When we heard about activist and filmmaker Nawneet Ranjan's efforts to establish a fully functioning community center and hub of activity for the Dharavi Girls in Mumbai, we knew we wanted to help in any way we could. The Dharavi Community Center provides opportunities in science, technology and art to almost 200 girls living in the slums.
The girls live in 200 square foot rooms in the narrow alleys of Dharavi, up steep ladders, and without much light for studying. Typically, there are an average of 6 to 11 family members living together so it is impossible for the kids to find the space or privacy to study effectively.
As part of our ‘Summer Love’ projects this year, Jennifer has travelled to Mumbai, India to meet Nawneet Ranjan and the Dharavi Girls. It’s been another eye- and heart- opening opportunity to connect with these beautiful children and see firsthand how resilient the human spirit can be.
This week we provided over 100 books on science, language and history for their library, along with several cameras for their journalism program. We also provided six months worth of various art and writing supplies; a variety of science related tools; handcrafted spinning tops and jump ropes - with thanks to Samara Mendel Price of Asheville, Glendale Woodturners Guild and Carolina Mountain Woodturners; Hobey Ford's Peeper's Puppets; several cameras; and soccer balls donated by Christ School students and Farthest North Girl Scout Council Troop 144 from Fairbanks, Alaska.
We are thrilled to be working with such talented and inspiring kids and look forward to future projects here. And a HUGE thank you to everyone who helped make this happen!