Aarti’s Story: A Ray of Hope from the Slums of Ferozepur

In the narrow, dusty lanes of a slum in Ferozepur, Punjab, lives a bright-eyed nine-year-old girl named Aarti. She comes from a struggling family of seven. Her father, Gopi, works as a daily wage laborer (earning no more than $2 a day), and her mother, Mala, supports the family by doing household chores and cleaning in others' homes. With four siblings and limited resources, education was never a priority in their home, survival always came first.

From a young age, Aarti developed a deep fear of school. She once witnessed a teacher beating a child, and the incident left a lasting impression on her. Since then, she resisted the idea of going to school. Her parents, overwhelmed by their daily hardships and unaware of the value of education, never encouraged her to attend school. They didn’t even have her Aadhaar card* made, which is an essential identification document in India that is usually required for school admission and access to basic services.

But Aarti's life began to change when she started attending a free learning centre run by Project Help India. Under the compassionate care and guidance of her teacher, Blessy, Aarti found a safe and welcoming place where learning was joyful and encouraging. Her natural intelligence quickly became evident, and she began taking great interest in her studies.

Seeing her potential, Blessy took the initiative to go beyond the classroom. She helped Aarti’s family apply for and obtain her Aadhaar card - something they had never managed to do before. Blessy then reached out to local government schools to secure Aarti’s admission. Initially, the school authorities were hesitant. They were very reluctant to enrol a nine-year-old girl who had never attended formal education before. But Blessy did not give up. After many conversations and follow-ups, her persistence paid off. The school finally agreed to admit Aarti in the upcoming academic session.

Today, Aarti continues to attend the Project Help India centre with enthusiasm and is preparing to step into formal schooling for the first time in her life. Her parents, once indifferent to her education, are now supportive and hopeful. They are amazed at the progress Aarti has made and are thankful for the second chance their daughter has been given.

Aarti’s story is not just about her, - it is about the power of compassion, commitment, and community. It shows how a caring teacher from Project Help India centre supported by the generosity of our many donors and supporters, can transform the life of a child, giving her not just education, but dignity, identity, and hope for a brighter future.

Help Us Reach More Children Like Aarti

There are hundreds of children in the slums of Punjab with the same potential, but without the opportunity. Your support can help us bring education, care, and hope to them.

With your donation, we can provide school supplies, basic documentation like Aadhaar cards, nutritious meals, and a safe place to learn. It costs approximately $50AUD a month to educate a child at one of our 13 centres across Northern India. All up we have approximately 600 students attending.

Be the reason a child like Aarti gets her first chance at school.
Together, we can break the cycle of poverty—one child at a time.

Partner with Project Help India today. Every contribution counts. You can make a life-changing donation by clicking the DONATE button at the top of this page.

An Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique identity number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to residents of India. It serves as proof of identity and address and is essential for accessing various government services and financial transactions. The Aadhaar system aims to provide a universal identity for all residents, facilitating social and financial inclusion. 

Stitching a New Future: Empowering Women Through Tailoring

Over the past 7 years, Project Help India’s Sewing Education Center has transformed the lives of 84 women and girls from some of the poorest communities we serve. Through our 6-month, fully-funded training program, these women—who would otherwise have no opportunity to learn—are mastering the art of tailoring and gaining skills that empower them to earn an income with dignity.

Today, many of these women work from home or operate small shops, stitching garments like Indian salwar suits, shirts, pajamas, and kurtis—clothing always in high demand in India. With their new skills, they are now able to cover essential household expenses including rent, groceries, electricity, and their children's school fees.

The Sewing Center is more than a classroom—it’s a lifeline. With your support, we provide sewing machines, fabric, threads, and all necessary materials. But we need your help to keep this vital work going and to expand our reach to more women in need.

Impact at a Glance:

• 84 women and girls trained in 7 years

• Free 6-month tailoring courses

• Women now earning an income and supporting their families

• Breaking cycles of poverty through practical education

• Access to counselling and emotional support

• A safe, welcoming haven away from abuse and hardship

• A place to laugh, grow, and build lasting, trusted friendships

Together, we can stitch hope into the lives of many more women. Your donation goes a very long way and makes a huge difference in the lives of these young women - it’s a dream come true for them and a chance to escape the vicious cycle of a life in poverty. You can make your tax deductible donation at the top of this page.

