Mumbai/Belgaum: Nagamma

So today was a large distribution day, however I believe the team had a sigh of relief knowing that we have done 1200, so 900 can be done.  Our distribution was set in the city of Hubli, so travel time was only about 10 minutes, allowing us to get an early start.  We were told by Rotarians, that it is hotter in Hubli, so beginning in the morning was important.  They were right, by afternoon we were at 34 degrees, and not a bit of breeze.  Definitely a hot day today.

Our distribution  was set up nicely, with the kids doing a full circle.  I spent part of the distribution following a little girl to show an example of how the distributions are run. Her name is Nagamma. Nagamma is 10 years old and in the 3^rd grade.  She lives in a village around Hubli.   

The distribution begins with families, and schools congregating at the distribution site. They are kept out of the compound while Rotarians sort through the identification cards they have distributed.  One by one children are let into the compound to line up.  This distribution was different in the sense that a parent accompanied the child through part of the process to take their belongings.

Nagamma and her mother came through the gate, and her id card was again checked by the Rotarians at a station, and given coupons for some of the items she was to receive.

She and her mother then moved on pick up a sweater, her new dress and petticoat, sandals, and a raincoat. This is where the coupons came in.  Just a note on the dress, each child receives two outfits in their kit, one they wear, and one in the bag.  All clothing is tailored by a man from Belgaum named Ramesh, who feels it is important to attend every distribution to ensure children are properly fitted. 

Nagamma and her mother then go into the girls change room to put on her pretty new dress.  After she is dressed she will go to a holding room, where she is called to line up for the photo, again once the Id ticket has been checked. 

At this point, mom is led out, again accounted for, and she will pass through to have her photo taken.  Children are arranged for their photo, and effort to have equal boys and girls in the photo is given.  The team then pays special attention to detail, ensuring the girls dresses are fluffed, hair is in place, boys shirts are tucked, and they are seated nicely.  I think the girls enjoy this, having a little pampering never hurts anyone. 

Once the photo is taken,  a mark will be placed on her finger to show that a bedkit has been received.  A big smile appears as she is made aware of what she is being given.  Mom is there at the gate to meet her.

She will sleep happy tonight.

Love the children

Kristein for Team Mumbai/Belgaum
Post your comment here: