is not too good. There is also a private school, but only for primary school. There are almost 500 families in the village spread over a vast area as they tend to live in their farms. They are small and medium farmers with land ranging from 2 acres to 6 acres.
Their wish list:
1. English medium school
2. Computer classes
3. Spoken English classes
4. High school in the village
5. Additional coaching for students.
I told them that we need permission from about 19 different government departments and this is just not in our capacity.
We could set up a computer centre for their little kids, I suggested, provided the community cooperated and it was a community run centre. They have agreed to donate a room for a year for centre. They have also agreed that minimal fees should be charged - Rs 20-30 per student was suggested.
So, here's what we need:
1. 6 tables
2. 6 chairs
3. 6 computers (2 promised)
4. UPS system
5. 1 teacher (any volunteers among the Tamil/Kannada speaking population?)
Basically, I am excited about this as I will be helping people who want to help themselves.
They do have a government school in the village, but the teacher is not too good. There is also a private school, but only for primary school. There are almost 500 families in the village spread over a vast area as they tend to live in their farms. They are small and medium farmers with land ranging from 2 acres to 6 acres.
Their wish list:
1. English medium school
2. Computer classes
3. Spoken English classes
4. High school in the village
5. Additional coaching for students.
I told them that we need permission from about 19 different government departments and this is just not in our capacity.
We could set up a computer centre for their little kids, I suggested, provided the community cooperated and it was a community run centre. They have agreed to donate a room for a year for centre. They have also agreed that minimal fees should be charged - Rs 20-30 per student was suggested.
So, here's what we need:
1. 6 tables
2. 6 chairs
3. 6 computers (2 promised)
4. UPS system
5. 1 teacher (any volunteers among the Tamil/Kannada speaking population?)
Basically, I am excited about this as I will be helping people who want to help themselves.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Married at 15?
Married at 15, first child at 16, another at 17, drunk husband, cranky children, tired and anaemic mother, scraping by on a daily wage when work is available, living on credit when that is available... A hard life - drudgery, worries, endless hunger. That's what Thimmamma has. She is barely 30.
Fifteen-year-old Ratna is getting married on 11 June. A bright student, she dropped out of school five years ago to take care of her younger brother, while her mother went to earn a living. Her life is all set to follow the same pattern as her mother's. At 30, Rathna will be the thin, tired mother and wife, that her mother is today.
Her sister Radha is just a year younger. Will her future be any different? We, at Kanasu Trust, hope so. We have pulled her away from home and placed her in a hostel. She now misses her home so much that she bursts into tears at the slightest provocation. Not for her the carefree song and dance of the other hostel girls. Not for her the secrets, giggles, and happy hours in the evening.
We hope that being in the hostel will keep her away from the social pressures of marriage. Her mother has agreed that she will not be forced into marriage as long as she studies. "If she is here, then I can't reject the proposals all the time. I will be forced to marry her off. As long as she is studying somewhere else, she will be safe," said Thimmamma. Our only hope of keeping the child off the marriage market, is to keep her in school.
What does it cost? Not much. Bus fares, clothes, and fees all put together come to just Rs 2,000 per year!
Any donors?
P.S. Thank you CDS for your support for her.
Fifteen-year-old Ratna is getting married on 11 June. A bright student, she dropped out of school five years ago to take care of her younger brother, while her mother went to earn a living. Her life is all set to follow the same pattern as her mother's. At 30, Rathna will be the thin, tired mother and wife, that her mother is today.
Her sister Radha is just a year younger. Will her future be any different? We, at Kanasu Trust, hope so. We have pulled her away from home and placed her in a hostel. She now misses her home so much that she bursts into tears at the slightest provocation. Not for her the carefree song and dance of the other hostel girls. Not for her the secrets, giggles, and happy hours in the evening.
We hope that being in the hostel will keep her away from the social pressures of marriage. Her mother has agreed that she will not be forced into marriage as long as she studies. "If she is here, then I can't reject the proposals all the time. I will be forced to marry her off. As long as she is studying somewhere else, she will be safe," said Thimmamma. Our only hope of keeping the child off the marriage market, is to keep her in school.
What does it cost? Not much. Bus fares, clothes, and fees all put together come to just Rs 2,000 per year!
Any donors?
P.S. Thank you CDS for your support for her.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Need support for 2009-10
N N is a Lambani boy from a family of casual labourers settled in Kollegal district. He wants to study further and works hard. But his family wants him to start earning immediately. They do not support his efforts to study at all. In fact, they ask him to send them money every now and then! He was working in a garment factory in Tirupur in 2007-08 for almost a year before he returned to study last year.
