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.

Only 2 weeks until we 'shine' again

In just over two weeks the Project Help Team will host the SHINE Women’s Empowerment Conference in Punjab. We are very excited about the program that has been planned and we anticipate having a very powerful and special day, shared with about 500 delegates.

For India, our SHINE Conferences are unique and ground-breaking events, aiming to address the significant challenges that women face in local villages and slums. Life for many women in these communities is fraught with obstacles such as illiteracy, financial dependency, gender inequality, domestic violence, the alcohol and substance abuse of the husband and a lack of access to basic necessities like clean water, healthcare, and sanitation. These issues, combined with societal norms and discrimination, often leave women vulnerable and without a voice. Our SHINE Conference is dedicated to breaking this cycle of oppression and empowering women to take control of their own futures.

In Punjab, many women are trapped in a cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and subjugation, which is further exacerbated by long-standing traditions like the dowry system. Families celebrate the birth of a boy but lament the birth of a girl, as she is often viewed as a financial burden due to dowry obligations and the limited opportunities afforded to women. This ingrained gender bias continues throughout a woman’s life, impacting her education, safety, and overall quality of life. Many women lack the skills or opportunities to support themselves, leaving them dependent on their families or spouses. Without access to education or vocational training, these women are trapped in a life where their potential remains unfulfilled.

Our SHINE conference is designed to disrupt this status quo. Through a series of talks across the day, the women (and quite a few men too) will gain valuable knowledge about their rights, personal safety, financial independence, and the importance of psychological empowerment. The conference will also address crucial issues such as domestic violence, gender-based discrimination, and the stigma surrounding violence against women. By equipping women with the knowledge and skills they need to break free from oppressive cycles, SHINE aims to foster resilience, self-sufficiency, and confidence. We also seek to educate community leaders (who have been invited to attend) making them both aware and accountable for providing resources and support to local women.

Ultimately, SHINE’s goal is to empower women not only to change their own lives but also to inspire and educate future generations about women’s rights and the power of self-advocacy. Together, we can build a brighter, more equitable future for women in Punjab and across India.

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 your donation by clicking the DONATE button at the top of this page.

Thank you so much.

India is one of the most unsafe places for women and what we’re doing about it

Our second Annual SHINE Conference in Punjab will provide a platform for vulnerable women to gain critical skills, knowledge, and support, empowering them to assert their rights and secure a safer, more equitable future. Our first conference last year was incredible with most of the girls looking forward to coming again.

The tragic stories of sexual violence in India, such as the 2012 gang rape of a 23-year-old physiotherapy student in New Delhi and the recent murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in Kolkata, highlight the stark reality that women in India continue to face. Despite the nation’s aspirations to be a global leader, it remains one of the most unsafe places for women. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, (24 August, 2024) these incidents expose the deep-rooted issues of gender-related violence, which persists even as Indian women make strides in the workforce and society.

In response to these ongoing challenges, Project Help India is proud to host its second 'SHINE' Women's Empowerment Conference in Punjab this October. This event is specifically designed for slum and marginalised women, who are often the most vulnerable to violence and exploitation. SHINE will provide a platform for these women to gain critical skills, knowledge, and support, empowering them to assert their rights and secure a safer, more equitable future.

The Supreme Court of India’s recent involvement in cases of gender-based violence reflects a growing recognition of the need for systemic change. However, true transformation requires more than just legal reforms; it requires a shift in societal attitudes and the empowerment of women at the grassroots level. SHINE aims to be a catalyst for this change, equipping women with the tools they need to advocate for themselves and their communities.

As we prepare for this important conference, we invite all those who are committed to gender equality and women's rights to support our efforts. The stories of Nirbhaya and the Kolkata doctor serve as painful reminders of the work that still needs to be done. By empowering women through education, skill-building, and community support, SHINE seeks to break the cycle of violence and help build a safer, more just society for all women.

Candlelight Rally

The work of Project Help India extends beyond immediate interventions to long-term education and empowerment, particularly for young students and especially girls. In conjunction with our efforts through the SHINE conference, we are deeply committed to raising awareness about women's rights and the importance of respectful relationships among the younger generation. This commitment was demonstrated just this week on Girl Child Protection Day when our Ladpura Slum Centre in Bijnor organised a peaceful candlelight rally, with all the children of the centre participating.

The primary objective of this event was to express dissent against the heinous crimes of violence, exploitation, and rape perpetrated against girls and women in society and the nation, and to educate them about their rights and entitlements, along with child protection safety lessons.

Such initiatives are crucial in equipping young minds with the knowledge and confidence to stand up for themselves and others. By educating students, especially girls, about their rights and the importance of mutual respect, we are laying the foundation for a future where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated, and where every individual, regardless of gender, can live in safety and dignity. The SHINE conference, alongside these ongoing educational efforts, underscores our commitment to fostering a culture of respect, empowerment, and equality from the ground up.

Together, we can help build a world where every girl and woman feels valued, protected, and empowered to achieve her fullest potential.

We need your help to do what we’re doing

1.     Please spread the word about our SHINE Conference in Punjab this October, and help us make a difference in the lives of women who deserve to feel safe, valued, and empowered. Share the link to our blog on your Facebook, repost on LinkedIn or other social media.

2.     Can you donate $150 (tax deductible) to sponsor 10 women to attend?

3.     Might your business, school or church like to be a major sponsor for our SHINE event. Your tax deductible donation of $7500 would cover the majority of our expenses. Please reach out to me (Doug) directly if this is something you might consider.

You can DONATE by clicking HERE

SHINE 2023 in Punjab delegates

Meet Our Team in Punjab

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