Helping children for Profit or Compassion?

“You’re helping children here in India and you’re not getting a profit?” I was asked this question by a young man while writing my last blog in a café. He was more surprised when I told him I paid for my own flight, hotel and food. At first I did not give much thought to his question, but after a few days I realized I did not answer his question. The young man was shocked that I used my own efforts, resources, energy and time to come to Bihar, India to help children without earning a profit. At first, I thought the reason I am here is because of compassion, but that does not completely answer the question. Compassion is feeling what others feel. Not only did I purchase items that the orphanages needed, like food, medicine, school supplies and clothing, I spent time in each orphanage and connected with the staff and children. But why did I do that? I did it because I could!

I live in a country of plenty and I am not limited. We have basic necessities like food, water, clothing and shelter. We have access to stable and reliable electrical power. We have schools in our communities and we have advanced resources. I have received formal education and see a doctor and dentist once a year. The sight of fruit, something all children need daily, excited the children like a chocolate bar did to me as a child. With the dedicated team of volunteers in Canada, we are unlimited. Each one of us in Paper Kite has made a difference in the lives of the children. I have been a part of and seen the difference we are making.

To me it’s not about profit – it’s about personal connection. I now have the faces of the children in the homes imprinted in my mind and heart. I will never forget them. I am more passionate now than ever before. When I went into Jeanamitabh for the first time three weeks ago, I read a poster in one of the classrooms which is a good conclusion to my blogs.

“Never, never, never, never give up!”

Thank you for reading my blogs and for your continued support for Paper Kite Children’s Foundation.

Being busy does not escape being poor

Field Blog from Johannes Jenkner – a Paper Kite volunteer in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India

My first impression of India is that people are very busy. The streets are full of people and they all run around minding their business. My friend in Delhi told me that people love their work and they work late hours. In other words, their work sometimes might not be as efficient as in other countries, but they are very devoted and dedicate a lot of time to their work.

At the train station in Patna, there was a woman with her 4 or 5 year old daughter. She let her daughter present some acrobatics while she played the drums. I am sure they do it all the time to get some money in order to survive. On the train, I was placed in the comfort class, but it was still the oldest train coach I have ever sat in. A girl wiped the floor of the coach with a binding of leaves and then asked for some rupee coins, which is just a few cents.

I got a similar picture when I arrived in Bodhgaya where our orphanages are situated. The main streets are packed with people, monks on the way to one of the numerous temples, rickshaw drivers offering a ride, people buying their daily needs and a lot of beggars. People seem to enjoy what they are doing, but they have to do most things from scratch. Bricks for construction are fabricated in the fields around Bodhgaya from a special kind of clay. Metal is processed at multiple places in the streets. We went to one of those places to buy a metal box for the Sunway orphanage. The idea is that each child there has a box for personal items. A lot of trading and bargaining is done at the farmer’s market in Gaya. We went there to buy vegetables and fruit for the Sunway orphanage. People take their time there to check the quality of the products and then to discuss the price. It is very busy though, and you can barely stand still, because people are pushing from all sides.

In summary, I have to say that most people are really eager here to make something out of their lives. However, the conditions are very poor and people have to work hard just to have a small home with brick walls that they share with multiple family members. The poorest still live in simple cottages made from cotton. I do not want to imagine how those homes look like when it rains. The people deserve support from abroad and they might acknowledge it a lot. Paper Kite invests in children who will make up the next generations of Indian people in Bihar. So we can hopefully contribute a tiny bit to offer Bihar a more prosperous future.

Johannes Jenkner

Helping Dreams Come True – Part 2

On January 28th, Tarik told us the story of Rajesh, a 15 yr old boy he met at Jeanamitabh Orphanage.  Despite the daily struggles he faces due to his lack of mobility from the chest down, Rajesh still maintains a positive outlook on life and keeps dreaming of a successful future for himself.   Tarik’s description of how Rajesh spends his days laying on a blanket and depending on 4 other boys in order to be transported from one area to the next really touched our hearts and motivated us to make a difference.
Tarik expressed his disappointment in not being able to provide Rajesh with a wheelchair during his trip due to Paper Kite’s lack of funds.  Upon reading these words, we, the remaining Board Members in Vancouver found it unacceptable for Tarik to leave Bihar without providing Rajesh with the mobility and independence that a simple wheelchair would provide.  As Board Members for Paper Kite we are proud to come together and personally donate the funds required to provide Rajesh with a wheelchair and consequently, the autonomy he deserves.
On behalf of all Board Members (Amanda Rogers, Brigitte Prud’Homme, and Gerry Wahl), I would also like to thank Tarik for all his hard work and dedication during his stay in Bihar – It is true what they say; COMPASSION DOES BREED COMPASSION.

