India_Hemes Ambat 2024

India_Hemes Ambat 2024

The children we support come from the slums of Bangalore, India—an unplanned, overcrowded area where daily life is fraught with challenges. Water is available only twice a week, electricity is inconsistent, and open sewers not only create severe health hazards but occasionally attract snakes. Poor sanitation further exacerbates the risk of infections and diseases, making this environment difficult for the children and their families.

Amid these dire conditions, Building Blocks launched an educational program six days a week, providing breakfast and lunch. This initiative came as a lifeline. Initially, parents sent their 3 to 5.5-year-old children hoping they would at least have access to a clean environment, nutritious meals, and safe drinking water. Two stable meals a day brought immense relief to the parents, and watching their children regain health and happiness replaced their shame with gratitude and hope.  Addressing hunger was the first step in our early childhood education program. No child can learn on an empty stomach. Tackling hunger and malnutrition was our priority, and since January 2024, the Global Children Foundation (GCF) has played a crucial role in alleviating this pain and restoring their dignity.  Now, our children arrive at school with full stomachs, eager to learn, filled with energy, and excitedly sharing their daily experiences—from meals to learning—with their families.