Pagdandi Charity Project

 Pagdandi is an NGO who works with children from the slums. They have a little library, some access to computers, and on weekends they get together in the park to participate in educational activites and games.

We were invited to spend the afternoon of Saturday 8 October with them in the park.






One of our cars got lost on the way so we were a bit late arriving. By the time we stepped into the park the little children were buzzing with excitement; they had been told about our coming for the last week and could not contain themselves any longer. We were welcomed with this beautiful sign pinned to a tree.

The children varied vastly in size, but it was difficult to gauge their exact age as many of them were undernourished.  However, the joy and delight amongst these dear little beings was tangible.

 After a few songs together in a big circle, the children were divided into smaller groups, each of which was headed by one of our choir members. They were given poster paper and drawing instruments and given the task of illustrating their idea of a perfect world. Our children commented on the fact that all the little ones thought of for a perfect world were flowers, trees and grass!

After the art activity, Robin and Sumitra explained what our project was all about. 

This was followed by a rendition of "We are the World", specially prepared for us by two beautiful little girls.

We of course reciprocated:

Our cameras were a great source of entertainment - there was a huge rush to get into pictures.

What a rewarding, yet sad afternoon for us all; but once again a reminder of everything we all have to be grateful for. We had truly made a difference in those children's lives and they in ours.