19 Apr Rickshaw pullers’ children/INDIA
During this pandemic season the life of the rickshaw pullers is pathetic in Odisha. They have no savings and they live on what they earn daily by pulling rickshaws. During this season no one used their rickshaws for travelling. They have no money to meet their daily needs of food and clothing. Some of them returned to their native places and some are in search of other jobs while yet others are waiting with hope that this too will pass, trusting in God’s providence. Since they are not using their rickshaws for a long period the rickshaws need servicing. They are the poorest of the poor and the marginalized. We need to walk with them a long way to help to make them independent.
While visiting the families of a few staff, I felt the need to reach out to them and also the need to help children with their studies. They began tuition for the children in August and now they have eight students.
Along with their studies, other activities done with the children are: tree planting in August, care for the environment in September, cleanliness of the surroundings in October, drawing competition in November and the topic “The effect of Covid – 19 on our life and the world at large” and a nature walk in Fitness park in December . They are providing food for them after class.
Sr. Alma Minj, aci
