The Bedkit
Today we had the privilege of seeing how the bedkits that were distributed last year are being used in the children's homes. At the distribution in the village of Howrah, an hour and half north of Kolkata, we visited two homes of past recipients. An extended family of nine shared a pristine two-room mud hut. This home had hard-packed dirt floors with and bamboo and mud walls that are said to last five to six years.
The cherished items they received last year are well used and are in top condition. The mosquito net and mattress were on the family bed and offered comfort and protection for the whole family. The baby was sleeping in a saree hammock and toothbrushes were placed in a cupholder on the mudbrick wall in the small shared courtyard. No matter how poor the people or how small the homes, they are organized, tidy, and spotlessly clean.
Each of the recipients had said these gifts had improved their lives and they were extemely grateful. The families invited us back anytime we were visiting Howrah.
We continued our day and successfully distributed 731 bedkits to the children.
Marianne Langford
for Team Kolkata 2011
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