A heart for giving

Non-profit organisation channels children's energy

Bright hues of yellow and pink on the shelves of the shopping hub at the Oberoi Hotel in Mumbai caught the attention of Neeta Naidoo, a board member of Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs.

"I was amazed to learn that those beautiful items were made by street and slum children, under the auspices of an organisation called Akanksha," she says.

Akanksha is an non-profit organisation based in Mumbai which works towards educating slum and street children so as to channel their creative energy in a direction that would help support them in ways other than begging, stealing or rag–picking.

Formed in 1990 by Shaheen Mistri Kumar, the organisation has expanded over the past nine years from 15 children in 1991 to almost 1,000 children at present. After a minimum of one year, Akankasha works with the parents to integrate the student into the formal schooling system.

About 85 per cent of Akanksha students of school-going age are now enrolled in the school system.

Barely a trip later Neeta found herself in the office of the Akanksha foundation. Impressed, moved and convinced about their mission, she bought her first consignment of Akanksha products to help boost their sales a couple of years ago.

Neeta decided to try and help not one but two charities using the same products. So she began to sell the products in Dubai and use the proceeds for Al Noor. Neeta has been actively involved in fundraising for Al Noor and several events are held throughout the year for this.

"Fundraising is one of the most critical areas of any organisation that runs on funds raised from individuals/companies. It determines the quality of education and care provided year after year. Today Al Noor is in its 20th year of existence," says Neeta.

Most of the Akanksha products are displayed for sale at these events and other social functions.

It helps create awareness about the products made by the children at Al Noor and Akanksha and raises some money for them. The products vary from gift wrap paper, decorative bags, cards and other items. They are on sale throughout the year at Al Noor charity shop.

Neeta has been associated directly and indirectly with charity/social work for over 15 years. "Children with special needs are special in every way and you are motivated by being around them."

Neeta's philosophy behind her work and sense of commitment is the belief that anyone who really sees themselves and their children as healthy, happy and financially secure should reach out and give something back to the system.

"My husband and I believe in this strongly and this is how I like to spend some part of my day everyday," says Neeta.

They are inspired by a quote of former British Prime Minister: "A man never stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child".

Organisations that exist to help children and people less fortunate than us are in need of constant support.

People can help any organisation in any of the following ways:
* Sponsor a child
* Sponsor a teacher
* Donate goods or materials required
* Buy products made by the children
* Sponsor an event/project
* Work as a volunteer.

People who wish to buy Akanksha or Al Noor products will find them available at Al Noor charity shop.

People who wish to buy these items in bulk as personal or corporate orders or sponsor a bulk purchase could get in touch with the charity shop.