News

Overcoming Challenges & Moving Forward!

Written by Samiur Rahman and Elizabeth Henschel, edited by Heiko Schrader

As you all are aware that Hope had suffered a major loss in terms of financial and programmatic due to the flood situation in June, we are happy to inform you that we have been able to resume all the activities. Renovations are in the process. This would not have been possible without your generosity. We remain thankful to you for your invaluable contribution and support.

The construction of kids in nature in Sawai Madhopur has faced significant delays due to persistent heavy rainfall throughout June, July, and August. The monsoon season brought continuous downpours, which disrupted the schedule and slowed down the pace of work considerably. The wet conditions have made it challenging to maintain a steady workflow, causing issues with site access, material handling, and construction safety. As a result, the project‘s overall progress has been reduced, extending the expected timeline for completion and impacting plans for making this operational for children.

As we reflect on the past six months, we’re thrilled to share the strides we‘ve made together in education, health, and livelihood initiatives. Through dedication and collaboration, our programs continue to empower individual beneficiaries in specific and communities in general. From breaking down barriers in education and opening doors for new horizons to our health initiatives tackling critical issues with life-saving treatments and awareness efforts while our livelihood programs equipping families with sustainable skills for financial independence, each of our achievement represents a step toward a brighter, healthier future for those we serve.

Fighting Tuberculosis in Our Community

Health has remained a priority, with a special focus to combat tuberculosis (TB) in the communities we serve. Our health team works diligently to provide ongoing care, treatment, and education on TB prevention and recovery. We currently support 15 families who have a member with pulmonary TB, offering treatment and assistance. In addition, we provide ration supplies to 15 needy patients, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrition to support their recovery. As a result of our consistent support, averages of 3-4 patients complete their treatment and recover fully each month.

Through partnerships with organizations like the Clinton Foundation, we conducted free X-ray screenings for 158 community members in this period, identifying 5 new TB cases who are now receiving treatment. Additionally, we organize at least two TB awareness programs each month to educate the community on TB prevention, early symptoms, and available treatments and resources helping to break the cycle of stigma surrounding the disease.

A Milestone in Education

Photo: Pre-primary school kids taught by Expedia Inc. volunteer

Our Hope Non-Formal School continues to grow, with 26 and 21 enrollments in X and XII respectively for the year. It’s inspiring to see the legacy of learning growing – many of our past students are now pursuing higher education breaking new ground for themselves and their families. Currently, 10 students have enrolled in bachelor’s programs through School of Open Learning (SOL) and IGNOU and 1 through Janki Devi Memorial College, a premier women’s college of the University of Delhi. Other 8 are embracing professional courses in Law, Nursing, and Fashion Designing through ITI. Additionally, beneficiaries from our Youth Forum and former students have entered the workforce, building careers in sectors ranging from data entry operator to healthcare proving the power of education in transforming lives.

To support their educational journey, we’ve provided financial aid to students and alumni facing economic challenges. Through these efforts, we continue to empower individuals with tools for self-sufficiency and personal growth.

Determination Leads to Success

Photo: Abdullah

In the bustling lanes of Nizamuddin Basti, where resilience meets tradition, we met Abdullah — a young man with boundless determination who joined Hope during a time of uncertainty and change. Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Abdullah came to us, not just with aspirations of learning computer skills but with a deep resolve to help his family rise above difficult circumstances. His father, once the backbone of the household, couldn’t work due to persistent knee pain. His brother is now the only bread-winner. His sister, eager to support the family, had taken up stitching, a skill she honed with the same drive Abdullah showed in his studies.

Abdullah later began attending our English classes. Although he struggled with English at first, he attended every session, his eyes filled with determination. Over time, the English language, which once felt like a barrier, became a stepping stone to confidence and self-expression.

As his proficiency grew, Abdullah took a bold step and applied for the CUET (Common University Entrance Test), hoping to gain admission to a reputable college. When he passed the entrance and secured a place in the BA English Honors program at Khalsa College, Delhi University, we knew that this was a turning point—not just for Abdullah but for his entire family. It was a moment of pride and validation for all of us at Hope.

