India
Mirik, Northern India
Our project area is in the hills and valleys surrounding the town of Mirik, in the Darjeeling District of West Bengal. The people are of Nepali descent and were brought to the area by the British more than 2oo years ago, to work in the tea plantations that dot these foothills of the mighty Himalayas. They are kind, generous people who for centuries they have lived in extreme poverty. Today the people of the hills and valleys still battle the elements in homes of tin, bamboo or wood and most are without electricity or running water. Medical care is almost non-existant. If they are fortunate to obtain a job at a tea plantation, they make less than $1/day. Not enough given today’s soaring food prices and the cost of a child’s education.
Going to school is the best, long-term solution to solving the issue of poverty. It is these parents’ dream to give their children an education, to be able to rise above the situation they are living in.
If you think you could help, please email one of our sponsorship coordinators, or contact our head office.
Thank you! Dhanyabad!
Sponsorship Coordinators
Mandy Bridson – mandy [Email address: mandy #AT# elephantthoughts.com - replace #AT# with @ ]
Tara Bailey – tara [Email address: tara #AT# elephantthoughts.com - replace #AT# with @ ]
