Showing up for Rishabh

A little boy’s accident - and how we stepped in when it mattered most

Sometimes, showing up means being there in a moment of sudden need.

Rishabh is just six years old and has been attending our Bijnor centre for the past six months. Like many children in our programs, he was beginning to find joy in learning and a sense of belonging.

Recently, Rishabh was involved in a serious road accident while crossing the street. He suffered a broken shoulder, injuries inside his mouth, and damage to his front teeth. Since then, he has struggled to eat and is in significant discomfort.

At home, the situation is difficult. His mother is deeply worried, with very limited financial means to support his treatment.

When we heard, we responded.

Project Help India was able to provide ₹20,000 (approximately $350 AUD) for immediate medical care - ensuring Rishabh could receive urgent treatment without delay.

However, his recovery will take time, and significant, costly further medical support will be needed.

For now, we simply ask that you keep Rishabh in your prayers.

Because sometimes, showing up means standing with a child and his family - ensuring they are not alone in their most difficult moments.

Young Voices for the Earth

Students Lead Change in Kotdwara

Last week, on Wednesday 22nd April, in the heart of Kotdwara’s bustling Jhanda Chowk, something powerful happened.

Children from Project Help India’s slum and city centres stepped into the streets—not as bystanders, but as changemakers.

Marking Earth Day, they performed a street play that stopped people in their tracks. With handmade signs reading “Save Water,” “Save Fuel,” “Save Trees,” and “Save Earth,” these young students raised their voices to highlight an urgent message: the need to protect the resources we so often take for granted.

Through their performance, they drew attention to the growing crisis around fuel consumption—petrol, diesel, and cooking gas—and the importance of using these wisely, especially in times of scarcity.

But what made this moment truly special was not just the message—it was who delivered it.

These are children from some of the most underserved communities. And yet, here they were—confident, informed, and standing in the public square, educating others.

Local leaders stood alongside them, including Kotdwara’s Mayor, Mr. Shailendra Rawat, along with representatives from the police and fire services.

As the Mayor shared:
“In Kotdwara and across the Garhwal region, I have only seen Project Help working so consistently in raising awareness and uplifting poor children and women.”

Other community leaders, the police and fire-brigade, echoed this appreciation, recognising the important role Project Help India plays -not only in education, but in strengthening the wider community.

This is what education looks like in action ….It’s not just about learning in a classroom -it’s about equipping the next generation with the confidence, knowledge, and purpose to give back. To lead. To care.

And on Earth Day, these children did exactly that.

They reminded a busy town, and all of us, that change doesn’t always start with those in power.

Sometimes, it starts with a child holding a sign… and the courage to be heard.

We are deeply grateful to our Director, Amit Samuel, and to our dedicated teachers who made this activity possible. We also thank our local community leaders who showed up in support - standing alongside these children and amplifying their voices.

Because where we show up matters.

Listening, Learning, and Acting for Our 14 Centres

On our recent trip we had the privilege of visiting all 14 of our educational centres across India. From Punjab to Kotdwara, Bijnor, and the Jungle villages, we sat with teachers, met students, talked with many parents, and witnessed firsthand the quiet, powerful work happening each day.

But more importantly -we listened.

Each year, our staff gatherings are a highlight. Teachers share stories of individual children, the realities of their communities, and the challenges they face daily. This year, those conversations went deeper. Together, we spoke about student wellbeing, safety, and what children truly need -not just to attend school, but to thrive.

What emerged was both simple and urgent.

Children need spaces that are safe, engaging, and equipped for learning and play.

In many of these communities, barriers to education remain high. Poverty, distance, safety concerns, and lack of resources all play a role. Yet, our centres continue to be places of hope—where children come not only to learn, but to belong.

But the reality is stark.

In some centres, even sitting through a lesson in 50-degree heat becomes a daily challenge. Some classes are held outdoors, where without shade or cooling structures, extreme summer temperatures and monsoon rains leave us with no option but to cancel lessons altogether.

The needs identified by our teachers reflect this:

• Play & Development: sports kits, games, puzzles, and creative materials

• Disability Support: sensory tools, writing pads, and basic care items

• Infrastructure & Safety: roof repairs, a secure door, hut reconstruction

• Essential Equipment: classroom furniture, storage, water access, and fans to help children endure extreme heat

Some needs are urgent - like critical repairs to ensure children can learn safely. Others, like games and sports equipment, may seem small - but are vital for a child’s development, joy, and sense of belonging.

Across all centres, the total need is approximately $5,000 AUD.

This is where we ask for your help.

We have listened to our teachers. We have seen the need with our own eyes. And we have made a commitment to respond.

Now, we invite you to be part of that response.

Your support will directly equip these 14 centres - creating safer environments, restoring dignity, and giving children the tools they need not just to attend school, but to flourish.

Because where we show up matters.
And together, we can show up where it’s needed most.

Love Brings Life and Hope

Kids whose lives are being changed

Easter reminds us of a simple but powerful truth -where there is love, there is life. And where there is life, there is hope.

This is not just something we believe -it is something we see.

At the heart of Project Help India is a commitment to walk alongside children who are marginalised, often overlooked, and living in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable. Children who, without intervention, would have little or no access to education, support, or opportunity.

And yet, when love is shown -consistently, patiently, and intentionally—something begins to change.

Confidence grows. Hope is restored. Possibility begins to take shape.

Here are four children whose lives - and futures—are being transformed.

Himanshu — A life being redirected

Himanshu, aged seven, came to our slum centre with no ability to read or write. His behaviour was difficult—he often fought with other children and used inappropriate language, shaped by the environment around him.

Today, there has been a remarkable transformation. Himanshu is now learning to write, engaging positively with others, and responding to structure and care.

His family continues to face significant challenges, including financial hardship and health issues, but the stability and support he receives at the centre are helping to redirect his path. What could have continued as a cycle of disadvantage is now becoming a story of change and hope.

Shabuna — Finding her voice

Shabuna is seven years old and comes from a rural community where access to education is extremely limited. When she first began attending our centre, she struggled to speak clearly and had little confidence in communicating.

Over the past six months, through patient encouragement and consistent support, Shabuna has begun to find her voice. She is now speaking more clearly, engaging in learning, and even developing habits of reading at home. Her family has noticed the change - not just in her ability, but in her confidence and awareness.

What was once a quiet, withdrawn child is now growing into a young girl with a voice, a love of learning, and a future filled with possibility.

Ritu — Growing in confidence

Ritu is a teenager living in a slum community, where her family faces significant financial hardship. Her father works as a labourer, and the family lives in a small, makeshift home with very limited facilities.

Despite these challenges, Ritu has been attending our centre for several years. Here, she has found not only academic support, but encouragement and belief in her ability. With guidance, her confidence has grown, and even her mother has begun to see her potential differently.

Ritu is now motivated to continue her education, something that once felt uncertain, and is beginning to imagine a future beyond the limitations of her circumstances.

Rudra — A place to belong

Rudra is just four years old, growing up in a family facing extreme hardship. Living in a small, overcrowded space and dealing with legal and financial pressures, his family struggles to meet even basic needs, including regular meals and access to education.

And yet, each day Rudra arrives early to the centre—eager, cheerful, and ready to learn. It is a place where he feels safe, where he is known, and where he can simply be a child.

For Rudra and his sisters, the centre is more than a classroom -it is a place of stability, care, and belonging in the midst of uncertainty.

💛 A shared story

These are just four stories among many.

They remind us that change does not happen overnight, but it does happen when people choose to care, to show up, and to invest in the lives of others.

This is the heart of Project Help India.

And it is only possible because of people like you.

As we reflect this Easter, we are reminded again that love is not passive - it is active. It brings life. It restores hope. It changes futures.

Thank you for being part of this story. Together, we are helping create new possibilities - one child, one family, one community at a time.

Reflections on our Recent Trip

We’ve just returned from three weeks in India—and we’re still carrying it with us.

It’s hard to describe what these trips are really like. They are full in every sense—physically, emotionally, relationally. We came home exhausted by the pace and intensity, but deeply grateful for what we experienced.

There were so many highs.

Time spent with people we love. Sitting in homes of families we’ve known for years—some who once survived by begging on the streets, and some who still continue to only just survive by begging on the streets. Being welcomed again, not as visitors, but as friends.

There is something deeply grounding about those moments. Sharing a chat in a combination of broken English, Hindi and hand gestures. Sitting close together. Listening to their family news. Laughing. These relationships have been built slowly, over many years, and they are at the heart of everything we do.

