Shanta sat in her home, listening to the children singing and learning English in the small tin shed next door. Her son, Vicky, was among the first students to attend the Emmanuel Children’s Centre, a project by Hosanna Ministries.
Shanta donated some of her family land for the centre’s construction. She had never attended school, and so as she listened to the children learning, she wondered what it might be like if she were to learn to read and write.
Vicky and his two sisters enjoyed attending the activities. Vicky was interested in drawing and even earned first prize for his art! “I got school supplies—bags and stationery plus one meal a day,” Vicky said.
Shanta could not provide these things for her children. The family always struggled to earn an income. Her husband, Harish, was fighting poor health and Tuberculosis, addictions, and eventually unemployment.
With the Emmanuel Children’s Centre so close to her home, one day, Hosanna Ministries gave Shanta the opportunity to enrol in one of their adult classes. Hosanna Ministries also provides vocational training for adults in tailoring and computers, and basic literacy courses.
Shanta had always wanted to learn to sew. With time, she completed a tailoring course and literacy training, which has helped close the gap in the education she missed as a child.
Shanta can now recognise the English alphabet and numbers. They are no longer confusing. “I needed to learn to understand them for sewing,” she said. Shanta stood in her doorway with a big smile and showed us a skirt that she made.
Unfortunately, Shanta’s son, Vicky, did not complete his schooling. However, the support he received from the Emmanuel Children’s Centre helped him make good life decisions.
For the past six years, Vicky has tried several jobs, like packing jeans in a factory and housekeeping. He has recently started a business recycling and selling donated clothing. Vicky earns a small monthly income, but his mother says, “It is not enough,” especially since her husband isn’t working.
With the help of our partners, Hosanna Ministries, Shanta is now using her new literacy and tailoring skills to earn a small income and contribute to household expenses.
Hosanna Ministries is committed to providing ongoing opportunities for vulnerable children and adults to receive education in one of the poorest communities in metropolitan Mumbai. The Emmanuel Children’s Centre continues to provide education and care for children in Shanta’s community.
When you give the Great Gift of Adult Literacy you are supporting our partners in India to support people like Shanta and Vicky.