Photo: Abdullah teaching English class

Today, Abdullah comes to Hope in Evening Education Program to teach English to young adults & children from the basti. Seeing him confidently lead a classroom, using the very skills he once struggled with, inspires us every day. Abdullah’s journey from a student to a mentor embodies the resilience, growth, and community spirit that Hope strives to foster.

We are proud of Abdullah — proud of his achievements and of the example he sets for others in the community.

His story reminds us why we exist, and it reinforces our commitment to empowering individuals, even in the most challenging times. Abdullah represents the promise of a brighter future, not just for himself but for every child who walks through Hope’s doors, dreaming of a life filled with possibilities.

Dear Friends of Hope,

Thank you for your response to our appeal regarding the extensive damage to the Hope Project caused by the recent flooding throughout Delhi. We also appreciate the beautiful turnout for Hope’s executive director, Samiur Rahman, during his U.S. tour. During the big flood in June, the Hope Project lost access to the four rooms in the lower floor, as well as most of the equipment and archives kept in them. The affected rooms were:
• the Noor-un-Nisa Inayat Khan Library, and all its books
• the computer room, and all its computers
• the vocational work room (and all its sewing machines and other equipment)
• the finance room (where all our records were kept)

Your emergency donations — as well as your emails, texts, energy, and supplies — lifted so many spirits!

The contaminated floodwaters engulfed the building, and filled the lower rooms to the ceiling with sewage, garbage, and debris. The residual foul smell from the putrid waters only further dampened spirits. Repairing and sanitizing these workspaces, replacing computers and other vital equipment, and hiring an engineer and architect to develop reconstruction plans, will come to an estimated cost of $55,000.

Thankfully, your donations, along with those raised in Europe, came to over $60,000. Over a four-month period, the lower floors underwent a weekly cleaning to remove all bacteria, and the stench has now lifted. Engineering and architectural designs are being drawn, and we are hoping for completion of all work within one year. All the computers and sewing machines have been replaced, and several classrooms are doing double duty to facilitate finance, vocational work, and a modest library space.

During Samiur’s two-week U.S visit, two goals were met: to meet and thank people in California who tirelessly support the project, and to introduce the Project to non-Sufi communities. Samiur and I spoke at these gatherings, and Samiur did a news interview in
Easton, Pennsylvania. For these events, we provided video and photos of every aspect of the Project. We are happy to say that the inspiration, enthusiasm, and general goodwill created an energy that was palpable to all present. We continue to bring new friends into
the Hope circle, supporters that contribute to our world community, and who bring with them a diversity and resilience that is essential to growth.

Thanks to all who hosted and supported our programs in California, including Pir Shabda Kahn and Ross Halleck Vineyards. In Easton, Pennsylvania, a heartfelt thank-you to Valley Om Yoga Studio, Stephani Murdoch and Tomias Hinchcliff, and the Tandoor Grill, which provided superb Indian cuisine. In all, the tour raised a surprising $15,000 — but more essential, the tour created a larger community of hundreds of people with expansive hearts.

The Hope Project has expanded beyond our original vision to serve the Basti Nizamuddin. After 47 years, we are experts in community development. We are now extending our services to nine additional districts where poverty is at levels seen in the Basti 47 years ago. This is a real accommodation provided by all of us who hold the vision of a world that comes together through compassion and lovingkindness.

Thank you,
Richard Cuadra

President of the Children’s Ashram Fund serving the Hope Project of New Delhi

Hope Project severely damaged by flooding

HELP NEEDED URGENTLY!

From Samiur Rahman, executive director, Hope Project Nizamuddin

Dear all,

Due to heavy rain and waterlogging very early Friday, the 27th June 2024, overflowing drains with heavy speed broke windows, exhaust fans etc., allowing sewage water to pour into the basement, which contains the library, computer lab, vocational skills centre, and finance department. Besides losing data, the estimated loss is at least $40,000 US. All items were submerged in water, which reached the ceiling of the basement. The flow of water was so fast that we could not risk trying to recover any items, so everything was lost.

But no one was injured!

