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And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint, not.
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This newsletter is entirely dedicated to the trip to India.
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Purpose of the Trip
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From Project Held, we traveled to India with a team. The goal of this trip was to gather information about various projects.
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These include tea shops, a lunchroom that provides employment for 13 people, as well as water wells that supply clean drinking water to a whole village of 50-60 families. Our aim is to write proposals for these projects and raise funds to make them a reality.
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In addition to collecting information, we also visited the Project Held children's homes and spent valuable time with the children.
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A special highlight was a joint dinner, where all the children were dressed in their best, an evening full of beaming faces and beautiful moments! What joy we experienced together!
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It was heartwarming to see how the children of that time have grown into young adults with a purposeful future. Soon they will no longer be dependent, but will be able to independently build a hopeful future.
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And that's not all! What an extraordinary journey we have had! We are deeply impressed by what we have seen in India. At the same time, we are extremely grateful for what we have been able to do, we have been able to give many people a new and better life by creating employment! Read below about the meaningful initiatives that we have been able to realize during our journey.
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400 meals distributed in a slum
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What preparations have been made to prepare and serve a huge pot of rice, eggs and Indian dahl for as many as 400 meals in a slum. The people here have no other place to go and build their shelter from leaves and tarpaulin. Some have now been able to build a small brick house, but their resources remain extremely limited. They live in a close-knit community, where poverty is the daily reality.
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Over the years, thanks to donations, water pumps, a church, and a small school have been built, enabling a number of children to receive an education. But despite these improvements, these people still live well below the poverty line. That is why the gratitude was immense when we were able to offer them a nutritious, hot meal.
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No one was left out—children, adults, and even the elderly who could not come themselves were given a plate of food. It was touching to see how, despite their difficult situation, they still found joy and hope in the smallest things. This moment not only gave them physical nourishment, but also a bit of dignity and love.
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Sewing Machines
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We were able to donate 20 sewing machines—that means 20 new businesses! These women have spent the past 3 to 6 months completing a sewing course, and as a reward for their dedication, they receive a sewing machine to put their newly learned skills into practice.
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Women who once had to start on the streets just to find food can now work and support themselves.
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Shop Opening for Disabled Man
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We had the privilege of opening a small shop for a disabled man who couldn't walk. A man who was invisible to society and always had to beg by the roadside has regained his dignity! The joy on his face was truly priceless.
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Water Pump
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In the countryside, we visited a village with 60 families. These people had no access to clean drinking water and collected their water from a dirty pond. They filled their jars and had to walk hundreds of meters back home with these heavy jars on their heads.
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They then boiled the water to kill the bacteria so it was safe to consume. You can imagine their immense joy when we provided them with a water pump that delivered fresh, clear, running water! It was an incredible celebration when we officially opened the water pump.
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Tea Houses
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We are currently raising funds for tea houses. A tea house is a kind of lunchroom where tea and delicious Indian snacks are sold. Children who were previously part of Project Held's sponsorship program but are now too old will be working here. This is a huge opportunity for these young people! To start two tea houses, €4,500 is needed. Our contact person has a vision for 100 tea houses! We would love to help him make this dream come true.
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Food Packages for Leper Colony
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We were deeply moved by the leper colony. These people have an incredibly hard life, and they are so grateful when they receive something. The smile on their faces is truly priceless! Unfortunately, there is not enough funding available to provide these people with a monthly food package or a warm meal. When we visited, they received a package after a long time. We are eager to ensure that this project can continue and would like to call for monthly donations to help these wonderful people, who face rejection throughout their lives. For just €7.50, you can provide a food package for a leprosy patient, and for €1.50, you can provide a warm meal. You can donate once, monthly, or yearly via the button below. Thank you so much in advance! Here is the cooking video from our ambassador, Jop van der Bijl. He is cooking for the leper colony in India.
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We truly look back on this special trip with a grateful heart! If you too have been touched and want to make a difference for these beautiful people, for example by organizing a fundraising campaign, please contact us at [email protected].
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Kind regards, Viviane van der Bijl and Tine Buis
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