As Lisa, Isobel and I (Krista) prepare to leave Vizag today, we thought we’d leave you with a quick post to enjoy over the next few days while we’re travelling.
Here is Gyanthri expressing her happiness at being a HUGGS student. With the support and encouragement of her single mother, Gyanthri is aiming to become a “good lecturer” (teacher). Gyanthri explains that she didn’t know how it would be possible for her to study after 10th class until she received HUGGS’ support. Now, this bright student has been able to pursue an education.
In Vizag, schooling up until 10th class (similar to 10th grade in Canada) is free. The next two years, “inter”, as well as college programs, require the payment of fees.
The HUGGS team visited with Sai and his mother and learned some wonderful news – after scoring in the top 5% in the entrance exam, Sai has been accepted into the navy. This is an admired accomplishment here in India and it means if he does well (which we’re all sure he will!) all his needs will be met- including the opportunity to pursue even more education.
Sai credits HUGGS with providing him the opportunity to study and make a better life for himself and his mother – but we credit his success to his hard work and determination, and to his desire to make the best of every opportunity. We wish him all the best in his future and look forward to regular updates on how he is doing!
Sai & his mother, after sharing his news with the HUGGS team
Krishnaveni was among HUGGS’ first students. Despite the overwhelming challenges she has faced and continues to encounter, her future is bright. HUGGS provides the support she needs to continue her education but the rest has been up to her – and she has truly taken full advantage of each opportunity. Krishnaveni is currently completing her Bachelor of Science and has been first in her class. She is planning to take teacher training next year and to work with younger children to give them a good foundation in life.
Here she shares a small part of her story (as she is more comfortable speaking her first language, Telugu, most of this video features HUGGS field worker Sujatha translating for her).
Today was the annual HUGGS student picnic, where our graduating students shared their advice with our newer students and encouraged them to continue working toward their dreams. Each of these students also made a very heartfelt request for us to pass their gratitude on to HUGGS Canada and our supporters.
You could feel our graduating students’ excitement and hope as they spoke about the next steps in their lives – the grins and tears were contagious!
Here are our students and their wonderful mothers gathering for a group photo:
Lisa, Isobel and Krista have been busy these past days visiting schools and colleges and interviewing new students. Here are some snapshots from our school and college visits:
The staff at Bullayya College were wonderful hosts - here, Lisa and Isobel are having a tour
Next we visited Sattibabu's government polytechnic, where he graciously introduced us to his principal
Quote on the wall of Visakha Girls' Junior College: "Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall" - attributed to Confucius
HUGGS’ supporters have truly transformed lives. They have helped to ensure bright young people have access to a good education, have the opportunity to reach their full potential, and are empowered to determine their futures.
Over the past week, Isobel and Lisa have had the privilege of being welcomed into the homes of our current students and new candidates. It was truly an inspiration to see the hope and determination displayed by these young people and their families despite the many challenges they face.
Sujatha, HUGGS field worker, with Krishnaveni, her mother, and Isobel, at Krishnaveni’s home.
While Isobel has visited India in the past, this is her first visit on behalf of HUGGS. She has been overwhelmed by our students’ inner serenity, maturity, and confidence at such a young age.
Lisa H. has returned to India for the first time in five years and has caught up with some of HUGGS’ initial students, including those who have just graduated. She has been moved by the growth she has seen as they begin to establish better lives for themselves and their families.
Viveka is now a cardiac nurse – she is saving lives and restarting hearts. Because of her education, she has been able to buy her mother a home.
Sujatha is now a teacher, and has recently been working part-time for HUGGS to ensure each of our students have the support and encouragement they need to succeed, including medical attention and extra tutoring.
Krishnaveni is close to graduating in computers and math and has aspirations to become a teacher.
Thank you for joining us as we catch up with current and former HUGGS students and select our next promising group. This year Lisa H., Isobel and Krista invite you along on their journey so you can see for yourselves the tremendous impact HUGGS’ supporters are enabling us to achieve.
Sujatha, HUGGS graduate (education) & Satish, current HUGGS student (computers) during Lisa & Isobel's visit with Satish's family
“I’m so happy and thankful to be a HUGGS student. I promise to do my best, and to give support to my family and other people.” – Satish
We already have many very exciting stories to share. Thanks to you, our cherished supporters, some of our students are just graduating and are on the brink of establishing lives for themselves. Others are just starting in their studies and are looking forward to bright and promising futures. Sujatha, one of our first graduates, is reaching another important milestone (tune in later for more details!)
We will be posting a story every day or two for the next couple of weeks – please come back to visit, and leave your comments, questions and requests by clicking on “leave a comment” next to the blog title above (your initial comment may take some time to appear).
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