The children of tomorrow

As many of you know, I turned 30 on the 13th of November, 2022. Many of you may have also realised I did not answer any calls or pick up any birthday messages; this was because I decided to go to India for 36 hours; yes, India for 36 hours!

I wanted to make a change this birthday, no fancy restaurants, no big parties; I decided to spend it with the orphans and underprivileged children of Shishu Vihar, Bhavnagar, India. Shishu Vihar welcomes in the most vulnerable of children, regardless of religion or caste giving them food, shelter, education and skills to give them a chance to pursue a career.

The sun began to set as I walked through the large double gates of the orphanage; the principal welcomed me and walked me toward the smiling children who waved flags, danced and drummed on what looked like a marching band set. The principal led the tour of the premises showing me through classrooms, play areas, kitchen and canteens before escorting me to my seat in the large open aired playground. As the dust settled, the children began to sing happy birthday, leading to a cake-cutting ceremony before showcasing their skills in dance, music and outdoorsmanship.

I was truly moved by how happy these children were given the strugles they face on a daily basis, some have no parents and others have been born into extreme poverty but non the less the even of a guest from London made them all the more eager for them to tell me about the games they played with a single tennis ball or how they were progressing in their academic studies.

The children share an incredible bond with eachother as their classmates are sometimes the closest thing they have to family. I hosted a dinner for entire orphange which you could easily spend on a meal for 2 in a very average London restaurant. It just goes to show you how far even the smallest donation can get you.

I understand it is Christmas, and the pandemic has not been an easy time but seeing how much of a difference a few pounds can make to these children who have nothing is humbling.

I would also like to thank many tailors on Savile Row who will be donating scrap fabric to aid in the training of seamstresses allowing them to learn skills of garment making and allowing them a chance at a career.