Kind Regards,

Isabel Estan (Paper Kite Vice-President)

Giving dreams flight in 2012

Today I went to purchase the wood and metal for the chairs, tables and bed for Sunway Children Home. These items will be used by the children at the home. As well, Paper Kite will be purchasing cement, bricks, sand and stone to repair drainages from the home. All the orphanages sign a service agreement before accepting donated items from Paper Kite. The agreement states that all donated items will stay in the home and will be used for the sole benefit of the children. Removal of the donated items will terminate our sponsorship. Our next Paper Kite volunteer that comes to Bodhgaya, Bihar, India will come unannounced to ensure the items are still at the locations and being used by the children. We structured Paper Kite to ensure maximum effectiveness. The items we are purchasing will have a direct impact on the daily lives of the children. Our volunteers will be involved throughout the whole process to ensure the work gets done property.

It has been a great pleasure to be a part of this whole process. From founding this great cause, connecting with others who are passionate and dedicated, to returning to India and seeing how our hard work has made a difference. Seeing the children eat the food we buy, take the medicine we purchased, and attend school now sitting on a bench instead of the floor. It is so beautiful! A little does make a large difference. Donating money or your valuable time contributes to the happiness and future of the children. I have witnessed this and I will never give up!

There are many opportunities to help our cause, including coming to India in 2012. I will be posting the details on our website soon. There will also be an opportunity to explore India during the next trip. Please let us know if you are interested and we will contact you with details. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog :)

Helping Dreams Come True

Today I spent the day celebrating India Republic day with the children from Jeanamitabh. We had a picnic in Dharamn Park, one of many places Buddha meditated. I really bonded with the children – we sang songs, danced and took many pictures. The children love cameras. I met Rajesh, a 15 year old boy living at the orphanage. He is physically disabled from the chest down and does not have a wheelchair. He lies on a blanket all day and is carried by four other boys in the orphanage to go to classes and meals. I gave him my chai tea and he insisted that I drink half with him while we chatted. He is a very positive and happy boy. When he grows up, he wants to be a doctor to help poor children. Rajesh is one of many children Paper Kite supports. Like many of us, he has hope that one day he will achieve his dreams.

I’m sad to say that on this trip we will not be able buy Rajesh a wheelchair because we do not have enough money. It is challenging to see so many disadvantaged people, especially children, when we are so fortunate to live in a world of plenty. It is my dream that no child will go hungry and without love or care. Love can come in many forms. As you can see, donations are making a long-term difference in the children’s lives. As well, volunteering your time so selflessly speaks volumes.

At Paper Kite’s last volunteer meeting I asked a question that is hard to answer initially without thought. I will ask you all the same question in hopes that you understand why Paper Kite exists. Why should anyone care about helping children halfway across the world?

One bench at a time…

Kneeing or sitting down to work and eat is a common practice in India. Chairs and tables are rarely used for working and eating. However, it has been reported by the orphanages that tables and chairs are needed for students to do their school work. One of the four programs Paper Kite supports is Education. Jeanamitabh Orphanage and School, one of the orphanages we are assisting this year, is expanding in order to take in more children. Currently, there are 900 children on a waiting list. In the newly built classrooms, the children are sitting on the ground while attending school. Our Board has approved purchasing joint tables and benches for the six new classrooms. I went with the Director and Founder to purchase the wood and bolts that will be used to construct the table and benches. Over the next week, the table and benches will be fabricated and put into the classrooms.

This is one of many items that Paper Kite will be purchasing in order to provide basic necessities for the children. Education is important in order to end the cycle of poverty. Jeanamitabh’s motto is ‘To save one child is to save the world.’ I have witnessed them doing that. Paper Kite is supporting this fully functional orphanage that provides a home and education on-site to each child. Jeanamitabh has sent eleven orphans to college and university. This is an orphanage that is making a difference from beginning to end for the children. We are proud to partner with Jeanamitabh and jointly assist the children in achieving their dreams. Paper Kite works closely with the orphanages while ensuring that we are not imposing our cultural beliefs.

Paper Kite is very fortunate to have volunteer skilled professionals on our Board. To name a few, we have a labour lawyer, a registered bookkeeper, a registered social worker and a financial analyst on our Team. Paper Kite has a strong team of volunteers to help raise funds to support the orphanages. It is the dedication, commitment and compassion of the volunteers which allows us to achieve our goals. Paper Kite has no paid employees or office costs. We strive to have our small operation costs paid by a donor or sponsor, as was done in 2009. Any amount that you can donate will make a difference in the children’s lives. Alternatively, you can contribute a monthly recurring amount or donate in honour of someone on our website. A tax receipt will be emailed to you. Donate here

Over the next few days our Board will be deciding which items we are able to provide to the remaining orphanages based on our four programs. The items will have a direct impact on the growth and success of the children. Thank you for reading and please stay tuned for more updates :)

Accountability and Transparency

I’m writing this blog in one of the few wireless internet cafés in Bodhgaya. I’m happy to tell you that I have been to all three orphanages that we are supporting this year in the last couple of days. I confirmed the needs of each orphanage based on our previous visit in 2010. The needs are in line with our four programs (proper nutrition, clean water, education, health and welfare).