We are now working to clean out the basement, and determine next steps. The earlier problem of underground water was solved long ago. Fortunately, this did not recur. After having experienced this situation, it seems that we can only minimize the risks. The problem cannot be solved forever. We had to turn off the electricity and water connections until the water is pumped out & the walls are dried.

We have extended the school summer holidays for one week.We are trying our best to do as needed. I am attaching a few photos [see below].

A Visit to the Hope Project

I’m Jelehla Ziemba, and I help the Hope Project (from the US) with various technical needs, like sending this email.

I first visited the Hope Project in 1992. In April, my husband Kabir and I went to Hope for a one-week visit. I was struck by the difference I saw in the basti in the intervening 32 years, which saw the construction of a fine building to house the project, allowing Hope’s mission to expand. You surely know about all the programs that Hope runs now — the creche, the K-12 school, the vocational programs, the medical clinic, Kids in Nature, and more — but if you don’t, please visit ChildrensAshramFund.org, Hope’s fundraising nonprofit in the United States.

Today’s basti has many more vendors selling fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, household items, clothing, and more. The neighborhood’s people appear to feel more confident, and they smile a lot more. The children playing near Hope are delightful and curious, and we had several conversations with them about who we were, and why we were staying in the basti. By the time we left, they’d see us and call out our names. It’s clear to me that Hope has had a major impact on the basti and its residents over the years. Alhamdulillah!

Sadly, I’m not very good at taking photos while in the midst of visiting with people, so I can’t show you how wonderful it feels to visit the Hope Project, but I can tell you! Mr. Samiur Rahman, the executive director, was hospitality personified! We stayed in the volunteer room on the fourth floor, which was perfect for our needs. We had a tour of the whole building, and every department. Both Masoom, who runs the computer lab, and Tasneem, who heads up the school, were so welcoming and helpful; they both clearly love working with Hope (and we loved just being with them!). The teachers let us hang out with them in their break room, where we heard about successes with their students. Sameer, Hope’s maintenance director, was very helpful. Parveen, an alumna of Hope’s school, is now the school’s cook, and we had many of her delicious meals (and fantastic chai!); she is so sweet and attentive. Shafee, another alum of Hope’s school, guided us all around the basti and its environs. And I got to meet Carmen, a long-time member of the Hope Project board, who lives nearby! All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable visit, and we’re so grateful!

So we are particularly devastated by the flood, which filled the basement to its ceiling, two months to the day from our departure. In the computer lab, all the computers and other equipment were destroyed — this is where kids come in to learn and hone their tech skills, and sometimes bring curious parents along so they can learn too. It breaks our hearts to remember the vibrant and busy vocational school — such beautiful sewing machines and embroidery frames, and all the supplies for teaching beauty culture. Though we never entered the basement financial office, we know its loss is a huge setback for Hope. And thinking about the loss of the library is just too much. In the pictures below, you can see books just floating around in the filthy flood waters.

Kabir and I will be sending a big check to Children’s Ashram Fund as soon as our next paychecks come in.

We hope you will join us in helping Hope rise from the flood waters!

From the ED’s Desk

English Language & Personality Development

Dear friends,
It’s a true joy to see the snowball effect our work has had in Nizamuddin Basti and our Trans-Yamuna communities. With every new person we reach, our visibility grows. Increasing demand for health services, educational and livelihood opportunities could only be met due to your invaluable support and contribution on a regular basis. We thank you for accompanying us in the journey to build confidences and spread Hope among the beneficiaries.

Our creche has had to open a third group with its own teacher due to the growing demand. Most of these children are first generation learners. Many of the girls from our Non-formal-School pursue a higher education at the universities of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Right now, 42 girls and 11 boys are enrolled at university after graduation from our school; two girls are going to classes for a law degree, having begun their schooling with Hope at level 1.

English language & personality development courses started end of October for students of the Non-Formal-School, vocational
trainees, as well as youngsters from the communities. The aim is to further comprehension, reading-, writing- and speaking skills. Furthermore, the curriculum covers personality development, health and hygiene, leadership skills, public speaking and interview skills. The skills as well as the added confidence will assure the participants better career options.