Learning in Forgotten Places

In October last year, Rowena and I (Doug) had the privilege of visiting our 14th and newest education centre, deep in the remote jungle village of Puranwala, near Kotdwara. This community—where nearly 100% of the population is illiterate—is now experiencing the transformative power of education for the very first time.

We were inspired by Santosh, our enthusiastic local teacher, whose passion is lighting the way for children who had never before set foot in a classroom. We met village elders, heard their stories, and as always, were moved by the children who are so full of energy, determination, and genuine gratitude for the opportunity to learn.

Many of the 32 students at our Puranwala Centre walk courageously for hours in both directions, through the jungle five days a week. They travel muddy tracks, cross riverbeds, and face dangers most children will never know—all to reach a small centre made of hope and courage. The village itself, located inside Jim Corbett National Park, has no school, no electricity, no transport, no market, and no healthcare. But it now has something powerful: the light of learning.

Despite the dust, the rain, and the long journey, these children show up each day with joy in their eyes and dreams in their hearts. They know that education is their only chance to change their story.

Their hunger to learn is humbling. Their resilience is inspiring.

You can help them write a brighter future.

Sponsor a day of learning, joy, and hope for just a small monthly gift. Your support helps us provide teaching, supplies, and a safe place to learn right where no one else will go.

👉 Please donate now to sponsor a month of learning at Puranwala. $50 a month is all it takes. Click the DONATE button at the top of this page.

Let’s walk with them—every dusty step of the way.

Silent No More

At just 17 years of age, Sofia is already a symbol of courage and hope in her community.

Living in a modest home in a Ferozepur slum, with her parents, three brothers, and elderly grandparents, Sofia’s life has never been easy. Her grandparents, despite their age, carry the weight of the household on their shoulders. Her mother is quiet and weary. Her father battles a severe drug addiction—his struggles have led to theft, imprisonment, and a chaos that has torn through the family like a storm.

In the slums, a girl’s dreams are often the first to be sacrificed. Guided by traditional beliefs, Sofia’s grandparents prioritised the education of her brothers, dismissing Sofia’s potential. Her future was expected to follow the same path as the other women in the family: early marriage, domestic duties, and a life of silence.

But Sofia dared to dream differently.

After completing 10th grade, her family began arranging her marriage. But Sofia—fearless and passionate—stood her ground. She told her family she wanted to go to law school and become a judge. Her dream is to fight for justice not only in the courtroom, but for girls like her across India. Her courage could have been crushed. But it wasn’t.

Thanks to Miss Nisha, her compassionate teacher at the Project Help India Canal Colony Centre in Ferozepur, Sofia’s story took a new direction. Miss Nisha and the team intervened, counselled her family, and convinced them to allow Sofia to stay in school.

Today, Sofia is excelling in 12th grade. She attends both the local state school and our Project Help Centre, where she’s topping her class and inspiring every girl who’s ever been told she’s not allowed to dream.

But Sofia’s journey is far from over.

Her family still cannot afford coaching classes, schoolbooks, or the costs of higher education. Every rupee is a struggle. Every step toward becoming a judge depends on people who believe in her as much as she believes in herself.

Can you help us help Sofia—and other slum kids like her?

We’re reaching out in two simple but powerful ways:

• Sponsor Sofia’s education on a regular basis ($50/month) to assist with her tuition and educational resources. We’ll be in touch to discuss her specific needs.

• Make a monthly, tax-deductible donation to help us continue running our centres in Punjab. It costs approximately $2,000/year to run each of our six centres.

👉 You can make your tax-deductible donation by clicking the DONATE button at the top of this page.

Help us to help more girls become Silent No More.

Punjabi slum kids in one of the locations where we have a small education centre.

Compassion in the Midst of Crisis – A Safe Place for Every Child

At Project Help India, we believe every child deserves a safe place to learn, grow, and dream.

In recent weeks, that sense of safety has been shaken for many in our northernmost centres near the India–Pakistan border. Rising regional tensions in Punjab’s Ferozepur district have made life extremely stressful and uncertain for families already living in hardship.

Tension at the Border

Our local staff have reported a deeply tense atmosphere following drone activity along the border. While the army acted swiftly to secure the area, the fear among communities remains very real.

Tragically, a drone incident in a nearby village took the life of a woman and injured members of her family. Our hearts go out to them, and we hold their community in our prayers.

