However, the day was filled with visits to various sites that
exemplify the phenomenal efforts behind the scenes to make a positive impact on
the lives of disadvantaged children living in the Belgaum area.
Our second visit of the day was to a small workshop that
manufactures sweaters for school uniforms. They are also the supplier of the sweaters in each bedkit. They produce 200 sweaters by hand each day, from
yarn to finished product, for various school districts.
The firm provides the sweaters for SCAW at below their actual
cost of $3 per sweater because the owner understands the desperate need of the
children receiving bedkits. That’s 8,000 sweaters!
Our last visit of the day was to the Rotary Swimming Pool. Each
February they invite 200 disabled children for a 3-week free swimming camp to
introduce the children to swimming and to minimize their fear of water. The
theme of the camp is “Yes We Can”
It was very powerful to see dozens of blind children entering
the pool, while able-bodied children sat on the side of the pool kicking in the
water so the blind students gained confidence and knew the parameters of the
water.
Instructors assisted mentally challenged students in the pool
utilizing flotation devices, as the children kicked their feet with glee.
Many parents sat on the side watching their children intently,
so very proud of their child’s achievements.
An amazing commitment of the leader, Umesh Kalghatgi, the many
coaches, and the Rotary Club of Belgaum for funding the camp and the initial
capital cost of the two pools in 1974.
“What a Way to Inspire Others”
Ralf Soeder