A four-day TOT (Training of Trainers) was facilitated by the experts from Modicare Foundation on Adolescents’ Reproductive and Sexual Health. 16 staff members from Hope’s education, health and vocational skills participated in the workshop. The content included 10 core life skills, physical-, psychological- and social change during puberty, bullying and peer pressure, sexual abuse & the POCSO act (Protection of Children from
Sexual Offences), substance abuse and attraction to others. Myths and misconceptions related to sex and sexuality was emphasized with the objectives of developing knowledge and correct information. Trained staff members will ensure institutionalization of the subjects in Hope’s overall education curriculum.

An effective cooperation with the Centre for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Science of Jamia Millia Islamia University resulted in an event at Hope with 150 patients receiving treatment from doctors and interns. Together, the importance of physical activity and physiotherapy were relayed, specifically to patients suffering from ailments like osteoarthritis.

Delegates from Indian Bank (nationalized) visited the Hope Project and met with staff and students. Zonal Manager Mrs. Mamta Kumari had a motivational session with the students of Non-Formal-School, providing teaching & learning material for the students. The bank also generously donated medicine at our clinic. We are grateful and hopeful for a continued network.
Photo: English language &personality development

Life Saved

Noorjahan

Noorjahan, deserted by her husband and family, had been living under a bridge with multiple other homeless people. Our outreach workers know and visit regularly, literally reaching out and helping with Hope whenever possible. One of those workers found Noorjahan terribly weakened from severe menstrual bleeding lasting over two weeks. Although the clinic is just down the road, she had no strength to get there herself. Hope’s outreach worker helped her change and brought her to the clinic where she was seen by the medical director and treated at the clinic until the government hospital was able to see her. Terrifyingly, she was diagnosed with a tumor. After more visits and tests, she received curative surgery. Hope’s outreach workers took turns accompanying her, holding her hand and supporting her. Noorjahan is alive and well
– we are so very glad!

Skills Empower

Zanaib and her trainees

At 18, Zainab was reluctant to pursue a college education after completing her 12th standard. Her father works a laborious day-job, her brother in a shop. Her mother works at home and her sister just finished 12th standard too. Zainab had a very specific dream. She joined Hope’s vocational training centre in Seelampur and enrolled in the Beauty Culture course. Zainab especially enjoyed learning the art of Mehndi application (skin painting). Passionate about her profession, she was determined to start her own parlour, and did so in a room in the family home. She has gone so far as to become a teacher to other young women, currently she has eight students. Zainab has doubled her income within a remarkably short time frame, thus supporting herself and contributing to her family’s income. She is self-sufficient and empowered AND helping others to follow her lead.

With the increasing demand for programmes and services from the community, The Hope Project has been engaged with the community to evolve consensus on the real and felt needlooking for solution or to address the relevant issues simultaneously. Also, we have enriched our programmes through promoting community participation, building capacity and raising awareness among the people in the project areas of Basti Hazrat Nizamuddin and resettlement communities in Trans- Yamuna.
The major highlights of the period under reference are:
1.Finance and Administration

• All the compliances related to EPF, ESI, Income Tax strictly followed. No pending matter.
• Meeting of the Trustees and Board of Directors held at Sawai Madhopur. All those present visited the site of Kids in Nature.
• Annual Operational Plan and Budget for all the Units of Hope prepared and presented before the Trustees and Directors for perusal and approval.

2. Kids In Nature
Regarding the progress in construction, the following sections will be completed within a period of 2 months:

• 20 huts for accommodation
• Caretaker’s residence
• Water tank
• Bathrooms and toilets

Other progress made:

• Approved electricity connection from State Government
• Approach road

Pending Issues:

