HELPING HANDS IN A KATHMANDU INDIAN MIGRANT SLUM

HELPING HANDS - Two days ago, my contact in Kathmandu, Nepal (Reena) brought to my attention the dire need of a mother and her 3 young children (7,9,11). They had been evicted from their Indian migrant slum dwelling, for non=payment of rent for 3 months. The Nepali owner also conficated all of their clothes, household utensils, cooking gas cyclinder ... whatever had value. They were left absolutely destitute! This is where Reena stepped in...herself a mother of 2 boys (deserted by her husband) also living in the ghetto. Reena (age abt 28) has a social conscience! First up, she notifies me of the predicament! Then she set to work obtaining gifts of clothing and food from the slum community. Then Reena went with the mother to search for an alternative dwelling. A tiny room was found (a former cattle shed) 3m x2m, concrete floor & tin roof. Home for the family of 5. There is an excuse for a husband/father...he spends any income on 'gunja' (pot). I rustled-up £60 (converted to NPR9040) and transfered to Reena via 'WorldRemit' ... recvd within 5 mins of my sending!! With strict instructions NOT to hand the money to the family, but to give them gifts 'in-kind'! Reena then negotiated with the room owner for the return of the essential items, in exhange for Nrs5000 as partial rent payment. She's a persuasive negotiator! Whilst they settled in, Reena went shopping for healthy food, aside from the basic rice and dahl....green veggies, fruit, etc.

With the remaining money, Reena will go out today and purchase an insulating mat (in lieu of a bed), so they can sleep on something softer and warmer than concrete! As a finale, Reena has been in contact with a lead-teacher at the 'Tashi Waldorf School', for the 2 youngest children Chotee (7) & brother Kaneeya (9) to return to school asap! They...like most of the children at 'Tashi' ...are 'full' scholarship students! And Reena? She is an uneducated Indian migrant beggar lady, earning what she is able from begging on the streets or selling cheap (pre-purchased) goods to passers-by! With good fortune, she can earn $4/£3 a-day (Nrs500) .... just enough to feed her family! But she has a heart of gold! I have known Reena for 10 yrs and give her regular support from my own meagre resources. Did you read my earlier blurb about the blind man and his elderly parents who Reena managed to help learlier this week? Would you like to hear about another poor lady who has a 3 month old and a 3 year old...with a husband in prison! She is unable to work! Reena is trying to help her too! Maybe you would like to help Reena in her selfless charity endeavours? No problem! Send your gift...large or small...to me at PayPal. Label any gift as 'Reena's work!' Or maybe you want to support 'Tashi Waldorf' school? paypal.me/socialendeavoursnp Like last year. Reena is keen to organise a 'Special Sweet Treat' for all the ghetto children (about 45) on Christmas Day. Monetary donations (duly labelled) happily received via PayPal!! Blessings!