by Father Blany Pinto for BISMumbai

With good wishes for a blessed New Year 2022, our social outreach staff carries on their social service to the children and families of the villages adopted by DB Lonavla. In addition to ensuring that regular activities of study and exercise are done daily, 19 adivasi students were given school uniforms generously donated by Father Barnabe D’souza.

Twice a week khichdi is distributed after tuition class by our staff for all the students who come for evening studies. Another generous benefactor, Sheryl Xavier distributed clothes to the villagers of Vaksai.

Makar Sankranti, a festival associated with kite-flying, was celebrated in the villages. After explaining the significance of the festival to the children, we conducted the activity of preparing kites.

The 02 villages of Vaksai and Mundhavare can expect some amenities with regard to lighting in the near future. 03 street lights are assured to these villages through help of Chirag Foundation, an NGO, thanks to Unita Doulton who has been a great support of our work in the villages.

45 families in Vaksai will get solar lights and 30 families in Mundhavare village will receive solar panels for lights in their homes. 10 Katkari families residing near Baje caves will receive solar lights and 02 street lights. The panchayat will decide the precise spots in the villages for fixing the street light poles.

A further development took place on 20 January, as a medical camp was organized in Mudhavare village to give the first dose of the COVID vaccine and second dose for those who had received earlier.

Thanks to all our benefactors, and our social outreach staff.