He is pursuing his Diploma in Mechanical engineering in Mysore. He stays in the college hostel. We supported his education last year and need to raise money for him this year as well. To be frank, he is not a very smart student, just a hard working one, who wants to study despite the odds.
College fees: Rs 1600
Uniform and shoes: Rs 300
Books, tools: Rs 1550
Project: Rs 1100
Hostel fees: Rs 2300 (per year)
Food: Rs 900 per month x 10 months = Rs 9000
-------
Total: 15,850
-------
P.S. AS from Delhi has paid his fees!
Need money for his monthly mess bill: Rs 900 x 10 months = Rs 9,000
He is pursuing his Diploma in Mechanical engineering in Mysore. He stays in the college hostel. We supported his education last year and need to raise money for him this year as well. To be frank, he is not a very smart student, just a hard working one, who wants to study despite the odds.
College fees: Rs 1600
Uniform and shoes: Rs 300
Books, tools: Rs 1550
Project: Rs 1100
Hostel fees: Rs 2300 (per year)
Food: Rs 900 per month x 10 months = Rs 9000
-------
Total: 15,850
-------
P.S. AS from Delhi has paid his fees!
Need money for his monthly mess bill: Rs 900 x 10 months = Rs 9,000
Sunday, April 19, 2009
N.N. (diploma)
On April 16, 2009 (just last week), N.N. went without breakfast. Nothing special about it, except that he is one of the kids who is being supported by Kanasu Trust. The missed breakfast brings with it a huge sense of failure that far outweighs the couple of hundred calories a "rice-bath" would have brought him.
The point of starting the trust, was to ensure that kids like him and N.V. (who is studying law) do not have to study on an empty stomach. Read N.V.'s account (in this blog) of gatecrashing a wedding to fill that troublesome stomach!
N.N. needs Rs 45 per day for three meals. I need to raise money for 50 days until his exams are done. Hostel mess is closed as the college is closed for study hols. Exams are only from end-May to June 4. Till then, he has to feed himself. Going home is not an option as there is no electricity and no food at home. As there is no work in the fields during the summer, food is a serious problem in all their homes.
I am now trying to raise Rs 45 x 50 days (April 16 - June 5) = Rs 2,250
Any helpers? Pls write in!
Course: Mechanical
Place: Mysore
Support: Fees, uniform, books, mess bill...
His family needed money for hospital bills and he worked during the vacations and evenings to send money home.
May 5: Managed to raise Rs 2,000 for NN and transferred it to him too.
The point of starting the trust, was to ensure that kids like him and N.V. (who is studying law) do not have to study on an empty stomach. Read N.V.'s account (in this blog) of gatecrashing a wedding to fill that troublesome stomach!
N.N. needs Rs 45 per day for three meals. I need to raise money for 50 days until his exams are done. Hostel mess is closed as the college is closed for study hols. Exams are only from end-May to June 4. Till then, he has to feed himself. Going home is not an option as there is no electricity and no food at home. As there is no work in the fields during the summer, food is a serious problem in all their homes.
I am now trying to raise Rs 45 x 50 days (April 16 - June 5) = Rs 2,250
Any helpers? Pls write in!
Course: Mechanical
Place: Mysore
Support: Fees, uniform, books, mess bill...
His family needed money for hospital bills and he worked during the vacations and evenings to send money home.
May 5: Managed to raise Rs 2,000 for NN and transferred it to him too.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Who helps us? Part II
Balance brought forward: 57,700
Donations since Jan 2009
JP - 5,000
PV - 1,000
SK - 5,000
NKa - 2,000
GP - 3,000
----------------
Total: 73,700
----------------
Thank you very much!
Donations since Jan 2009
JP - 5,000
PV - 1,000
SK - 5,000
NKa - 2,000
GP - 3,000
----------------
Total: 73,700
----------------
Thank you very much!
Friday, March 20, 2009
M.N.
M.N. is a Lambani boy doing his diploma in tool and dye making at GTTC, Mysore. He comes from a family of marginal farmers and they have paid his fees till now. Right now, they are unable to raise money as they have maxed out their credit with the local money lenders (due to a marriage in the family).
He has passed all his exams with a first class till now. He is quite enterprising and works during his vacations and even weekends and evenings. Last vacation, he worked in a petrol bunk in Mysore and earned Rs 80 per day. The money was sent to help his family with the wedding expenses!
He is a natural leader and carries himself with dignity. He did not ask us to help with his fees, instead he asked us to buy insurance policies! Of course, we were not interested in the policies... Finally, when he was unable to earn the money, he asked us for help.
