Help Orphans In India (GSAM General Fund)

We want to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude for your ongoing support. The contributions made through GlobalGiving have played a vital role in helping us uplift our children and our community. Despite the challenges we've faced in recent months, particularly with the severe flooding, your generosity has enabled us to recover, rebuild, and continue providing a nurturing environment for the children in our care. This report highlights our recent activities, challenges, and plans for the future.

FLOOD RECOVERY AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

In July 2024, our community in Banbasa faced one of its most significant challenges—a devastating flood that affected our campus and surrounding areas. Water levels reached 2–4 feet, causing damage to property, farmland, and vital infrastructure. Although we were fortunate not to experience more severe losses, the impact on our local community was profound, with some families losing their livelihoods and tragically, several lives were lost.

On the GSAM campus, we lost agricultural supplies, stored grain, sections of our boundary fence, and a wall collapsed in a staff home. Our fish stock escaped from the ponds, and electrical tools were damaged. However, with the collective efforts of our staff, children, and volunteers, we have made significant strides in recovery. Cleanup efforts began as soon as the floodwaters receded, and we immediately focused on restoring the campus and helping our neighbors recover as well.

INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS

The flood underscored the need for better infrastructure to protect against future events. Using funds raised through our flood recovery campaign, we have already started implementing key changes. Our primary focus has been on rebuilding two fallen walls and constructing a new drainage system to help divert water away from our campus. These improvements will protect our community from future flooding and help safeguard our resources.

In addition to flood repairs, we’ve started planning the renovation of our grain storerooms. The storerooms, some of our oldest buildings, have suffered from leaks and general wear over the years. We plan to raise funds to rebuild these storerooms, ensuring better protection of our harvest and food supplies. This project will be critical for the sustainability of our agricultural efforts.

MISSION UNIVERSITY AND EDUCATION UPDATES

Education remains at the heart of our mission. Despite the difficulties caused by the monsoon season and school closures, our children have remained focused on their studies. Our students attending Grades 11 and 12 have been able to continue online learning, while the younger children were able to attend classes on our campus.

We are thrilled to report the continued success of our Mission University program. Recently, three new students—Debbie, Malika, and Roshni—began their university journeys with the support of generous sponsors. Debbie is pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Application, Roshni a Bachelor of Business Administration, and Malika a Bachelor of Hotel Management. Meanwhile, other graduates, such as Gordon and Sawatri, are making their mark after completing their studies. We continue to seek support for Pinky, one of our students who requires additional assistance to complete her Bachelor of Arts degree.

FARMING AND AGRICULTURAL INITIATIVES

As a self-sustaining organization, our farm is vital to our operations. We are pleased to report that despite the initial damage to our rice paddy crop, it has recovered well, thanks to our team’s hard work. We have also planted sugarcane, which remains a significant cash crop for us. The monsoon rains have been challenging, but they’ve also provided essential irrigation for our crops, particularly rice and sugarcane.

Our team has continued to innovate in agriculture. From managing the rice paddy planting to using locally sourced fertilizers, we are committed to improving our self-sufficiency. Our storeroom renovations will also ensure that we can store and protect our harvest more effectively in the future.

COMMUNITY IMPACT AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

The spirit of community and solidarity has never been stronger at GSAM. Throughout the challenges posed by the flood, our staff and children have not only worked to restore our campus but have also extended their efforts to assist our neighbors. This sense of togetherness is central to our mission and something we will continue to nurture.

Looking ahead, we are focused on completing infrastructure repairs, improving our storeroom facilities, and continuing to provide top-tier education for our children. The support we have received from GlobalGiving and our wider community has been instrumental in helping us reach this point, and we are excited about what lies ahead.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Once again, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have supported us during these difficult times. Your generosity, whether through donations, prayers, or well wishes, has been a beacon of hope for us. Together, we are creating brighter futures for the children at GSAM, and we are truly grateful to have you by our side on this journey.