By Susan Narjala | Corporate Communications Manager
December 2015 saw Chennai, India, being pelted by the heaviest recorded rainfall in 100 years. The rains left the city submerged and our Learning Center in Chennai - the Annal Children’s Home – was also hit by the floods. While the children were moved to a safe location, the floods destroyed almost everything in the Home.
That's when U&I volunteers showed that their commitment to these children went way beyond tutoring. Despite the complete water-logging in the city, where their own homes were flooded and without power, these everyday heroes rushed to collect clothes, food and supplies for the displaced children.
Partnering with other social welfare organizations, everything from electrical appliances to books were replaced in the childrens’ home. U&I volunteers went on to raise funds for the children through social media. Thanks to them, these children had nothing to worry about and could just enjoy playing in the puddles and catching fish.
This Christmas, the same volunteers had the joy of watching these children back in the Annal Children's Home taking turns to stand up before their class simply to encourage their friends. These otherwise-shy children were jumping at the chance to come forward simply to speak about their classmates. Mithra, a volunteer at the home, says that witnessing the incident inspired her and showed her that "nothing can ever stop us from pushing ourselves to go beyond what we think we are capable of."
Because of donors like you we continue to touch the lives of children around India. Today, U&I volunteers tutor 850 children in after-school Learning Centers, ensuring that these kids stay plugged into school and beat the odds. More importantly, each volunteer invests 2.5 hours every week, building a relationship with these children and giving them the confidence they need to shine in their classrooms and beyond.
In 2016, we plan to reach more kids and train more volunteers who believe that they can make a difference.
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