Extend your Black Friday savings into smiles for 600 children

As the Western world eagerly hunts for online and in-store Black Friday bargains—often buying things we don’t truly need—let’s pause for a moment to reflect. While we’re chasing discounts, many families around the world struggle with limited resources and opportunities.

What always inspires me is how those with so little often radiate the most gratitude and joy. Their resilience and appreciation for the small things are humbling reminders of what truly matters. So, as you snag a great deal this Black Friday, would you consider sharing a little of your savings with Project Help India?

Help Us Bring Joy This Christmas

We’re aiming to raise $6,000 for our Annual Christmas Appeal to bring joy to 600 students. This year’s gift will be a bundle of warm clothes for the kids. Along with this, we’re planning Christmas parties at our 14 centres, complete with food, Christmas cake (which everyone loves) decorations (handmade by the kids!), performances, songs, dances, and games. For many of our staff and students this celebration is the highlight of their year.

The Greatest Deal of All

For our students, slum life is far from bright—most days are bleak. But through Project Help India, we’re determined to fill their Christmas with love, joy, hope, and happiness. We want to give them a celebration they’ll never forget.

Every $5, $10, $20, $50+ donation you make—fully tax-deductible—creates a ripple effect of kindness and positivity. Your generosity will bring light into lives that may never experience the excitement of shopping or Black Friday deals. And trust me, the personal satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a difference is priceless.

Love, Doug

Celebrating Diwali: Building Bridges Not Walls

Just this week, October 31, marks Diwali, the festival of lights, a significant Hindu celebration observed with great enthusiasm across India. This festive occasion symbolises harmony and love, as families illuminate their homes with earthen lamps and share sweets with one another.

At Project Help India, we embrace the spirit of Diwali by encouraging our children from all of our centres to artistically paint clay diyas (lamps). This year, we crafted beautiful diyas that we gifted to local officials, educators, social workers, and others in our community. These gifts serve as tokens of appreciation and foster connections, demonstrating our commitment to listening and breaking down barriers.

Through this initiative, we aim to build trust and respect within our community, showing that collaboration can lead to human flourishing. As we illuminate the lives of others with our handcrafted lamps, we reinforce the values of kindness and unity that Diwali represents.

Our Diwali celebration is more than just a festival; it is a testament to our dedication to creating a supportive environment. Together, we celebrate the light of compassion and the power of community, reminding us all that we are stronger when we work together.

The kids at our Disability Centre could not have been more focussed and engaged!

Images from across our other Centres …happiness, purpose and smiles of great satisfaction!

This year we also prepared some small boxes of Diwali sweets to give to some of our slum students. We know that here, these kids and their families are too poor to buy anything to enjoy the celebration. It was such a joy to see the smiles on the kids’ faces.

Empowering Girls: Celebrating International Girl Child Day

On Saturday, October 12th, Project Help India proudly hosted the International Girl Child Day Program at our Administration Centre in Kotdwara, welcoming 50 enthusiastic young girls. This community event aimed to empower and inspire the next generation of women, emphasizing the importance of education, self-confidence, and awareness of their rights.

The program featured impactful speakers, including Daisy Samuel and dedicated officers from the Anti-Human Trafficking Team. Their powerful messages resonated deeply, addressing critical issues affecting young girls and highlighting the importance of safeguarding their futures. The attendees were not only informed but also inspired to stand up against challenges and take control of their lives.

As the day concluded, the atmosphere was filled with hope and determination. Confident young girls left the event, equipped with new knowledge and a sense of purpose. Their smiles and laughter reflected the transformative power of community support and advocacy.

This successful event garnered attention, making it to the local news channel, further amplifying our mission to empower girls and young women in our community. Together, we are creating a safer and brighter future for the next generation, ensuring every girl has the opportunity to thrive.

Rehana's Journey: Finding Her Voice through Empowerment

Rehana, a 45-year-old Muslim woman, has faced significant challenges throughout her life. After the death of her parents, she moved in with her brother and sister-in-law, who provided her with a small room in their home. Despite having her own house, she often feels like a burden, as her sister-in-law does not treat her well. Struggling with long-term illness and the weight of unfulfilled dreams, Rehana’s life was overshadowed by fear and silence.

However, everything changed when she enrolled in Project Help India’s six-month sewing course. This program is dedicated to empowering women like Rehana, offering them skills that can transform their lives. For the first time, Rehana began to experience happiness and a sense of purpose. The support, friendship and camaraderie she found at the centre encouraged her to confront her fears.

