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!

Help us to Accelerate Change this International Women's Day 2025

On Saturday we will be holding our 9th SHINE Women’s Empowerment Conference.. (Image taken SHINE 2021)

In a world where gender inequality remains deeply ingrained, change does not happen overnight. But change is happening. Through the Project Help India SHINE Women's Empowerment Conference, we have seen hundreds of women break free from the shackles of oppression, finding strength, confidence, and hope.

Each year, SHINE provides a platform for women to learn, share, and grow. From hearing inspiring speakers to gaining practical skills, delegates leave empowered to take control of their lives. SHINE is about resilience, self-sufficiency, and hope. 

But to continue this transformative work, we need your support. This year, we have been trying to raise $7,500 to ensure that SHINE remains free for all women who need it. Every dollar makes a difference. We also invite corporate sponsors to stand with us in this transformative mission. Align your workplace values with a powerful cause and take pride in celebrating Women's Empowerment Day over the coming weeks by supporting SHINE 2025.

Help us to accelerate change. Please stand with us and support SHINE 2025 today. Please DM me if you can help.

Rehana's Story

Rehana, a 45-year-old Muslim woman, has faced lifelong challenges, including loss, illness, and feeling like a burden in her own family. Her struggles left her in silence and fear—until she discovered Project Help India’s sewing course. This program empowered her with skills, confidence, and a newfound sense of purpose.

Through the support and camaraderie of the centre, Rehana found her voice. On India’s Independence Day, she took a bold step—delivering her first-ever public speech, declaring, “I spoke up for the first time, and it felt great.”

Her journey is a testament to the power of empowerment and education. Now equipped with skills to support herself, Rehana is no longer defined by fear but by strength. Project Help India continues to uplift women, helping them recognize their worth, assert their rights, and transform their futures—one courageous step at a time.

Rehana’s journey of empowerment continues as she eagerly anticipates the SHINE Women’s Conference next week. Her first experience at the conference in March 2024 was life-changing, igniting a belief in her self-worth and uniqueness. Inspired by Daisy’s story, for the first time in her life she realised that she is not inferior to anyone.

Since then, she has taken meaningful steps toward independence, joining the Sewing Centre at Project Help India to develop sewing skills that she hopes to use for a brighter future. Now, with renewed excitement, Rehana looks forward to SHINE once again, knowing that it will bring fresh inspiration, learning, and connection with other women on similar journeys. For her, SHINE is more than an event—it’s a movement of transformation, empowering her and countless women to embrace their potential and step forward with confidence.

A Brighter Future: Deepa Devi’s Story of Strength and Hope

At just 30 years old, Deepa Devi has faced more hardships than most. After losing her husband, Manoj Singh, to illness brought on by heavy drinking, she was left to raise their two children alone. Working tirelessly as a labourer in the fields, Deepa’s priority has always been ensuring a better future for her son and daughter—both of whom study at the Project Help India Center in Village Bagnala.

Last year, Deepa attended the Women Shine Conference for the first time, and the experience was nothing short of transformative. She learned about the importance of personal hygiene, disease prevention, and keeping her home clean. Most importantly, she discovered that education is not just for boys but equally vital for girls - a lesson she now holds close to her heart.

Deepa expresses deep gratitude to Project Help India for organising such life-changing programs. With newfound knowledge and confidence, she is determined to raise her children in a healthier, more informed way. Her story is a testament to the power of education and community support, proving that even in the face of hardship, hope and resilience can lead to a brighter tomorrow.

Now, Deepa is eagerly counting down the days until the next SHINE Conference, just three weeks away. She is excited to continue learning, growing, and finding strength in the community of women who inspire and uplift each other. With Project Help India by her side, she believes in a bright future—not just for herself, but for her children as well.

Urgent Appeal: Ensuring Health and Safety for our Kadarganj Students

The children suffer these fits every few days, predominantly in the mornings, prompting their parents to keep them at home out of fear and uncertainty. We are deeply concerned.

At our Kadarganj Jungle Village Education Centre a troubling situation has emerged that demands our immediate and urgent attention and action. Recently, six students, each from different families, have begun experiencing sudden frightening fits. During these episodes, their hands and feet tremble uncontrollably leading to temporary unconsciousness. The children suffer these fits every few days, predominantly in the mornings, prompting their parents to keep them at home out of fear and uncertainty. This alarming development has left both us and their families deeply concerned.

We have consulted with local medical professionals who have pointed towards potential causes such as contaminated water or severe worm infestations in their stomachs. In Kadarganj, access to clean water is a critical issue — with only one hand pump serving the entire village, the water quality is far from ideal.

In response to this urgent health crisis, Project Help is mobilising our efforts to secure immediate medical treatment for these children at reputable medical facilities. The financial burden for their treatment is substantial, and we appeal for your support to ensure they receive the care they urgently need. With funding, we will take the children to the city of Bijnor (100km away) because many medical specialists practice here.

Additionally, recognising the root cause, we are planning to organise a medical camp in Kadarganj to diagnose and treat other potential cases early. Moreover, to prevent future health risks, we aim to provide each family in the village with water purifiers. These units, costing approximately Rs. 5000 each, will help safeguard against waterborne illnesses and ensure access to clean, safe drinking water for all villagers. In this village, there are 27 families. We are seeking $3000 to cover the cost of the water filters and to transport the children to Bijnor for a medical assessment.

Your tax-deductible donation will make a significant difference in restoring health and hope to these vulnerable children and their families. Join us in ensuring a healthier future for Kadarganj. Together, we can transform lives and build a community resilient against health challenges. We seek your generous support.

To make your donation, click the DONATE button at the top of this page.

Thank you.