Course: Tool and Die making
Place: Mysore
Support: Half of one sem fees.
He has passed all his exams with a first class till now. He is quite enterprising and works during his vacations and even weekends and evenings. Last vacation, he worked in a petrol bunk in Mysore and earned Rs 80 per day. The money was sent to help his family with the wedding expenses!
He is a natural leader and carries himself with dignity. He did not ask us to help with his fees, instead he asked us to buy insurance policies! Of course, we were not interested in the policies... Finally, when he was unable to earn the money, he asked us for help.
Course: Tool and Die making
Place: Mysore
Support: Half of one sem fees.
A
A is a Soliga lad from a small hamlet deep in the forests of Kollegal taluk. He comes from a family of landless labourers, who work on a daily wage basis in nearby farms and orchards.
He finished his 10th and worked for a year, saved money and did his PU. After his PU, he did the same thing again. After his BA, he worked for six months and is now pursuing B.Ed with our support. It is a 10 month course and will finish in the last quarter of 2009.
His college is in K.R. Nagar near Mysore. His family took a loan to pay the fees and they are paying back the loan, he says. They cannot support his expenses.
In K.R. Nagar, he stays with some friends who have rented a room, so accommodation is not a problem. It is food that is a problem. Daily food costs exactly Rs 35 per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Rs 1,000 a month will ensure he does not go hungry.
He used his savings for his uniform and other expenses.
Place: K.R. Nagar
Course: B.Ed
Support: None so far, needs food for eight months
P.S. We got Rs 5,000 from GPS. Thank you!
He finished his 10th and worked for a year, saved money and did his PU. After his PU, he did the same thing again. After his BA, he worked for six months and is now pursuing B.Ed with our support. It is a 10 month course and will finish in the last quarter of 2009.
His college is in K.R. Nagar near Mysore. His family took a loan to pay the fees and they are paying back the loan, he says. They cannot support his expenses.
In K.R. Nagar, he stays with some friends who have rented a room, so accommodation is not a problem. It is food that is a problem. Daily food costs exactly Rs 35 per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Rs 1,000 a month will ensure he does not go hungry.
He used his savings for his uniform and other expenses.
Place: K.R. Nagar
Course: B.Ed
Support: None so far, needs food for eight months
P.S. We got Rs 5,000 from GPS. Thank you!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
N.V.
Nanja is probably one of the most heroic figures in Kanasu land. A Soliga from Konanakere village near M.M. Hills, he has completed his BA and is now doing his LLB at Vidyavardhaka College, Mysore. Barely 5 feet tall, he is hoping to be the first lawyer among the Soligas. He has two sisters and one brother, all of whom dropped out of school, married and are working as agricultural labourers.
At 24, he is encouraged and supported by his mother who works in a hotel. She earns little in terms of cash, but her food and accommodation are taken care of. What little cash she earns, she sends it to him to support his education. He, on the other hand, does not visit his mother often as she has to support him. He stays in the free hostel for tribal children and takes care of his needs himself.
He did his degree in a smaller town in Karnataka and recalls how when the hostel was closed for vacation, students were allowed to stay, but there was no food. So they scrounged for food from friends and neighbours. Ex-teachers, relatives, random acquaintances were all touched for a meal or two. But during the study holidays, they really had to stay in the hostel and work hard. At times like this, they often went without food for a couple of days at a time. After two such days, they heard of an acquaintance whose brother was getting married in town. Their best rags came out and off they went to attend the wedding feast! They ate heartily and lived on the memories for the rest of the week!
He is my hero.
Course: II Year LLB
Support: We have paid his college fees and food when the hostel kitchen is closed.
At 24, he is encouraged and supported by his mother who works in a hotel. She earns little in terms of cash, but her food and accommodation are taken care of. What little cash she earns, she sends it to him to support his education. He, on the other hand, does not visit his mother often as she has to support him. He stays in the free hostel for tribal children and takes care of his needs himself.
He did his degree in a smaller town in Karnataka and recalls how when the hostel was closed for vacation, students were allowed to stay, but there was no food. So they scrounged for food from friends and neighbours. Ex-teachers, relatives, random acquaintances were all touched for a meal or two. But during the study holidays, they really had to stay in the hostel and work hard. At times like this, they often went without food for a couple of days at a time. After two such days, they heard of an acquaintance whose brother was getting married in town. Their best rags came out and off they went to attend the wedding feast! They ate heartily and lived on the memories for the rest of the week!
He is my hero.
