Fundraising for the Cottolengo
Donation protected
In developing countries such as India, where basic resources are often scarce, people with special needs are put into a position of extreme disadvantage. Firstly, poor health literacy in communities in rural, regional and low-SES ("slum") areas fosters an environment of social exclusion and ostracism. This encompasses everything from community events to school attendance and medical care. Secondly, where health and education infrastructure and management are underdeveloped in the wider community, the physical, cognitive and emotional wellbeing of people with disabilities often worsens across their life-course.
Despite the lack of attention this area of healthcare receives, this is not a small scale issue. Assisting people with disabilities and their families in developing countries is an imperative component of alleviating poverty and disease. The World Health Organization estimated that worldwide, 1 in 6 people will experience disability at some stage in their lives. Without appropriate resources and care, disability can significantly affect already struggling individuals and their communities. Think of India, where the population exceeds one billion people; the task at hand is gargantuan.
The Cottolengo Special School aims to provide Southern Indian children, adults and the elderly with special needs the resources to achieve their best in life. Through providing educational and vocational opportunities for their students, as well as funding their healthcare needs, Cottolengo's vision of respect for all with disabilities can become a reality.
For the 75 pupils at Cottolengo, maintaining a supportive school environment is imperative. Many are from extremely poor families, some even homeless, and they rely on the school not only for their learning but also for their food, medical care, transport, family counselling and often housing.
The Sisters of the Cottolengo that run the school do an amazing job. "Amazing" actually does not do their services justice, but this is a situation where words fail. They are patient, kind, loving and most importantly, really believe in their students and genuinely care for their happiness and wellbeing. It is beyond moving to witness their work.
Unfortunately and not surprisingly, the school struggles from lack of funding. Though local businesses are beginning to support the vocational work of the students, urgent medical and housing situations for some students, as well as basic educational resources are financially burdening Cottolengo. It would be devastating for the whole community if this school was unable to continue its important work with its students and their families.
We would like to invite you to make an impact on a deserving community. Helping these wonderful people can be as easy as forgoing a latte & muffin today. Just $10 can provide either rice for lunches, a couple of bricks for a family home, antibiotics for basic infections, materials for vocational work or school books. $20 can do twice that, or provide clothing for the students. For those that cannot donate money, I can also provide you with an address/contact details to ship items you would like to send. Please also feel free to share this link on social media to help spread the word.
Thank you from the volunteers, the Sisters of the Cottolengo, and of course most importantly, the students.
Peace and love x
Despite the lack of attention this area of healthcare receives, this is not a small scale issue. Assisting people with disabilities and their families in developing countries is an imperative component of alleviating poverty and disease. The World Health Organization estimated that worldwide, 1 in 6 people will experience disability at some stage in their lives. Without appropriate resources and care, disability can significantly affect already struggling individuals and their communities. Think of India, where the population exceeds one billion people; the task at hand is gargantuan.
The Cottolengo Special School aims to provide Southern Indian children, adults and the elderly with special needs the resources to achieve their best in life. Through providing educational and vocational opportunities for their students, as well as funding their healthcare needs, Cottolengo's vision of respect for all with disabilities can become a reality.
For the 75 pupils at Cottolengo, maintaining a supportive school environment is imperative. Many are from extremely poor families, some even homeless, and they rely on the school not only for their learning but also for their food, medical care, transport, family counselling and often housing.
The Sisters of the Cottolengo that run the school do an amazing job. "Amazing" actually does not do their services justice, but this is a situation where words fail. They are patient, kind, loving and most importantly, really believe in their students and genuinely care for their happiness and wellbeing. It is beyond moving to witness their work.
Unfortunately and not surprisingly, the school struggles from lack of funding. Though local businesses are beginning to support the vocational work of the students, urgent medical and housing situations for some students, as well as basic educational resources are financially burdening Cottolengo. It would be devastating for the whole community if this school was unable to continue its important work with its students and their families.
We would like to invite you to make an impact on a deserving community. Helping these wonderful people can be as easy as forgoing a latte & muffin today. Just $10 can provide either rice for lunches, a couple of bricks for a family home, antibiotics for basic infections, materials for vocational work or school books. $20 can do twice that, or provide clothing for the students. For those that cannot donate money, I can also provide you with an address/contact details to ship items you would like to send. Please also feel free to share this link on social media to help spread the word.
Thank you from the volunteers, the Sisters of the Cottolengo, and of course most importantly, the students.
Peace and love x
Organizer
Mietta Kay
Organizer
Hamilton