In order to ensure that our efforts directly benefit the children, no money will be given directly to these orphanages. As such, the orphanages have signed service agreements stating that donated goods will be used solely for the benefit of children residing in the orphanage and the orphanage will monitor and verify items donated by Paper Kite. I will be purchasing the items myself and ensure they are delivered to the orphanages. In the Fall, another Paper Kite volunteer will be coming back to ensure the orphanages are fulfilling our service agreement. Paper Kite has been built on accountability and transparency.

I’m happy to let you know that Paper Kite, through the hard work of the volunteers and your donations, is able to spend $12,000 this year on items for the orphanage. Items we will be purchasing will support the expansion of the orphanages to allow for more orphans. Paper Kite is 100% volunteer run and we do not have any government grants or major sponsors. Our volunteers have raised the $12,000 that we are using here in Bihar, India. As well, I have paid for my own travel and expenses. We rely on donations and support from people like you. As a grassroot charity, like many non-profits, we have dedicated volunteers working with limited resources. I founded Paper Kite on the basis of a need I witnessed two years ago here in Bodhgaya. Gaining trust from the public is one of our biggest challenges – with good understanding. Please take the time to navigate our website; see the need, see the pictures, and see our dedicated volunteers. We are accountable to you! Thank you for believing and supporting our cause. Please know we are making every effort to ensure all of your donations make it to the orphanages in the form of items needed.

From Bodhgaya, Bihar, India

For the past two days I have been travelling from Toronto, Ontario to Bodhgaya, Bihar, India. 14 hours of flights and 14 hours on train. I’m actually writing this on the train while we are two hours behind schedule. It has been a long journey, but one worth taking. In Canada, I have become accustomed to getting information instantaneously either through the computer or my iPhone. Saving time and getting things done in an efficient manner is very important to Western society. Just the other day I was telling my friend I wanted to upgrade my 3G iPhone to the iPhone 4 simply because it is faster. Two years ago, the last time I was at an ashram in India, I remember getting frustrated at how I was expected to collect leaves on the ground. I was given tree branches tied together to gather the leaves. Three hours into the task I was saying to myself, if I had a rake I could have been done in 30 minutes. I soon realized that finishing the task in an optimal time was not important. It led me to realize how much stress I take on because of time. Being in the moment without stressing about time and truly focusing on the task was a challenge. Unlearning the importance of completing everything within a prescribed time was hard. I’m not saying that time is not important, rather, what I do in that time is more important. Being in the moment and clearing my mind in order to truly focus on the task was what I discovered I needed to do. We’ve all heard it’s the journey, not the destination. I think it’s hard to focus on the journey rather than the destination because we have an idea of what the destination is going to be. The journey could change in a blink of an eye, but we are able to still focus on the destination. Having traveled through India once before has helped shape this journey. However, there is a repeating theme to my trips which I will present to you in a form of a question. I’m curious to hear your responses. So I leave you with this: If the cup is half full, how do you fill the rest of the cup?

Sixth Update from India

I start my journey home in a few hours so this should be my last post from Bihar.  I’m exactly on the other side of the world from Vancouver and it’ll be the longest single journey I have ever done, involving 4 flights over nearly 2 days.  These last few days I have been helped an orphanage update their documents, including one for the government, and checked on a construction project for another NGO whose manager is now back in the USA.  This morning I refilled my luggage and am now ready to go.

There are parts of Bihar I will miss, especially the people I have worked with, and parts that I won’t miss, corruption and the heat come quickly to mind.  Once settled back in Vancouver I’ll write another post with an overview of what I have learned while in Bihar these past 2 months.

I arrive in Vancouver the day of our next volunteer meeting and will definitely try to attend (I’m expecting travel delays given the number of flights and the distance).  I want to meet the new people I have seen during our Skype meetings!

Namaste,

Jason

Fifth Update from India

I’m pleased to inform you that Paper Kite’s project at Sunway Home #2 is now complete.  Mosquito screens have been built and installed to 8 medium sized windows as well as to two oversized windows in the kitchen.  For me the completion comes just in time as I return to Canada in 4 days and I have many other loose ends to complete beforehand.

The screens function well and look good – a successfully completed project.  The building is unfinished and the walls are uneven brick which haven’t been smoothed out with a concrete layer.  This unevenness means not all of the screens sit flush on the walls.  Ravi, Sunway Home Assistant Manager, is going to have the sides of the screens cemented to the building to fill-in the spaces.  That will improve the effectiveness of the screens and keep out almost all mosquitoes.

The arrival and installation of the screens were big news for the children.  The installers had an audience and a small army of willing assistants for fetching tools and water (right now it reaches over 40 C every day).  Once the install was done the children eagerly took me around and showed me each screen and insisted I took pictures with them next to the screens.  They loved the project itself and were especially happy once they learned the screens will keep out mosquitoes.  Included are more images showing the mosquito screens and my tour guides.  Other pictures were part of my previous blog posting.

Onwards and upwards.  I look forward to returning to Vancouver and discussing with our Board and other Paper Kiters our options for future projects.  There are several exciting projects that well suit Paper Kite’s goals.  I just found another one last Saturday, when the boarding school I was visiting turned out to be an orphanage.  A nice switch from the orphanages turning out to be schools.  Exciting times!  See you soon.

Namaste,

Jason