• Part of boundary wall
• Tree plantation & Landscape

3. Programmes related:
Education

• Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, Students participated in patriotic songs and skits.
• Annual Exhibition was organised with great zeal after three-long years with the theme Global Warming.
• Workshop on Adolescence Issues was organised by Modicare Foundation for the staff and students of Hope.
• Out of 56 children enrolled in Creche, 16 were diagnosed with malnutrition of Grade I. Supplementary nutrition helped them to become normal. Mothers were also sensitized on related issues. Emphasis on vocabulary and concept building in the Creche.
• Increasing enrollment in Pre-Primary. 59 children mainstreamed this year.
• 74 students from Pre-Primary and 4 teachers and 2 Support Staff enjoyed picnic at Nandan Van Park.
• Increasing enrollment led to add one more classroom for Nursery level. Currently the total enrollment in Pre-Primary is 130 children.
• Increasing enrollment in HNFS.
• Extra-curricular activities in education have been emphasized on. Origami workshops, adolescence workshop and life-skills workshops were conducted.
• 17th June (Death Anniversary of Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan) has been declared and celebrated as Annual Day as a token of tribute to our founder. Extraordinary students and achievers were given prizes to motivate them.
• Full time home science teacher has been appointed in Hope Non-Formal School.
• Exchange programs resumed. 5 students of Delhi Public School, Mathura Road joined us in May and conducted sessions on waste management and use of computer.
• Independence Day celebrated and various competitions were held on this occasion.

Livelihood:

• 9 vocational training centres in Nizamuddin and Trans-Yamuna areas. 199 beneficiaries are currently learning the skills in cutting and tailoring, beauty culture and zardozi.
• Workshop on Adolescence Issues and Life Skills was organised by Modicare Foundation for vocational centres in Nizamuddin as well as Trans-Yamuna in the month of January.
• A CPR session was held with the Youth Forum members volunteered by an American student volunteer named Adeeb.
• A short-term course in Advanced Excel held. 45 trainees completed it successfully.
• 4 of our beneficiaries visited German Embassy kitchen and gained exposure and experience of working with main chefs of the Embassy.
• Summer Camp in June. Cooking classes, mehndi course, art & craft, music, storytelling sessions held.
• Baking classes were held. The trainees showcased their skills at the time of exhibition.
• 65 Self-Help Groups currently. Bank reconciliation done till March.
• Besides Hope Non-Formal School children, 54 community youth are currently enrolled in the computer classes.
• One of our computer trainees is currently working as a part of SHG.

Higher Education:

• 3 students from Hope Non-Formal School are pursuing higher studies.2 of them appeared in CUET (Common University Entrance Test). One of them is pursuing LLB (Bachelor of Legislative Law). One girl has enrolled in Undergraduate course at IGNOU.
• Willingness to get higher education has led to 6 of our Youth Forum members appear in CUET.
• 8 students from Youth Forum in total have been enrolled in Undergraduate Courses of Delhi University/ IGNOU. Mahesh, Vivek and Danish have got admission in regular courses in Delhi University.
• 3 Youth Forum Members (Anjum, Anas and Aman) are pursuing course of Digital Marketing.

Health:

• 1 Health Mela was organised with participation of 190 beneficiaries.
• The team of Faculty of Dentistry of Jamia Milia Islamia organized awareness programme against tobacco consumption.
• Parivar Seva Sansthan collaborated with us to spread awareness of menstrual hygiene and reproductive health.

Documentation:

• Annual Report 2021-22 published.
• Newsletter for June-2023 completed.

Kids-in-Nature Resort Under Construction

Resort for Kids In Nature

July 2023
Dear friends,
Our aim has always been to provide health care, enable education, teach skills and promote income-generation to those struggling within our communities. I extend my heartiest gratitude to the donors and board members. As you know, all our programs were born of an unmet need within the community. Every single one of them is necessary and possible with your support and dedication. We are especially proud of one of our newest developments.

Our Kids in Nature Project originated to provide the children with the opportunity of practical exposure to nature. Facilitated by their teachers and trainers, the kids experience an open and natural environment outside of a classroom. Our goal is to offer a holistic experience of learning, being and feeling. With this in mind, we have expanded and are developing a campus ‘Eco Resort Sustainable Environment, Education & Training, KIDS IN NATURE’ in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, near the world heritage Ranthambore National Tiger Park. The construction of huts and caretaker residence is almost completed. We have found a cost-effective, noise-free and environment friendly source of energy by installing a solar water pump. The plants selected are suitable for that land and climate enabling further plantation. We are very excited to have revived our volunteering programs, post pandemic. The exchange of learning experiences and culture between volunteers and Hope’s staff is wonderfully beneficial.

