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.

SHINE25 - Empowering Marginalised Women by Breaking the Cycle of Oppression

The SHINE Women’s Empowerment Conference held by Project Help India has been a beacon of hope for women trapped in cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and gender-based discrimination. Held annually in two states of India, Uttarakhand (in March) and Punjab (in October), this conference is a life-changing event for marginalised women who often face immense hardships—domestic violence, financial dependence, and limited access to education or basic resources.

SHINE is not just a conference; it is a movement dedicated to breaking these cycles. Through powerful talks and workshops, women gain essential knowledge about their legal rights, financial independence, personal safety, and psychological empowerment. They walk away with not only hope but also tangible skills and tools to transform their lives.

This change does not happen in isolation. By educating both women and community leaders, SHINE fosters an environment where long-standing traditions of gender inequality are challenged. This year, we aim to reach approximately1000 women at our two conferences, providing them with resources, education, and a renewed sense of dignity.

Khatoon's Story

Khatoon Bibi, a 37-year-old woman from the Gurjar community, is a mother of five children. Two of her children are married, and her son, Ashraf, attends our center. Khatoon has been struggling to support her family under very poor conditions, as her husband, Shamsher, has suffered from mental health issues for the past two years and is unable to provide for them.

Khatoon herself has been ill for five years and is currently suffering from typhoid and jaundice. Her primary source of income comes from raising buffaloes and selling 2-3 kilograms of milk daily to support her family. Occasionally, members of the Gurjar community provide her with small financial assistance to help her meet expenses.

Khatoon has attended the SHINE Women's Conference twice. When asked about her experience, she shared that she learned the importance of cleanliness and education. Now, she ensures her children attend school daily and practice good hygiene. Expressing her gratitude, Khatoon said she was fortunate to learn valuable lessons from the conference and hopes to attend again in the future. Read Khatoon's full story here. With no financial independence or knowledge of her rights, she felt trapped. Attending SHINE changed her life. She learned about legal protections, financial literacy, and self-defense. Today, she is running a small tailoring business and advocating for women’s rights in her community. Read Rani’s full story here. With no financial independence or knowledge of her rights, she felt trapped. Attending SHINE changed her life. She learned about legal protections, financial literacy, and self-defense. Today, she is running a small tailoring business and advocating for women’s rights in her community.

We cannot do this alone

The cost of running our ninth SHINE Conference this March is $7,500—just $15 per delegate. Your support can change lives, breaking barriers that have held these women back for generations.

This year we are hoping to secure a corporate sponsor 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 this coming March by supporting SHINE 2025. If you would like to consider this, please reach out to me (Doug) directly to discuss this. I would love to assist you to connect with your employees/team to make this a meaningful opportunity for you all.

Join us in creating lasting change. Please consider Donating today by clicking the DONATE button above.

#SHINE2025 #WomenEmpowerment #BreakTheCycle

"Meet Khatoon, a resilient mother of five from the Gurjar community in Northern India, overcoming immense hardships to support her family. Despite illness and financial struggles, she continues to provide for her children and ensure they receive an education. Attending SHINE empowered her with knowledge and hope for a better future. #SHINE2025 #WomenEmpowerment #BreakingBarriers"

Today is Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Today is Human Trafficking Awareness Day—a day to spotlight the hidden crime of human trafficking and take meaningful action to combat it. At the forefront of this fight is Project Help India, partnering with local police to rescue women and children whose lives have been devastated by the scourge of poverty. For many, poverty leads to heartbreaking choices, with individuals sold into exploitation, often disappearing forever. Through courageous efforts, Project Help India and its collaborators are bringing hope, reuniting families, and restoring dignity to those who have been stolen by this tragedy.

Today, let us join this mission to shine a light on injustice and advocate for those who are most vulnerable - the poorest of the poor. Meera’s story, which is based on a recent true situation, is a testament to the power of partnerships between dedicated organisations such as Project help India and local authorities in rescuing vulnerable individuals and restoring hope to families torn apart by exploitation.

Meera’s Story

Please note that all names and locations have been changed to protect the privacy of those concerned

A 30-year-old woman named Meera, who was found wandering in the forests near a small town in northern India three months ago, has now been reunited with her family. With the assistance of local police, Meera was taken to a shelter, XXX Ashram, where she received medical care and emotional support as part of her recovery.

Through the collaborative efforts of the Director of Project help India, Amit Samuel, and the local police’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, Meera’s home village was identified after a thorough investigation involving multiple interviews. Eventually, Meera was reunited with her extended family in a rural village in central India.

Her family, who had long believed she had passed away, was overwhelmed with joy upon her return. The entire village gathered to celebrate and express their gratitude for the rescue effort. However, the reunion also shed light on the harsh realities her family faces. Meera’s husband and three young children, aged 6, 3, and 1, are struggling to survive under severe financial hardship. It was also revealed that Meera’s mental health had been deteriorating for some time before her disappearance.

Allegations have since surfaced that due to the significant hardship that he was facing, Meera’s husband may have sold their youngest child, a claim that is now under active investigation. In the meantime, Meera has been entrusted to the care of her aunt, who will support her as she rebuilds her life.

The involvement of Project Help India in assisting the police in anti-human trafficking matters is only possible thanks to the financial generosity of our supporters. On behalf of Meera, and other women and children … we extend our heartfelt thanks.

Happy New Year from our Team

We are filled with hope and purpose as we step into 2025, ready to come alongside those in need and make a lasting difference.

As we reflect on 2024, we are deeply grateful for your interest, compassion, and generous support. Together, we achieved incredible milestones, including our recent Christmas celebrations and the opening of a new centre in the remote Pranwala Village near Kotdwara. This community, where almost 100% of the population is illiterate, is now witnessing the transformative power of education – in the photo above many children raised their hands, sharing they had never been to school before we started working here at the beginning of 2024.

Your impact is visible not only in these children but also in the gratitude expressed by their families and our staff. When we visited in October, we saw firsthand how lives have been profoundly changed by your contributions. Thank you for making this possible.

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month

More than ever before, 2024 saw our organisation frequently called upon by local police to assist in combating human trafficking. We were involved in investigating urgent cases and providing vital counseling and relocation assistance to women in critical need. As we look to 2025, we anticipate this will become an expanding focus of our mission, furthering our commitment to protecting and restoring the lives of the most vulnerable.

#Partner2Prevent #EndTrafficking #HumanTrafficking #ForcedLabor

As we prepare for the year ahead, we welcome your continued support in 2025. Your consistent monthly or quarterly donations enable us to plan confidently and expand our impact. With Project Help India, every dollar goes directly to our projects, with minimal administrative costs and the assurance of personal oversight. Your support connects you to our mission, weaving your story into the lives we touch.

This year, let’s keep making a difference together. If you have questions about how your donation can be used, ideas to share, or simply want to get more involved, please reach out. Your generosity brings hope, opportunity, and purpose to those who need it most.

May 2025 bring you happiness, peace, and fulfillment. Thank you for walking this journey with us.

With gratitude and love,
Doug, Rowena (in Australia), and Amit & Daisy (in India)

A Most Wonderful Time of the Year

This Christmas we had special meals and gave gifts to our students …they loved it. We are most grateful to those who gave a little extra this year to help fund the purchase of the gifts. We try to buy practical items for the children and this year we gave them all a big warm blanket - something that is very much needed during the cold Northern India winter nights.