Pune 2019: Visits

Today was a day of visits. We started our day visiting schools that had been selected last year to receive bedkits. The teachers of each chosen school decide which 70 children receive a bedkit, based on need.

Both schools were primary schools, grades 1-4. The children were in class when we arrived. They were so excited to see us and welcomed us with songs.

It was nice to chat with the teachers. According to them, the chance to receive a bedkit increases the child’s interest in school because they can only receive a bedkit if they are in school; and the children who receive a bedkit sleep better, which leads to better attendance and better learning.

Next, we visited the homes of some children who received bedkits last year. These visits give us a glimpse into how these children live, as well as how the family uses the bedkit items.

Our first visit was to a 2-room home shared by two children, their father and grandfather. Vaishnvi, 8 years old, used to sleep on the bare cold stone floor. Now she sleeps on her mat with blankets. Her teacher says Vaishnvi loves school and does well. School has extra importance for Vaishnvi as her mother passed away three years ago, and her teacher has become a surrogate mother to her.

Another home visit took us to a 1-room home owned by someone in the husband’s family. Six adults and two children all live together in this 8’ x 8’ room. We were happy to see the sleeping mat, blankets and clothing received last year were still being used today.

We finished our day with visits to a couple of manufacturers. We always like to see where the bedkit items are made and ensure working conditions are good and employees are treated properly.

Both businesses are family businesses, having been started by fathers and now carried on by their sons. Each employs 15-20 workers full-time, all working six days a week.

In order to produce the large quantity required for the bedkits, these businesses hired additional workers. In many cases, these additional workers were women who would sew in their homes.

A very interesting day. It was wonderful seeing the families continue, a year later, to use the bedkit items. It was so satisfying to see the bedkits provide additional employment and a boost to the local economy. Finally, it was heartwarming to hear the teachers speak of the benefits a bedkit brings to a child’s life.

Cindy Hobman
Team Pune 2019

Post a comment