Returning to Punjab

Our journey began in Punjab, where we visited each of our six centres.

There is always encouragement in seeing children learning, growing, and turning up each day with energy and joy.

We also had the privilege of launching a new Women’s Tailoring Centre. It’s simple, but significant—creating opportunity, dignity, and independence for women who have had very few options.

But alongside this progress, there were also sobering reminders.

Walking through one of the slum communities again, we were confronted by the harshness of daily life. Conditions that are difficult to explain, and even harder to fully comprehend unless you’ve been there.

And yet, in the middle of this, we felt incredibly grateful.

Grateful for the opportunity to have established a small school here—literally on tarps by the side of the road. Grateful to be teaching children who are eager to attend, who show up ready to learn, soaking up every moment, devouring the opportunity in front of them. In a place that offers so little, these children are given something deeply important—love, safety, and moments of joy each day.

Moments you don’t expect

In Kotdwara and Bijnor, where we have 8 centres and a Women’s Tailoring Centre, we experienced something we’ll never forget. A group of older students, now aged 16 and above, came specifically to find us.

These are children who started attending our centres when they were just four years old. Now, they are stepping into adulthood. Some have jobs. Some, like Bobby and Shiv, are attending university.

They didn’t come because they had to. They came to say thank you. To spend time. To reconnect.

One even asked if we could do the hokey pokey again. And so we did (we did the hokey pokey 15 times across our trip - it was exhausting). It was joyful, slightly ridiculous, and incredibly meaningful. A moment that captured years of investment, relationship, and growth.

This is what long-term impact looks like.

New beginnings

We also travelled to one of our newest centres in a remote village.

It reminded us of how every centre begins.

Very basic conditions. Limited resources. Children with little or no literacy. Almost no access to education otherwise.

And yet, there is openness. A willingness to learn. A community that is grateful and hopeful.

It’s both challenging and inspiring—to see the starting point, and to know what is possible over time.

The SHINE Women’s Conference

One of the standout moments of the trip was the SHINE Women’s Conference.

Around 400 women gathered in what can only be described as a jungle village.

Many of these women have never been to school.

And yet, they came -eager to learn, to connect, to belong and to be encouraged. There was laughter. There were tears. There was joy. It was vibrant, powerful, and deeply moving.

What struck us most was the contrast.

Ten years ago, when we first began working in this community, there was strong resistance to education—especially for women and children. Now, this same community is embracing it.

That kind of transformation doesn’t happen quickly. It takes time, trust, and consistency. But it is happening.

Unexpected moments of wonder

In the midst of everything, we also had a moment that felt almost surreal.

A jungle safari. And not just any safari -we found ourselves a little too close to wild elephants. It was one of those moments where time slows down slightly. A mix of awe, excitement, and just a hint of fear.

India has a way of holding all of this together, the beauty, the chaos, the intensity, the unexpected.

Celebrating life

We were also there during Holi.

Colour, joy, laughter, mischief, energy.

A celebration of spring, of new life, of possibility and fresh starts. We were welcomed into it completely, covered in colour, embraced by the community, part of something joyful and shared. Moments like this stay with you.

A heavy weight

But alongside all of this, there is a weight we carry.

We met families facing immediate hardship.

We saw classrooms needing basic resources - books, games, sports equipment.

We spent time with children, particularly those from our Disability Centre -most of whom still have no access to formal education or ongoing support. Not because they are unable to learn, but because the systems around them are not equipped to include them. For many of these children, this means being left behind entirely -missing out on the opportunity to grow, to be nurtured, and to experience the dignity of education that should be available to every child. After meeting with their teacher, hearing their stories, and seeing both their vulnerability and their potential, I feel a deep responsibility to act. We are committed to following this up - to do all we can to advocate for a number of these students in particular, whose disability currently prevents them from accessing what is a basic human right: education, support, and the opportunity to flourish.

At times, it feels overwhelming.

But this trip has also given us clarity.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more about specific needs—how we can advocate, respond, and continue building programs that bring real, lasting change.

A shared journey

What we felt most strongly on this trip was the depth of relationship.

To walk through a slum and be welcomed.
To sit in someone’s home and be trusted with their story.
To reconnect with children who are now young adults.

This is not surface-level work. It is built over years. And it is something you our supporters are part of.