As a safety precaution, we have temporarily closed one of our centres near the border. With the wellbeing of children and staff our highest priority, we will not resume classes until we are confident the area is secure. Internet outages added to the difficulty, but the situation is slowly stabilising.

Why Our Centre Matters

The border itself lies just 500 metres from our education centre. That’s how close we are.

This is a remote and isolated location, where children have no access to a local school. Families live in extreme poverty, surviving day to day. Sadly, this makes both children and parents easy targets for drug gangs.

Addiction is tragically common—heroin and narcotics are widespread, and children are often lured into trafficking. Once addicted, their futures are bleak. For most, it's a death sentence.

Our work is vital. We not only educate these children, but we protect them. We give them the chance to hope, to learn, and to live free from fear.

On my visits, parents have been incredibly trusting and open—grateful for someone to sit with them, to listen, and to care. They are deeply appreciative that their children are receiving a free education and a chance at life beyond poverty and addiction.

Standing with Families and Staff

We are also mindful of the many staff and teachers who live close to the border. They too have been impacted by the unrest, and we are doing all we can to offer care, reassurance, and practical support as they navigate this uncertain time.

🗣️ “One of the most fascinating and surreal experiences of all my travels…”

When I visited the Hussainiwala border in October 2023 and 2024, I witnessed the daily Indo-Pak retreat ceremony—a bold display of military choreography, national pride, and theatrical gestures. It was fun, captivating, and bizarre all at once. Despite the ceremony’s intensity, it was a time of peace—yet the ever-present political tension was a sobering backdrop. I pray that peace will return swiftly, for the sake of both nations, and especially for those most vulnerable.
— Doug Thomas, Founder, Project Help India

A Steady Hand in Turbulent Times

What remains constant is our commitment to compassion.

Our staff continue to check in with families, offer support, and remind children that even in times of uncertainty, they are not alone. We are more than a centre - we are a community of hope and care.

🙏 Help Us Continue This Work

To our generous supporters -thank you for your concern, your prayers, and your continued belief in our mission. Your compassion allows us to be a steady hand in turbulent times.

We expect to reopen the centre gradually in the coming weeks. With your help, we remain deeply committed to providing safe, nurturing spaces for every child we serve.

🔗 Support Our Work | 💌 Share this Story

On our first visit, the classroom was under this tree, but now thanks to funds raised, we have moved indoors into the village behind.

When No One Else Will …We Will

In the jungle village of Parmawala, where the nearest hospital is hours away and access to medical care is scarce, something remarkable recently happened . A pop-up medical clinic was set up at our Project Help India Centre bringing with it not only much-needed health care, but also hope.

Under the guidance of Project Help India’s Director, Mr Amit, and organised by his brother (and Team Member) Mr Amrit Samuel Amrit Samuel, a health camp was held for the local community. Dr Robin and his wife Dr Aarti, two compassionate doctors from Bijnor, generously volunteered their time and expertise. They offered free medical check-ups to around 60 villagers—women, men, and children alike—providing diagnoses, prescriptions, and advice on how to prevent illness.

In remote regions of Northern India, preventable and treatable health issues like respiratory infections, diarrhoea, skin diseases, malnutrition, kidney stones, and iron deficiency often go undiagnosed. Women suffer from untreated reproductive health problems, and children are particularly vulnerable to fevers, worms, and vaccine-preventable diseases. What are simple remedies and basic interventions in the Western world—such as antibiotics, simple medications, or even health education, can mean the difference between life and death here. The result is heartbreakingly high mortality rates for babies, children, and adults. In this part of the world, just a few Australian dollars can literally save a life.

Our dedicated staff—Mr Sanjay Kumar, Rakhi, Santosh, and Neelam—ensured the day ran smoothly, welcoming each person with warmth and dignity. The gratitude expressed by those who came was overwhelming. For many, it was the first time they had seen a doctor in years.

While education remains at the heart of what we do at Project Help India, our mission goes beyond the classroom. We believe in a holistic approach—responding to the real needs of people with compassion and urgency. When opportunities arise, such as this one, we act.

This is our vision in action: to bring love, hope, dignity and purpose to the poor in India. And our mission—to focus on education, nutrition, health and human rights, so that lives may be empowered and restored, and whole communities transformed for generations to come.