Prize for Best Student (Pre-primary)

Hope Project has achieved a benchmark in its own history by provided academic & financial support to all the students. On the day of death of – and in honour of – our beloved Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, we now celebrate ‘Annual Day’ where men, women and children receive awards and prizes for exemplifying the inspiration of our Pir Vilayat. The recipients receive recognition for their excellent performances and contributions in their respective fields. This year the students prepared the Annual Exhibition on the day of death of Pir o Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan. It was after three long years that such an event took place. The purpose of this year’s exhibition was to break the monotonous chain of learning and work and to make the programs more engaging and fun.
The theme was “Global Warming & Climate Change”. The students, trainees and staff from all our programs participated with their whole heart, displaying crafts, models and charts. The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr. Martin Van Neerven, Principal of the German School, New Delhi, India. The visitors included the parents, community members and members of alike institutions who appreciated the work done.

Happy Childhood

Zahida in the middle

Zahida is the only daughter of Akeejah Begum, who works as a domestic help. Deserted by her husband, Akeejah had to work to survive. Zahida was four-year old when she was brought to creche. Unexpressive and uninterested in other kids, she always used to lie down all the time and talk to herself. The creche coordinator took note and found her emotional development was stunted. Befriending her, she found out that the domestic violence between her parents left Zahida traumatized. With regular counseling by the creche coordinator, Zahida started to play and talk to her and later made some friends in her group. Now, Zahida has been enrolled in local government primary school. She is a happy, laughing child and a good learner. She plays with friends and enjoys being social. Her mother says that Zahida tries to speak English words at home, talks a lot, and is wonderfully naughty. Akeejah looks happy when she comes to pick up Zahida from the crèche. She remains grateful to Hope for standing by her side.

Rebuilding Lives

Muskan with Her Sewing Machine

Muskan, now 18, was only a child when her father passed away. Her mother had to work as a packer to support her family of five daughters. The girls could not continue their studies because of the instability prevailing. Muskan came to know about Hope’s vocational centre at Seelampur and enrolled in Cutting & Tailoring as well as Beauty Culture courses. She learned diligently. Amidst the rocky financial condition, two of her sisters passed away within a few weeks gap and the mother lost her job. Knowing about the misery and hardships, the coordinator of the vocational programs intervened and Muskan was provided with a sewing machine and a beauty kit from Hope free of cost. With the support from Hope & using her acquired skills Muskan started earning income. Her hard work has improved the financial condition of the house to great extent. She thinks her future has taken a new turn and to open her own boutique one day!

Written by Samiur Rahman and Elisabeth Henschel Edited by Heiko Schrader

November, 2022

Dear Friends of the Hope Project,

I want to tell you about two ongoing Hope programs that continue to inspire us!

The first is The Storydancer Project (TSP), at TheStorydancerProject.org. For twenty years, our dear friend, international Storydancer and TSP founder/director, Zuleikha, has spent three to four months of each of those years at the Hope Project, offering self-care movement and music programs. Over recent years, she has trained six Hope Project facilitators in her Transformative Self-Care Practice to disseminate throughout the school, its programs, and the community. Creating a friendship that fosters connection, beauty, and love, her annual arrival is met with joyous anticipation. She is a true community builder who has given counsel to each executive director, staff member, and health director, sharing gratitude, compassion for others, kindness, authentic presence, and playfulness.

Zuleikha writes:

The Storydancer Project has been in partnership with the Hope Project for many years. We focus on self-care exercise through our trained facilitators at Hope. We work inside of the Basti where the community is traditionally Muslim, often living in poverty, with large families, and where the majority had never exercised on any regular basis.

Over time, through TSP’s self-care facilitation in the school, vocational trainings, medical clinic, and out in the community, as well as through the mobile health units, we have seen the way that health for body, mind, and spirit is now making its way into the community members at large. This is due to the consistent presence of the Hope Project, and our work together. The Hope Project is a beacon for efforts to educate people in so many areas. Even during the pandemic, the Hope Project found ways to continue these works with so many community members! Helping Hope creates a better world from the Basti neighborhood outward. We are pleased to be able to continue this work.

