July 2021: Emergency "Grain Kits"
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The Covid-19 pandemic is affecting India terribly, with millions of cases and many deaths.
The city of Bellary is very badly affected and some of the local churches there are making up "grain kits" to give to the very poorest, who have lost work or family. Each kit comprises 10kg rice, 2kg dal, 2 litres cooking oil, 2kg rava, and 3 kg wheat flour. These are very basic but will feed a family of 4 for one month at subsistence-levels. Each "grain kit" costs just Rs1200 (approx £12) The BSG is supporting this work. Will you help provide 1000 grain kits to feed 1000 families - that's 4000 people - for a month? Please get in touch if you want to contribute. Details on the Contacts page and in the latest Bulletin also found there. |
Grain kits ready for distribution
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A June grain kit recipient
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Halvi Boys Home
Since 2007 we have run the CSI Boys Home in the village of Halvi about 75km from Bellary. This houses 42 boys who come from surrounding rural villages to attend the schools in Halvi. This is a particularly poor area so the pressure to drop-out of school to work as a day-labourer is great.
In addition to the paying the day-by-day running costs plus medical attention and additional tutoring, we have been able to make many improvements including a new bore hole and water supply, toilets, electrical supply, roof repairs, new bunk beds, bedding, water purification and kitchen equipment.
It costs about £18 per boy per month to run the Home. A key matter now is how to secure its long-term financial future so it is not dependant on 'outside' funds. This is the hostel that our latest Break the Cycle initiative is to support - building 12 offices above the shops in Bellary which we helped build in 2005 - so that the rental income will provide long-term local sustainability.
In addition to the paying the day-by-day running costs plus medical attention and additional tutoring, we have been able to make many improvements including a new bore hole and water supply, toilets, electrical supply, roof repairs, new bunk beds, bedding, water purification and kitchen equipment.
It costs about £18 per boy per month to run the Home. A key matter now is how to secure its long-term financial future so it is not dependant on 'outside' funds. This is the hostel that our latest Break the Cycle initiative is to support - building 12 offices above the shops in Bellary which we helped build in 2005 - so that the rental income will provide long-term local sustainability.
Halvi Hostel front view
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Halvi Hostel rear view
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The Warden and some of the Halvi boys - December 2016
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