Over the years, Project Help India has been responsible for saving literally hundreds of lives—especially during the devastating COVID-19 crisis. We are both humbled and proud of this achievement, and the gratitude of the people we walk alongside spurs us on immeasurably.

We honour and thank our friends Dr Robin and Dr Aarti, thank you Amrit for organising, and a special thank you to every supporter who makes this work possible.

If this story moved you, please consider donating today. With your help, we can continue to say yes—even when no one else will. You can make your tax-deductible donation by clicking the DONATE button at the top of this page.

A Mother’s Love: Courage & Sacrifice (Mother’s Day Edition)

There’s nothing quite like a mother’s love.

This Mother's Day, we honour the quiet courage of mothers everywhere—especially women like Mangla, Usha, Sushila, and Rinki. Their lives are marked by hardship, but their love is fierce. Their strength, relentless. And their hope unbreakable.

Meet Mangla

Mangla lost her husband to alcohol-related illness. She now works in the fields to feed her sons, one of whom attends our village education center. She beams with pride when she sees him reading, learning, and thriving. Her decision to send him to school has inspired other mothers in her village to do the same.

Meet Usha

Usha, a mother of five daughters, lives in a slum with no proper shelter. Her husband is abusive and offers no support. Yet Usha rises each day, selling small goods on the street to feed her family. When there's no work, they go hungry. Still, she ensures her daughters go to school—because she believes education is the way out.

Meet Sushila

Sushila lives with an abusive husband who drinks away what little they have. Often, there's no food at home. Her joy? Knowing that her children receive a warm meal and an education each day at our center. Her eldest son, Aniket, now has a chance at a future his parents never had.

Meet Rinki

Rinki, once denied an education herself, is rewriting her story. She now attends our tailoring classes while her daughter studies at our city centre. Her husband’s earnings are meagre, but Rinki is determined to learn skills to support her family and break the cycle of poverty.

These women are not just surviving—they are building a better future for their children. One school bag, one class, one stitch at a time.

They are deeply grateful to be part of the Project Help India community. By sending their children to our centres, these mums have confidence that their children are loved, known, and valued. In the midst of terrible hardship and poverty, they are no longer alone—and for the first time, they have hope for a brighter future.

To all mums reading this - We salute you! You are brave. You are beautiful. Your love for your children is an inspiration to us all.

🌸 This Mother’s Day, give a gift that keeps giving.
Donate to Project Help India in honour of your mum—and help another mum fight for her child’s future.

👉 Make a donation today. Make Mum proud. To do so, you can click the pink DONATE button at the top of this page. Thank you.

We Celebrated SHINE for International Women’s Day 25

SHINE 2025: A Celebration of Friendship Strength, Dignity, and Hope

On this International Women’s Day, SHINE 2025 radiated with joy, empowerment, and transformation. Gathering 450 incredible women—many from the most disadvantaged backgrounds—this event was far more than a conference. It was a celebration of dignity, resilience, and purpose.

Throughout the day, these women were reminded that their worth is not defined by circumstance, but simply because of who they are. They were affirmed, uplifted, and encouraged to step boldly into their day to day circumstances and futures. Through powerful messages, inspiring testimonies, and heartfelt moments of connection, SHINE 2025 became a beacon of hope.

Laughter and tears intertwined as women danced, shared stories, and embraced the truth that they are not alone. They are seen. They are loved, and valued. They have purpose.

This was not just an event—it was a movement. A reminder that when women are empowered, communities are transformed. The ripple effect of today’s celebration will extend far beyond these walls, shaping families, villages, and generations to come.

As we close this extraordinary day, we carry forward the spirit of SHINE, knowing that each woman who walked through these doors leaves stronger, more confident, loving herself and ready to embrace her God-given destiny.

So excited to be back for another year!

We were excited and filled with anticipation

We are so grateful for our amazing staff team

Happy International Women’s Day! We had a day full of love, affirmation, gratitude, support, celebration and learning.

It was esentially a packed house!

We were thrilled and delighted by the dance and drama performances of our students from 3 of the jungle centres.

We cooked and ate snacks together

Thank you to the team who made this possible - it was a HUGE effort!

Hot, tired, happy and affirmed …at the end of the day, we said our goodbyes.

Thank you SHINE 2025!

God bless you and see you next year!