Course: II Year LLB
Support: We have paid his college fees and food when the hostel kitchen is closed.
K.N
He is 22 years old and hails from a small village in M.M. Hills. He is good at mathematics and has decided to do his B.Com by correspondence. Intelligent, hardworking boy and caring, he is working as an office boy in Jayanagar. He comes from the Soliga community and plays parent to his sister who is going to school in Bangalore.
Course: B.Com 1st year
Support: We have paid his fees.
Course: B.Com 1st year
Support: We have paid his fees.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
K.S.
K S is 20 years old and hails from a small village near M.M.Hills (Malai Mahadeshwara Hills). His home is right next to the forest and often wild boar raid their crops! He is studying B.A. (1st year) through correspondence from Karnataka Open University. At the same time, he is working as an office boy at a small office in J.P. Nagar. He is very shy and quiet, but if he learns something, he applies that knowledge to other areas of life. He is creative and has produced interesting pictures after just two Photoshop lessons! He is equally good at technical stuff and knows more about my mobile phone than I do!
He worked for two months in a Darshini hotel, serving and packing food -- 10-12 hours a day. After completing 12 years of education, he could not use any of the skills he had been taught. Three months later, he found a job as an office boy in Jayanagar and also joined a course in computer hardware. He saved money diligently and paid back Rs 30,000 loan in just over a year. After a year, he quit that job as he wanted to work with forests, natural resources, and animals. He now works in a small natural resource related consultancy. Whereever he works, his colleagues find him endearing for his willingness to work and learn.
He has also purchased a second-hand computer which he uses at home to teach himself typing, MS Word, Excel and Photoshop! He has also started his BA by correspondence. He says he can't afford to study as he has to support his family, comprising his parents and 8 siblings. He also believes that he is not good at studies and yet started studying as he saw employers asking for degrees. He is hard working and hence I am confident that he will pass.
In Bangalore, he and his brother stay together in a rented room and have now sent their 15-year-old sister back to school in Bangalore. She had dropped out due to health and distance to school issues. Every weekend, she comes back to their house and they take care of her.
Course: BA 1st year
Support: We have paid his fees for the correspondence course.
He worked for two months in a Darshini hotel, serving and packing food -- 10-12 hours a day. After completing 12 years of education, he could not use any of the skills he had been taught. Three months later, he found a job as an office boy in Jayanagar and also joined a course in computer hardware. He saved money diligently and paid back Rs 30,000 loan in just over a year. After a year, he quit that job as he wanted to work with forests, natural resources, and animals. He now works in a small natural resource related consultancy. Whereever he works, his colleagues find him endearing for his willingness to work and learn.
He has also purchased a second-hand computer which he uses at home to teach himself typing, MS Word, Excel and Photoshop! He has also started his BA by correspondence. He says he can't afford to study as he has to support his family, comprising his parents and 8 siblings. He also believes that he is not good at studies and yet started studying as he saw employers asking for degrees. He is hard working and hence I am confident that he will pass.
In Bangalore, he and his brother stay together in a rented room and have now sent their 15-year-old sister back to school in Bangalore. She had dropped out due to health and distance to school issues. Every weekend, she comes back to their house and they take care of her.
Course: BA 1st year
Support: We have paid his fees for the correspondence course.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
C.V.
C.V. is a charismatic young man, who is studying BA (HES) at National College, Jayanagar. He is also a helper at a consultancy run by 5 IIM grads. They give him a lot of time to study and help with the books, etc. Most of all, they treat him as an equal and he is thriving in it. He supports his widowed mother at home, though she asks him to focus on his studies instead.
Bright and smiling, he is always a willing worker. He took the initiative to come to Bangalore in the hope of continuing his studies while supporting his family. It took a lot of courage to resume his studies in Bangalore after discontinuing for two years, but he finally did it. He walked into the college to apply for admission and the principal offered to pay his fees. :) This, he says, gave him the courage to actually join the college.
This is not the first gap in his education. He worked as a child labourer in a hotel in Ooty for two years (when he was in supposed to be in school). His teacher coached him after school hours (in return for herding his cows!) and that is how he resumed his studies.
He inspires me!
First semester results: Cleared all subjects except Sociology.
Wish list: No personal goals, wants to be a social worker.
Support: Kanasu Trust has paid his college fees, and some books.
Bright and smiling, he is always a willing worker. He took the initiative to come to Bangalore in the hope of continuing his studies while supporting his family. It took a lot of courage to resume his studies in Bangalore after discontinuing for two years, but he finally did it. He walked into the college to apply for admission and the principal offered to pay his fees. :) This, he says, gave him the courage to actually join the college.