Another program that fosters much enthusiasm and excitement is Kids In Nature. As Zuleikha has said, Hope is a beacon of potential for children; Kids in Nature has been having an impact on kids for over twenty years. Starting as a bus ride to other states in India and to the ocean, kids experienced the wonder of the sea and countryside, far from home, camping for the very first time. Now we are developing a campsite park surrounded by nature where they will experience how to grow food and care for animals, all of which will enhance awareness of the balance of nature.

City life for children who are poor or homeless is one of stress and survival. Being in nature allows them the freedom to just let go and play fully and safely. The pandemic limited camping for the last two years, so we are very excited as we anticipate our first camping experience in our new park this October. The park is three to four hours away from Delhi. Children and their families, from both Delhi and Rajasthan, will be coming together to create a campsite with clean water, a vegetable and fruit garden, and an opportunity to plant trees around the land.

One of Hope Project’s guidelines is to value the integrity and uniqueness of each individual, and to foster their individuation, self-reliance, and self-care. Zuleikha and so many others in the 47- year history of the Project have contributed to this practical ideal. The Project is a beacon of love, harmony, and beauty that binds so many people around the world. It is a model for building community.

Your donations have been a lifeline for so many. Please consider how you can contribute to our continued work at Hope Project India.

With deep appreciation,

Richard Cuadra

March 2022

Dear Friends of the Hope Project,

I want to share with you what transpired at the February 2022 Hope Project Board meetings.
To connect and be clear about our guidance, we begin each meeting reading our vision, mission, and value statements. Each time we do this practice, it deepens our understanding of service, inspiration, love, harmony, and beauty.
This year we again met on Zoom with staff reporting on their departments. We were all excited to see each other, and we laughed a lot, remembering our numerous in-person gatherings. We are hopeful that we might meet face to face again next year.

Last May a number of staff had loved ones die due to Covid: uncles, aunts, grandparents, friends, and neighbors. The staff have been through four lockdowns and continue to witness unemployment, despair, depression, and general uncertainty about money, food, and work.

It was reported that hundreds of Indian nonprofits have not survived the lockdowns. The staff are so grateful that the Hope Project chose not to lay off people and that salaries were continued. For the last six months, the Project has vacillated between being open and shut, allowing kids to come and then not, and shifting from in-person to online teaching. Because parents lost their jobs, some of the older kids were put to work, finding jobs that pay less than what parents make, but it’s something.

Staff reported that they have to be available many more hours because the kids do not stay online, or have poor service or no service, or don’t have a computer at their home. The kids get depressed; they feel the pressure to work and need their teachers to talk with about the stresses brought on by the pandemic. To meet the need, the staff have increased their social service and counseling support. The teachers make time to visit, listen, and work with the children at their homes, and encourage them to stay engaged. On these visits, dry goods, milk, and eggs are delivered, as nutritious food has often been difficult to obtain.

The Medical Mobil Unit is working ten to twelve hours a day, six days a week, delivering medications and supplies. Some staff take buses, trains, and taxis to get to the other three neighborhoods served on the outskirts of Delhi. They bring medications and health supplies and offer support in the way of talking circles and education. The communities of the Basti and around Delhi are strong. With prayer, their will endures to meet the challenges of each day.

Evening courses (Non-Formal school) have continued for students who work or need to qualify for returning to formal school. The teachers are devoted to service, and this inspires them to put in long, 12-hour workdays to accommodate the students.

Ground has been broken in Rajasthan to build a campsite for the Kids In Nature program. A well has been dug, a boundary wall is two-thirds complete, and the foundations for tents and cabins are being laid. Children will be going to the land this year to plant gardens and trees, and to camp. This has generated much excitement!
You are part of this caravan of love, harmony, and beauty that adds to the nutritious and delicious service that is Hope.