Recently, during India’s Independence Day celebrations, Rehana took a brave step. She asked to give a speech, something she had never done before. Speaking publicly to a large crowd for the first time, she declared,

“I spoke up for the first time, and it felt great.”

Rehana’s words resonated deeply, not only for her but for many women who share similar struggles.

Project Help India has been a beacon of hope, empowering hundreds of women like Rehana to understand their individual value, find their voices and assert their rights. With the skills she gained, Rehana is now better equipped to support herself and contribute to her community. Grateful for the free admission to the sewing centre, she thanks the staff for believing in her. Rehana's journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and empowerment, inspiring countless women to overcome adversity.

The Journey so far for Shiv Kumar: A Tale of Determination and Success

At just 16 years old, Shiv Kumar embodies the spirit of perseverance and reaching for his dreams. Hailing from the remote village of Bagnala where we have worked for over a decade, Shiv has faced numerous challenges, yet his determination has shone brightly throughout his journey at our small Education Centre. For the past ten years, as we have watched him grow and blossom Shiv has diligently pursued his education and athletic aspirations, demonstrating the transformative power of commitment and support.

Shiv's family lives in poverty, with his father, Satpal Singh, working as a laborer and his mother, Muniya Devi, managing the household. As the youngest of three siblings, Shiv has always looked up to his older brother and sister, who also benefited from the education provided by the centre. From the moment Project Help India opened its doors, Shiv found a place where he could dream beyond the confines of his circumstances.

On October 2, 2024, his hard work paid off as he participated in a block-level sports competition. Competing fiercely, Shiv secured first place in Hammer Throw (discus) at the district level and third place in Shot Put. His gold medal win qualified him for the state-level Hammer Throw competition, a testament to his dedication and skill.

Shiv's success story is not just about personal achievement; it reflects the profound impact of Project Help India in advocating for marginalised communities. With the encouragement of Amit Samuel, the founder, and the unwavering support from his teacher Neelham, Shiv's parents have seen their son blossom. They are deeply grateful for the opportunities that have transformed their lives.

Shiv's journey is far from over. He aims to compete in the National Athletics Championships, and with continued support, we believe he can achieve this goal. As he inspires others in his village with his medals and achievements, we invite you to consider helping Shiv financially. Together, we can nurture his potential and witness the rise of a future leader in his community.

Another Life Changing Trip To India

Doug and Rowena recently traveled to India, visiting our 14 centres and working alongside our teams in Kotdwara, Bijnor, and Punjab, near the Pakistani border. It was a fast-paced and fulfilling working holiday. We are grateful for the incredible experience and relieved to be back home, safe and healthy …with no Delhi Belly, phew!

Some highlights from our trip included:

• SHINE Women’s Empowerment Conference: We hosted our second conference in Zira, Punjab, with 400 delegates attending.

• Connecting with Students: Meeting new students and seeing kids we’ve watched grow over the years was a joy.

• Community Engagement: Speaking with parents and village elders about the importance of education provided valuable insights into their concerns and hopes for their children.

• Team Meetings: Delivering staff meetings helped us understand what’s important to our team, allowing us to purchase much-needed resources. We also delivered valuable sessions on child and staff safeguarding to ensure for policy compliance.

• Leadership Development: We worked alongside our key leaders, encouraging, listening, coaching and planning together

• Child Advocacy Programs: We implemented three programs in the three cities of Kotdwara, Bijnor and Zira, with a new initiative that excited us. These meetings brought together staff, parents, educators, lawyers, anti-human trafficking police, and NGOs. In Kotdwara, students from our Disability Centre performed a heart-warming dance, and in Zira, our student Ashish shared about his health struggles with haemophilia. I (Doug) spoke about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and emphasised the need for collaboration to respond to future critical incidents like natural disasters and extreme weather events.

• Strategic Planning: The trip also allowed us to observe and evaluate projects, discuss strategies, and make plans for the future while reconnecting with cherished friends and meeting many new people.

There is so much more to share, and we look forward to updating you on our vision and stories in the coming weeks.

As we reflect on our journey, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our friends and supporters who uplift and empower our mission in India. Your unwavering commitment and generosity play a crucial role in our success, enabling us to make a tangible difference in the lives of many. Together, we are building a brighter future for the children and communities we serve. Thank you for believing in our work and being an essential part of this journey.

Our First Annual Children’s Advocacy Summit

A slum kid in Kotdwara who I met in October last year. This little girl’s voice needs to be heard and we must fight for her rights, if she is to have a safe and bright future. Sadly, she is very vulnerable to exploitation.