This is not the first gap in his education. He worked as a child labourer in a hotel in Ooty for two years (when he was in supposed to be in school). His teacher coached him after school hours (in return for herding his cows!) and that is how he resumed his studies.
He inspires me!
First semester results: Cleared all subjects except Sociology.
Wish list: No personal goals, wants to be a social worker.
Support: Kanasu Trust has paid his college fees, and some books.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Where dreams come true...
I'd love to say this is the place where dreams come true...
But that's not really true.
Kanasu Trust helps a few children from rural and extremely poor backgrounds realise their dreams of studying further. We pay their college fees, hostel fees, books, equipment, uniform and sometimes, even bus fare.
Where do the students come from?
Most of the students are alumni of the school at B.R. Hills run by an NGO called VGKK. They come from rural and forest areas of Karnataka -- some are tribals, some are just rural poor. They come mostly from Chamarajanagar district.
Where are they now?
Students are spread over several places in Karnataka -- Bangalore, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Ponnampet, Gundlupet and HD Kote.
What are they studying?
Each child is pursuing a course of his/her choice. We have students doing LLB, BA, BCom, BSc, ITI, Diploma and nursing.
What do these courses cost?
Each child has a different need -- some need fees, others need some books and equipment, while a few need fees, food, equipment, books and uniforms. Our payments to the children have ranged from Rs 250 to Rs 13,000.
How do the students to know about us?
The kids hear of us through the "jungle" network, which includes friends, social workers, teachers...
Can't their parents support them?
Often their parents are both unwilling and unable to support them. Some parents are aware of the importance of education and they take loans (at 3-5 percent interest per month, that's 36-60% per year) from local money lenders to support the children. Other parents think the children should be working and earning money instead of wasting time studying. "Your son is already a big boy, why are you still working?" is a common refrain.
Who are we?
We are two entities.
1. A formal trust with a bank account to enable transparency in our financial activities.
2. An informal network of teachers, social workers, senior students, some writers and several techies, whom the children have woven together to help them study.
Names please.
1. Bangalore-based Veena is a researcher, writer, editor, journalist. Main fund-raiser and peptalk giver to the kids.
2. Kollegal-based Huchaiah is a tribal social worker, who is a natural at connecting people. He does the monthly follow-up with the tribal children to ensure they are focussed on their studies.
3. Bangalore-based Sowmya was a teacher at two rural schools and is currently studying BSc by correspondence. She constantly talks to the students to find out what is happening in their lives and keeps them going.
But that's not really true.
Kanasu Trust helps a few children from rural and extremely poor backgrounds realise their dreams of studying further. We pay their college fees, hostel fees, books, equipment, uniform and sometimes, even bus fare.
Where do the students come from?
Most of the students are alumni of the school at B.R. Hills run by an NGO called VGKK. They come from rural and forest areas of Karnataka -- some are tribals, some are just rural poor. They come mostly from Chamarajanagar district.
Where are they now?
Students are spread over several places in Karnataka -- Bangalore, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Ponnampet, Gundlupet and HD Kote.
What are they studying?
Each child is pursuing a course of his/her choice. We have students doing LLB, BA, BCom, BSc, ITI, Diploma and nursing.
What do these courses cost?
Each child has a different need -- some need fees, others need some books and equipment, while a few need fees, food, equipment, books and uniforms. Our payments to the children have ranged from Rs 250 to Rs 13,000.
How do the students to know about us?
The kids hear of us through the "jungle" network, which includes friends, social workers, teachers...
Can't their parents support them?
Often their parents are both unwilling and unable to support them. Some parents are aware of the importance of education and they take loans (at 3-5 percent interest per month, that's 36-60% per year) from local money lenders to support the children. Other parents think the children should be working and earning money instead of wasting time studying. "Your son is already a big boy, why are you still working?" is a common refrain.
Who are we?
We are two entities.
1. A formal trust with a bank account to enable transparency in our financial activities.
2. An informal network of teachers, social workers, senior students, some writers and several techies, whom the children have woven together to help them study.
Names please.
1. Bangalore-based Veena is a researcher, writer, editor, journalist. Main fund-raiser and peptalk giver to the kids.
2. Kollegal-based Huchaiah is a tribal social worker, who is a natural at connecting people. He does the monthly follow-up with the tribal children to ensure they are focussed on their studies.
3. Bangalore-based Sowmya was a teacher at two rural schools and is currently studying BSc by correspondence. She constantly talks to the students to find out what is happening in their lives and keeps them going.
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