Thank you.
With gratitude,

Richard Cuadra, chair, board of trustees

Hope Project Newsletter, December 2021

written by Samiur Rahman and Elisabeth Henschel; edited by Heiko Schrader

Overcoming Challenges: Hope Brings Back Life in The Project

Dear friends,

As it has all over the world, Covid-19 has altered life as we know it here in Delhi, here in the Basti. Too many lives have been lost, too many of our near and dear ones gone forever. Many in our community have lost their livelihood and it is slow and tedious trying to find new jobs. The children lost their source of socialization and regular live education for many months.

Hope never lost contact with its beneficiaries though. With the distributions of dry rations to the families in need, milk and eggs for the children and online teaching we were able to stay in contact with the neighborhood. When the second wave subsided, we were also able to assess the situations better through personal interactions and visits to people’s homes. This helped to keep families from migrating back to their rural homes, trips that would surely be more dangerous than beneficial at this point.

We are relieved and glad to report that the MMU and Health Centre are providing medical care for people in need again, both in the Basti and in our Trans-Yamuna communities. In this time of need, we have also expanded our service area and have reached hundreds of new patients, all of them with no other access to healthcare.

The educational programs including Creche, Pre-Primary, Non-Formal School, Tuition and Evening School have been able to resume, of course taking the necessary hygienic precautions. Several of our students have been able to finish their schooling with us and a few have gone on to enroll at PGDAV college, University of Delhi, others have started their vocational training with Hope. We are so very proud of all of them.

While we are all still struggling, your donations and your endless support have made it possible for us to keep our doors “open,” to provide for and assist a community that would otherwise be cast aside or forgotten. Thank you for always believing in our work — you make it possible.

Iram Kamal Parvez — A Journey to Health

Iram has been a student of Hope’s evening support class since 2019. Her family has been facing tremendous financial issues because both her parents are severely ill. Her father needed extensive surgery and her mother suffers from a hernia complication. The only income in the family came from her brother who is employed in Mumbai. To add to their miseries, Iram’s appendix burst, requiring her to undergo multiple surgeries. An alarming situation arose when due to the complete lockdown, her doctors left the treatment halfway, which left her bed-ridden. When lockdown ended, she went for a check-up, but her doctors determined that Iram was too weak for further surgery. The whole matter was discussed in a meeting conducted by Hope’s executive director, wherein it was decided that Hope would be providing financial as well as medical help. Subsequently, food and medicine were delivered on daily basis to her home by one of Hope’s outreach workers. After two months, she was ready for surgery. Iram had the surgery a few days ago and it was successful. Now she is gaining strength quickly and a complete recovery is expected. We wish her good health!

Ziyan — Skilled and Self-Sustained

I am Ziyan, a 16-year-old boy studying in XIth class in the government school. I started my education in the pre-primary of Hope Project. I am able to support my family. Thanks to Hope! I was interested in computers from the very beginning so with my elder brother’s suggestion, I joined Hope and learnt the basic skills of computers which further proved beneficial for me as I started to work at a cyber cafe during lockdown. At the time of my exams, I used to come to the the Hope Project for online exams and got good marks in my exams. It was a second reason for me to be grateful to Hope for its services. Computers, to say it as a cliché, are my passion. My thirst for computer skills didn’t quench there and I started to learn Photoshop at The Hope Project. In a span of two years, I learnt almost every skill of computer and currently I earn 4000 a month and support my family. I have found Hope in the walk of my life as a strong pillar of support when I needed it the most!

November, 2021

Dear Friends of Hope,

With this brief note, I want to update you on the current state of the Hope Project as it resumes activity after the most recent virus surge.

At the time I am writing, 95% of Hope Project staff have been vaccinated. Vaccination rates are slowly improving in the area surrounding the main offices in Nizamuddin Basti as well as in the surrounding areas of New Delhi. Water damage to our building from recent monsoon flooding is being repaired, and painting, plastering, and mending of any leaks is in process. Half of Hope’s students have returned, attending either online, in person, or both. Staff are busy preparing to resume all classroom instruction very soon. Now that the middle class are again hiring unskilled laborers, the area has a high number of migrants returning to the city looking for work. For this reason, emergency food is still very much needed in the community.

I have attached a letter from both Pir Zia and Pir Shabda that speaks to their support of the important work of Hope.

With appreciation,
Richard Cuadra, Hope Project board president