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