Dr. Barbara dropped in on the well attended students meeting held this Sunday in the clinic reception area – every space is being used these days! It was wonderful to see Puja back teaching English and giving the students so much priceless encouragement to make the very best of their opportunities.

Dr. Shreya returned to work with Nishtha last month. It is lovely to see how well she has slotted back in, working with patients, leading the outreach health education and visiting the special needs patients in the villages. Her special interest in mental health is of very great value and complements the physiotherapy work Dimple has done.

The first of 5 follow up workshops for teenage girls sponsored by SMILE-de was held on a last Sunday in torrential rain. 19 girls who have now had not only the initial health education session but also a 3 day Wenlido training were enthusiastic participants. They were all very confident and responsive and reported that they are happily using the cloth pads we gave them and following Vijay’s advice regarding the internet. Dr. Shreya who re-joined our team this month, was impressed at how well they remembered what they had learned from the doctors in the first session and focused this time on the importance of eating healthy food. They also discussed the vital topic of taking care of your mental health by sharing rather than repressing.

As the monsoon continues, 8-10 children come every day to learn to use the computer and also to join Ankush in his repertoire of interesting indoor games. Here they are playing Truth or Dare, quoits, hula hoop and they even built an obstacle course around the community centre hall.

Ankush’s week:
I used to come to Nishtha when I was at school to learn how to use the computer. Now, I am happy to be helping these children to open their minds to a better future. This week I was alone in the Community Centre because the others were attending a training. I really enjoyed organising interesting activities and it was fun getting to know each other better and thinking up new games each day.

On the farm everything is green and lush, the oranges and lemons are forming nicely, our turmeric is thriving and we have lots of lady fingers and bitter gourd to pluck. Unfortunately the six year old bamboo shelter over the compost fell down in the heavy rain so our team are busy repairing it and protecting the precious worms in the compost from getting too wet.

Sadly last week a cloudburst above Khanyara village and blocked drains caused a torrent of water to flow through the village. Many shops and homes were damaged and poor families lost even their kitchen equipment and bedding. Nishtha is providing aid but also encouraging everyone to respect waterways and keep drains clear of debris in an effort to avoid such disasters.

During the monsoon our environment team are busy keeping our local drains clear so they run smoothly during the heaviest of downpours. They regularly clean the water filters around the village to ensure everyone has access to clean drinking water and stays healthy.

Farid thrilled our children, students and staff by sharing with us his delight in making people laugh and bringing out the very best in them through clowning. We were all enlivened by wearing the smallest of masks – a red nose and learning the power of a smile, a funny walk, or expression to lift the mood and bring about joy. Thank you so much Farid!

After a break when the schools were closed because of the very heavy monsoon rains, we were happy to resume our school nutrition program this week. These picture tell the story of how Arvid went to the wholesale vegetable market early on Monday morning. The team sort and divide the fruit and vegetables for each school and then deliver a crate to each school while the students are busy studying.