Hi Everyone - It has been quite a while since my last post! Over the past 6 months so much has changed, both in my life and around the globe, with the ongoing health pandemic and the racial pandemic particularly in the U.S. I hope everyone is staying safe and speaking up. Here at Giftkids, we have continued our work.
My vision for Project Haiti in 2019 was to support the graduating 8th grade class in their educational trip to the Haitian museum in Port Au Prince. However, given the sudden turn of events early this year there was no way to make the trip happen. After speaking to Kelly Kobza (the Director of the school), I realized that the school could benefit more from securing food supplies for the children. I decided to divert the funds to provide beans and rice for the students and their families which was distributed by the teachers. I am hopeful that as things slowly return to normal, the children will have the opportunity to take the educational trip in 2021. I also hope that within the next 4 years of college I am able to visit Haiti in person!
In February (right before the start of the pandemic) we were luckily able to deliver 40 blankets to the children of Balaku, our project in South India. We have been in touch with Merill, Director of the orphanage, who is waiting for the right time to distribute the blankets to the children, as they cannot be in close contact right now. In the meantime they are doing great work packaging essential items for affected families, and educating the community on the importance of hygiene. For the upcoming year, we will monitor the situation to see what will be most needed for the children and I will be sure to update you!
In the future, I want to build a stronger local presence, to be closer to the impact I am making. I just graduated high school, and in the Fall will (hopefully) be moving down to Southern California to attend Scripps College! I am very excited for this next chapter in my life, and I want to take advantage of the college opportunities to further grow Giftkids. Lastly, Thank You for continuing to support my work with Giftkids since 2017! It has been a wonderful 4 years and I could not have done it without you.
I would be grateful for your continued support - no amount is too small! Please donate at top right Donate button on the homepage: giftkids.net
HAPPY SUMMER!
Love,
Riya
