As an organisation, we are filled with optimism and expectation for our hopes and plans for 2026. Rowena and I (Doug) will be heading to India in just six weeks to visit our centres, deliver training, strategic planning, and, most excitingly, to join our teams in Zira (Punjab) and Kotdwara (Uttarakhand) for two SHINE Women’s Empowerment Conferences coinciding with International Women’s Day 2026. It will be wonderful to be back with dear friends and our second family after postponing our trip last year due to my health.
December was a time of purposeful busyness and Christmas celebrations
We held our Annual Function on 14 December, providing an opportunity to showcase the talents of many of our students, to honour each member of our staff, and to invite local dignitaries to thank them for their support and to build trust, partnerships, and ongoing support. The event was a great success. A particular highlight was the variety of cultural dances performed by our students, including performances from our Disability Centre.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters across the year, we were able to budget funds for Christmas gifts for all of our staff and students. Each of our 14 Centres and Women’s Centre held Christmas parties, much to the delight of the kids -many of whom live in poverty and this is their only chance to experience Christmas and hear the message it brings.
December also gave us the opportunity to thank God for the full recovery and good health of baby Samuel (Saleem and Raman’s son in Punjab), who is now out of hospital and putting on weight. Thank you again to those who contributed to his medical bills (there is no free health care in India).
Finally, we are thrilled to share the exciting news about Amit’s award. On 31 December, our Director, Mr. Amit Samuel, was presented with a Human Rights Award for “Best Service to Humanity,” recognising our organisation’s tireless work. The award program was organised by the Indian International Human Rights Commission (IHRC). We are honoured to receive such national recognition for Amit and for the work we do. Here's a LINK to the full story
We start the new year with an enormous sense of gratitude
Thank you for reading and for supporting our work. Over the coming weeks we will share stories about our upcoming SHINE Conferences. One of our hopes (and dreams) is to partner with an Australian corporate, or school sponsor to help fund our SHINE Conferences, with a goal of securing a $12,000 AUD donation to cover expenses. Please share our emails with those who might like to align their corporate or workplace values with Project Help India and International Women’s Day 2026.
A practical ask to keep us thriving in 2026: consider making a regular monthly donation. Regular gifts help us with planning and budgeting, ensuring we can reliably fund SHINE Conferences, staff support, essential programs across all 14 Centres, and provision for emergency and crisis help. Your ongoing commitment makes a real difference. Please reach out to us if you can help or like further information.