Hey there, it's Doug from Sydney here. I wanted to tell you about a new initiative that I am very excited to be holding in India in 2 weeks. This is something that is very dear to my heart and has come from my many first-hand experiences working with slum kids, over the past decade. 

First Annual Children’s Advocacy Summit

Project Help India is set to host its First Annual Children’s Advocacy Summit, a groundbreaking event aimed at raising awareness of Project Help India and addressing key issues impacting children in Northern India. This collaborative initiative will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including community leaders, police, NGOs, faith leaders, and concerned citizens, to foster a unified approach to protecting children's rights and improving their future.

The summit’s primary objectives include highlighting the achievements of Project Help India, while also giving a platform for parents and community members to share their voices. Some of the attendees will be parents who have been invited to speak about Project Help India, while also discussing ongoing concerns within their communities. Some of our students will give a short performance (which is always very cute!). A significant focus will be on access to quality education, particularly for girls, children with disabilities, and those in remote areas lacking school infrastructure.

In addition to education, the summit will address critical issues such as child labour, trafficking, and the need for robust drug education programs. 

Discussions will aim to produce actionable plans for safeguarding children, particularly during times of crisis like natural disasters or extreme weather events, which disproportionately affect vulnerable children.

Key political figures, community influencers, and media representatives will be invited to participate, ensuring that the summit generates national and local media attention. The event seeks to foster collaboration between all sectors, ensuring that community efforts are aligned in the fight to keep children safe and provide them with the resources they need to thrive.

Through this summit, we hope to build lasting partnerships and identify concrete solutions to protect children's rights and improve their quality of life. We will be holding two meetings, the first will be in Zira, Punjab on 3rd October and the second will be in Kotdwara, in the state of Uttarakhand on 6th October. 

To be honest, I'm not sure how it will go. 30 people have been invited to each of the meetings - we have to start somewhere! There are so many children in both states of India who live in absolute poverty, and who are marginalised and highly vulnerable. 

Back in March 2023, the Project help India Team held a similar 'advocacy' event which was well attended with 350 community members - however it was not specifically focussed on children. It was the success of this event that made me think that more can be done for children. Their voice needs to be heard. You can read about it here  Advocacy and Giving Voice = Love in Action

The Project Help India Team and I would value your prayers and ongoing support and interest.

Thanks for reading,

Joshi's Story - she is remarkable

In 12 days time, Project Help India will host the SHINE Women’s Empowerment Conference in Punjab, addressing challenges women face, empowering them with tools for psychological strength, financial independence, and legal rights. Joshi will be one of our delegates.

Joshi, a 48-year-old woman from Peeran Wala, Canal Colony in Punjab, has lived a life marked by hardship and sacrifice. Born into a middle-class family, she was denied the opportunity to pursue an education due to financial constraints and societal pressures. As the eldest of eight siblings, she bore the responsibility of caring for her family, while her own dreams of learning and even participating in sports were stifled by gender inequality.

Her struggles continued into adulthood when she married into an impoverished family and faced the harsh realities of life. With no proper shelter and a husband who worked as a labourer, Joshi was forced to take on housekeeping and she often works in the fields, enduring bullying and a lack of appreciation from her own family and society. Despite these challenges, she remained resilient, never giving up.

Joshi’s hardships go beyond financial struggles. She faces a daily fight for basic necessities like clean water and food, often worrying about the safety of girls in her community due to rising crime rates. Her experiences have taught her the importance of self-defence, discipline, and survival in a society that often disregards women’s voices.

Now, Joshi is looking forward to attending the SHINE Women’s Empowerment Conference. For her, this opportunity represents a chance to break free from the oppressive circumstances that have defined her life. It also gives her a day to enjoy herself away from her regular routines. At SHINE, she hopes to gain skills, knowledge, and the empowerment needed to advocate for herself, her family, and her community. She envisions a future where women like her can stand tall, confident, and respected, shaping a society that values their contributions and provides equal opportunities for all. SHINE conference is more than just an event for Joshi, it's a lifeline to a better life.

We cannot do this alone - can you support us 

The success of the SHINE Women’s Empowerment Conference depends on the generosity of supporters like you. Your donation will directly impact the lives of marginalized women, providing them with the resources, education, and tools they need to break free from the cycle of poverty and discrimination. By giving generously, you will be investing in the future of these women, their families, and their communities. Together, we can create lasting change and empower a generation of women to rise, lead, and inspire others. Please join us in making a difference. Every contribution counts. You can make a donation by using the DONATE button at the top of this page.