What stays with me

And as we reflect on all we’ve experienced, I (Doug) personally keep coming back to my encounters with poverty—and the deep injustice that sits alongside it.

One of the most confronting moments for me on this trip was walking through a slum where, at one point, we saw a little kid being bathed in a bucket of water close by to an open, foul-smelling sewer. The environment was putrid, unsafe, and deeply confronting - conditions that no one should have to live in.

I felt embarrassed to be there. Self-conscious. Not out of fear for my safety, although it’s not a place tourists would normally go, but because the contrast between myself and the people around me could not have been more obvious. My skin. My clothes. My wealth.

And yet -we were welcomed.

People greeted us. Invited us in. Offered us a place to sit.

It’s hard to reconcile such hardship with such hospitality. But it’s real. And it’s humbling.

It humbles me because, in those moments, I see something deeply human. I see people who are no different to me—equal in worth and dignity—yet enduring circumstances that are incredibly hard. And still, they smile. Some are cautious—but many know us now. We’ve been part of their community for years. We’ve taught their children. Some of the very people welcoming us were once students in our centres—now grown, some even holding babies in their arms.

This is what long-term impact looks like.

And yet, despite the smiles, I find it incredibly sad. Because this world could look so different if we were more committed to investing where it truly counts - making a difference in people’s lives, bringing hope, dignity, and opportunity where it’s needed most.

So different to what is currently occupying headlines around the world. So much pain and sadness that, in many ways, could be avoided.

And I’m reminded of the words of Mother Teresa, who spoke about seeing Jesus in “the distressing disguise of the poor.”

We have seen that again.

And it changes you.

It has once again changed me deeply and completely.

Bringing Eid to Life: Moments of Joy and Dignity in India’s Hidden Communities

At the end of March, as the crescent moon marked the arrival of Eid, something beautiful unfolded in the quiet, often overlooked places of Northern India at Village Kadarganj and the Kotdwara slum communities.

For many families here, Eid is not marked by feasts or new clothes. In Kadarganj -a traditional Islamic village where homes are built from bamboo and mud, where electricity is absent, and where families depend on selling a few litres of milk each day -celebration is often a luxury beyond reach. During monsoon, even that fragile income disappears as flooded rivers cut off access to nearby towns. Survival, not celebration, becomes the priority.

And yet, this year -like every year, Project Help stepped in to change that story.

Carrying bags filled with essential rations, sweets, and dates, our team joined Muslim families in Kadarganj and the families of children from our Disability Centre -many of whom live in extreme poverty in nearby slums. These were not just distributions; they were moments of connection. Moments where children, who might otherwise watch Eid pass them by, were able to participate fully in the joy of the festival.

In the smiles captured in our photo gallery, you will see more than happiness. You will see dignity restored. You will see children who feel seen, included, and valued.

This annual initiative is deeply aligned with our mission: to bring love, hope, dignity, and purpose to the poor in India. But its impact goes even further.

By celebrating alongside these families, we are building trust and friendship within communities that have long been underserved. We are strengthening a sense of identity, pride, and belonging among children -many of whom are now attending our education centres and taking their first steps into formal schooling.

In Kadarganj, where education was once out of reach and government schools lie 5–8 kilometres away, nearly 40 children now attend our child-friendly centre daily. Eid becomes more than a celebration -it becomes a bridge to a future filled with possibility, along with the reminder that they are known and not forgotten, and most importantly - they are loved.

This is what your support makes possible: not just survival, but moments of joy that restore hope and shape futures.

More Than a Festival: What Holi Taught Our Children This Year

In early March, our learning centres in Punjab were filled with colour - not just the vibrant hues of Holi, but something deeper: joy, warmth, and a shared sense of belonging.

For many of the children we work with, school is more than a place to learn. It is a safe space, where they are seen, supported, and encouraged to grow not only academically, but as individuals.

This past Holi, across six Project Help India learning centres, the celebrations reflected exactly that spirit.

Before the colours came out, something equally important happened - conversations, learning …and fun!

Teachers gently guided students through the meaning of Holi: its stories, its traditions, and the values it represents. But beyond this, they spoke about something universal - care.

Care for one another.
Care for health.
Care for the environment we all share.

Students were encouraged to use natural, eco-friendly colours, often made from flowers and safe ingredients. What followed was not only a celebration - it was a learning experience rooted in responsibility and respect.

