International SEVA

“I like to sleep when I’m hungry. Time passes by quickly.” was the answer given when a volunteer from International SEVA arrived in the lobby to deliver bags of groceries. The recipient of this fresh food was nowhere to be found.

After a phone call to his fourth-floor apartment and 20 minutes of waiting, the volunteer heard clicking sounds coming from down the hall. Looking towards the elevator, she saw the resident slowly making his way to retrieve his groceries, and it was evident that he was blind. As he made his way to the dining room, it also became apparent that he was ungroomed and frail. The volunteer offered to carry the groceries to his apartment.

The man, who is half blind and could not recall the last meal he had eaten, opened his bare cabinets in excitement. Then he opened the refrigerator, revealing nothing but a single can of soda. While his pantry was empty his heart was full of gratitude, as evidenced by the beaming smile of appreciation on his face. "Thank you for the food" could be heard in a child's voice.

Word of the nutritious food that was delivered quickly spread around the community, and the hot lunches and dinners served by International SEVA started to attract more and more residents – many of whom are room-bound and experiencing financial hardship, poor health, and/or depression. This story is just one of the many ways we seek to uplift our fellow community members in need, one SEVA at a time.

For 2 years, due to Covid-19, developmentally disabled children from 5-17 years residing in rural, disadvantaged areas in Gujarat State, India were confined at home. The school has started in April 2022 but due to extreme heat, lack of their child’s attention span and motivation, and some children with health issues, their parents currently are dialing into the Special School program only one hour a day.

Internet connections exist now in few villages, but parents lack key educational lessons and supplies to build the motor skills, and basic alphabet, colors, animals recognition skills. A parent accompanies their child at school who needs one on one attention. Our goal is to provide 2-3 tablets for each school based on the number of primary teachers. The tablets will be shared with the autistic, down syndrome, cerebral paly children, assistant teachers, parents in attendance, and volunteer tutors. Parents not trained as educators nor therapists lack the confidence to teach therefore these tablets would be a valuable tool.

OUR GOAL:

• Raise $5,000 to provide 3-4 tablets per Special School.

• Provide easy to read, minimum 10.2 size educational tablets with sturdy cover for better hand/eye coordination.

• The technological sounds, music, interactive programs would benefit each child including ones with limited ability, anxiety or have health issues.

• Tablets will help decrease parents challenges to keep their child engaged and follow daily routine.

Please donate or partner with International SEVA to enhance education for every child, increase alertness/motivation, improve safety and well-being that overall would decrease family stress/anxiety and bring much joy and happiness in each household. Consider a small gift of $25+ because these special children who thrive on routines and repetitive instructions are falling behind in their basic learning activities, are feeling isolated from not seeing their classroom buddies, lack physical therapies and are struggling to cooperate. Your kindness and generous contribution will no doubt bring many Smiles and Happiness.

*** THANK YOU for joining us to uplift and educate the autistic, down syndrome, CP children and reduce stress/anxiety for their caretaker/family.

*** Team International SEVA Wishes You and Your Family Best of Health.