19 Feb Testimony of Sébastien – India Nepal trip November 2024
What role do you play on the Board of Trustees of the Ciao Kids Foundation?
I have been a member of the Council since September 2019.
Have there been any developments since your last trip with the Foundation?
My last trip was in 2018, 6 years ago. Then I got to know the Hunsur home, near Mysore in Karnataka, in South India, where we had set up the first training center for young adults. The 2024 trip allowed me to discover the activities supported by Ciao Kids in Djarkhand, a state in North-East India, and in Nepal.
How did you experience the warm welcome from the children with dances and flowers?
Each time, the welcome is well organized, and we see that it is a big celebration for the school, and all the participants, prepared for a long time. Then each time, there is this simplicity, and this kindness of the children who take you by the hand, who want to show you something, or speak a few words in English – this human warmth is a great motivation.
Among the women you met, is there an inspiring story that particularly struck you? In your opinion, what are the impacts of the projects implemented by CIAO KIDS in the daily lives of these women and their families?
In Nepal, this is the woman who received fertilized eggs and an incubator a few months ago. Seeing her now, surrounded by her chickens and roosters, proudly presenting her first production of eggs, intended for her children’s school. What was touching was that this project was a family one, and that the husband was also participating! A simple project, but one that brings development, for the whole family and the village!
Did you take away a life lesson from this trip?
The opportunity to undertake and succeed, when you are advised by competent specialists!
In your contact with local communities, have you noticed how immense the needs are in these regions? In your opinion, what are the areas where CIAO KIDS could still make a difference, if the Foundation had more resources?
In Nepal, it is clear that neighbouring communities are envious of the successes and development of the communities supported by Ciao Kids. But Ciao Kids’ support programme is limited by the number of trained social workers available, and also by the cost of the school lunch programme.
Looking at local communities, what role do you think solidarity plays in their development?
Group work and solidarity are the foundations of the development of the communities we support.
Have you experienced an emotional moment that you would like to share?
Amar Jyoti the vision of this couple formed by 2 young visually impaired people, probably 10 and 8 years old: the little one, shy and a little worried, newly arrived from his village and his family, and who slowly, groping, was looking for his place in this new world, with multiple possibilities. The big blind boy taking the other by the hand and playing the role of mentor. A beautiful example of solidarity!
Back from this trip, what message would you like to send to people who support the Foundation or to those who are considering getting involved with us for this cause?
If you cannot go and see the effectiveness of the measures taken on site, follow us on social networks to regularly see the development of our projects, and the successes of the people and families we support, in India and Nepal.
S. Simon, 20.01.2025