At our Makhu Centre, Mrs. Anita shared:
“Festivals teach us unity and joy, but it is equally important to protect our children’s health.”

At Katora Centre, Mrs. Seema reflected:
“Our aim was not only to celebrate Holi but also to educate the children about safety and environmental care.”

And in Canal Colony, Ferozepur, Mrs. Nisha observed:
“The children’s creativity reflected the true spirit of Holi—happiness with responsibility.”

Across all centres, classrooms came alive with drawings and rangoli -each piece reflecting how children understood the festival in their own way.

They learned together.
They celebrated together.
They belonged—together.

Impact

At Project Help India, education is not only about what children learn, it is about how they grow.

We are committed to creating environments where every child feels safe, respected, and valued - where differences are embraced, and every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Moments like these …simple, joyful, shared -carry lasting impact, and important memories for children.

They help children:

• Build empathy and respect across backgrounds

• Make healthier, safer choices

• Develop awareness of the world around them

In diverse communities, this kind of learning quietly shapes stronger, more compassionate futures.

Just as importantly, it nurtures confidence and a sense of identity - the kind that grows when a child feels included, heard, and supported. It also encourages children to return to school each day, helping create consistency in learning - especially in communities where families face difficult economic realities and children are often pulled away from education too early (begging and child-labour especially).

Because of your support, these spaces exist.

Across our six learning centres in Punjab, approximately 250 children attend daily, each one gaining access to a safe, supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and belong.

Spaces where children experience not only education—but dignity, safety, joy, and belonging.

A Note of Gratitude

To our teachers, who lead with patience, care, and dedication.
To our students, who bring curiosity, creativity, and joy into every classroom.
And to our supporters, who make this work possible—

Thank you.

Your support creates moments that may seem small, but leave a lasting imprint on a child’s life.

If this story resonates with you, we invite you to be part of it.

• Support our programs to help create safe, inclusive spaces where children can learn and grow

• Partner with us to expand access to education rooted in dignity, care, and community

• Share our work to help amplify stories that inspire positive change

• Engage your organisation in supporting responsible, community-focused education initiatives

Together, we can continue building environments where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn.

SHINE Today: Honouring Women on International Women’s Day

Rowena and Daisy always shine! We love them and are so grateful for everything they do for Project Help India and the world!

When women are given opportunity and encouragement to recognise their value and dignity, the future becomes brighter for everyone.

Today is a special day. As this blog is being read, 300–400 women from rural and marginalised communities are gathering in a remote part of northern India in Uttarakhand for the SHINE Women’s Empowerment Conference. Many of these women have travelled from small villages and difficult circumstances to be part of a day designed to encourage, uplift, and empower.

Today also marks International Women’s Day, a moment recognised around the world to honour the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere.

Meet Daisy Samuel

Daisy at SHINE 2019

At the heart of SHINE is Daisy Samuel, a founding leader of ‘Project Help India’ and today’s key speaker and emcee. Daisy’s own story reflects the spirit of the conference.

Raised in a small hill village in Uttarakhand, Daisy grew up facing poverty, discrimination, and hardship. As a young girl she walked long distances to collect water before school, often studying while hungry and helping her mother work in the fields. Despite these challenges, she remained determined to pursue education and eventually completed her Master’s degree in Hindi and Social Work.

Today Daisy dedicates her life to uplifting women and children across India, using her own journey to inspire others to believe that change is possible.

A very special guest at today’s conference is Rowena Thomas from Sydney, Australia, Daisy’s close friend of fifteen years. Over the years, Daisy and Rowena have worked together to develop and grow the SHINE Conference, which has now been running for many years and continues to impact hundreds of women annually.

Today we honour Daisy, Rowena, our guest speakers, and the inspiring women of the Project Help India team, whose dedication makes this gathering possible. Most importantly, we honour the courageous women attending SHINE today — women who show remarkable strength and resilience despite the poverty and challenges they face each day.

On this International Women’s Day, Project Help India celebrates women everywhere. May strength, dignity, and opportunity continue to grow for women in every community, and may the future be filled with hope and success.

The impact of SHINE does not end today. With continued support from friends, partners, and supporters around the world, more women will have the opportunity to attend future conferences and experience the encouragement, dignity, and community that SHINE provides.

Because when women are encouraged to shine, the light spreads through families, villages, and generations to come.