Warm greetings and seasonal wishes from the AWARE Foundation team!
Rajan and Hina – two of AWARE’s long-term supporters, went to see some of our projects at the beginning of December last year, whilst visiting India with friends. Rajan has sent us this update following their visit…
Since 2019, The AWARE Foundation Charity Golf Day has been a highlight of our calendar, bringing us closer to an incredible cause. This year, we were thrilled to continue our longstanding support and finally visit Surat—a trip that has left a lasting impression on us.
Inspiring Work in Surat
Our visit to Surat was nothing short of inspiring. The dedication and impact of the AWARE Foundation were evident in every corner of the centers we visited. We were deeply moved by the incredible work being done under the leadership of Nilimaben, the local coordinator. From the hostel facilities to the drop-in centers, the care and attention provided to the children and families are remarkable.
One highlight of our visit was witnessing firsthand the safe haven provided by the Seasonal Hostels. These hostels not only offer shelter, but also ensure children have access to quality food, indoor and outdoor play equipment, and other age-appropriate resources. It’s a holistic environment designed to support and nurture their development.
A Testimonial of Change
The impact of the AWARE Foundation goes beyond the physical spaces it supports. Recently, four of our friends and supporters from the UK visited the Surat project. Together, we interacted with children, toured the centers, and even visited some of their homes. Seeing the joy and hope in the children’s eyes was a humbling experience. It reinforced the importance of the work being done to provide opportunities that would otherwise remain out of reach.
Observations by Pragna & Dhiru - Our Friends Who Joined Us on the Visit
Our visits to the AWARE offices and drop-in drop in centres on December 1st and 2nd, 2024, were truly eye-opening. We engaged in meaningful discussions with the children about their aspirations, and it was heartwarming to see their dreams of education and careers take shape. However, we also learned about the challenges their parents face in affording education—a stark reminder of the need for continued support.
We discussed potential career paths, apprenticeships, and the benefits of gaining work experience in local industries. These conversations sparked ideas about how we could further support the children in 2025 and beyond, perhaps by facilitating more structured career guidance and work placement opportunities.
The children were eager to learn, and the parents expressed a strong desire to see their children well-educated and serving as role models for their families. Many children shared their ambitious aspirations of becoming doctors, engineers, or IT professionals, while some girls showed a keen interest in pursuing careers in fashion design.
However, the challenges these families face are significant. Some parents struggle to afford school fees, relying on bursaries for financial support, while others cannot even afford basic stationery. For some families, sending their children to schools farther away requires the children to live in hostels.
One story that stood out was that of a single mother who managed to arrange childcare for her toddler so she could attend college and work toward her dream of becoming a teacher. Similarly, many students expressed their ambition to join the police force, although the rigorous examinations and competition for such positions make it a challenging path.
The sheer population of India and the demand for quality education create an extremely competitive environment. This has led to a growing reliance on extra tuition, which unfortunately, many parents cannot afford.
During our visit, we also discussed potential career paths and apprenticeships. One suggestion was to explore opportunities for students to gain work experience in local industries, shops, and factories in Surat. This could be particularly valuable for those who may not pursue higher education but can still build meaningful careers through skill development and hands-on training.
Looking to the Future
We left Surat inspired and full of ideas for future involvement. Sharing feedback about the visit and discussing plans for 2025 is something we are looking forward to. The energy and enthusiasm of everyone we met—children, parents, and staff—have motivated us to think about how we can do even more to support the foundation’s efforts.
Gratitude and Farewell
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Rajan Bhai and Hina ben for their warm hospitality and for giving us the opportunity to participate in these meaningful meetings. Your leadership and commitment to this cause are truly inspiring.
It is truly wonderful to get such feedback and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Ragan, Hina and friends for taking the time to not only visit our projects, but for identifying how they can help, suggesting ideas and dedicating their ongoing support to make that change.
Thank you so much from us all at AWARE
