Kolkata Missions

     
Hello there! I'm Reanna, a current PhD candidate at the University of Oxford, with recent academic degrees from both the University of Cambridge and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC. During a pivotal summer in my high school sophomore year, I engaged in altruistic endeavors at Mother Teresa's Children's Home (Shishu Bhavan) in Kolkata, India. In this capacity, I provided essential care to the children, contributing through feeding, bedding changes, and interactive play. Notably, I was privileged to craft a sizable Winnie the Pooh-themed mural adorning a substantial 50-foot wall within their playground. This experience evoked profound connections, igniting my affinity for these young individuals.

The engagement presented an amalgam of enlightenment and emotional resonance. My interactions encompassed a diverse age spectrum, spanning from infants to six-year-olds. Their backgrounds ranged from those grappling with disabilities or debilitating health conditions, often exacerbated by impoverished circumstances hindering adequate medical attention, and a significant segment comprised orphans (refer to images and progress page).

The devoted nuns (referred to as "sisters") and caregivers (known as Ayahs) exemplify unwavering dedication, prioritizing the welfare of the children. Their undertakings are multifaceted, encompassing immediate medical exigencies, nutritional sustenance, and suitable attire. This conscientious effort bears the weight of considerable responsibility, occasionally manifesting as an arduous and overwhelming pursuit.

The children's daily activities are punctuated by periods of play interspersed with nourishment and rest. However, their playthings are antiquated and worn, while the playground infrastructure languishes in a state of disrepair. Such conditions rendered the area perilous and unsuitable for youthful recreation, often relegating play to a concrete courtyard alongside stationary vehicles. Witnessing this poignant disparity kindled a pivotal aspiration—the Playground Project—marking the genesis of my resolve to enact tangible change in the lives of these youngsters. The current playground's structural integrity is compromised, accentuated by corroded play apparatus and strewn masonry. An imminent hazard looms, necessitating expeditious intervention (observe images and progress page).

The inherent perturbation impelled me to take immediate action to ameliorate the playground's state. Consciously reaching out to the home's head sister, I sought guidance for both short-term and enduring contributions. Drawing from my artistic inclination, I extended the offer to craft an illustrative piece for the children. Sister Joan, the administrative leader, envisioned a more profound contribution—a mural gracing the expansive 50-foot wall of the playground. Eagerly embracing this creative challenge, I embarked on the endeavor (refer to images and progress page).

Yet, my aspirations transcended the mural. It dawned on me that a more comprehensive undertaking was indispensable. Sister Joan shared the institution's ethos of relying on prayer rather than explicit appeals for support, trusting in divine providence. Consequently, she refrained from soliciting financial aid for playground renovation. However, she encouraged me to pursue this endeavor as a personal initiative, wholeheartedly pledging her support. With a heartening affirmation— "Do you know how long I have prayed for that mural you painted?"—I gleaned the validation needed to propel my playground renovation project forward, and I invite all of you to unite with me in its realization.

I have presented my philanthropic vision to various high school clubs and rallied friends and family to contribute to the playground's transformation. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, emboldening my efforts. Guided by the benevolence of the Sen family in Kolkata, I have established collaborative partnerships with proficient contractors and landscapers, primed to initiate the necessary work. The scope includes revitalizing the landscape through grass cultivation, refurbishing play equipment, and elevating the aesthetic of the playground. Adhering to Mother Teresa's principles, wastefulness is eschewed, and where feasible, existing equipment is rehabilitated.

I am pleased to divulge that nearly 90% of the requisite funds have been secured, and the project is in motion. Landscaping experts have meticulously seeded grass, with diligent watering set to yield flourishing results by early June (observe images and progress page). Concurrently, contractors are poised to commence equipment renovation and re-painting. An expedition to India is slated for the early days of August, facilitating on-site supervision of the playground's culmination—a secure and aesthetically pleasing domain for the children's enjoyment across generations. Should surplus funds remain, their judicious allocation will cater to the children's pressing requirements, in consonance with Sister Joan's counsel. Notably, last summer, in response to the sweltering Kolkata climate, I addressed an urgent need for shorts, a testament to my commitment to ongoing support.

In summary, my journey from a volunteer at Mother Teresa's Children's Home to the orchestrator of the Playground Project is underscored by a steadfast commitment to the well-being and prosperity of these children. I extend an earnest invitation for your participation in this endeavor, converging our collective resources for a tangible transformation that aligns with the institution's noble ethos and underscores the ideals of compassionate service.

 

Edit: The work on the playground has been completed as of 2016! I went back to India in the summer of 2016 and presented the brand new, safe playground to the children at Mother Teresa's Orphanage (see pics and progress page). This was such a moving experience for me and I can't wait to partner with another charity in Kolkata and continue making a difference in the lives of those in need.

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     My long term goal is to extend my charitable services to other places in Kolkata who take care of poor and disadvantaged children. With almost 5 million people in Kolkata, many of those living in poverty, there is a big need for charitable donations for all organizations trying to help the sick and needy children. Hence I am calling my charity "Kolkata Missions" so I am not limiting myself to just one cause.

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Edit: I have recently partnered with the Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy in Kolkata, India (2017-2019). Info and photos found here.

   

     If you want to contribute towards my short or long-term goal please send your donations to: 

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Reanna Brooks

Kolkata Missions

10339 Woodview Circle

Charlotte, NC 28277

USA

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My Promise: 

Each and every penny raised will be used to better the lives of disadvantaged children in Kolkata, India. I will update this website every time I have a new photo to show the latest progress.

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Because I do not currently live in India, it is hard to show progress on a regular basis because I have to depend on someone else to take the pictures and send them to me. I ask for your patience during this process.

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My heartfelt Thanks:

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To all my fellow UNICEF and NCJCL members and to my generous, kind and wonderful friends and family, including my dentist, my family physician, my neighbors, teachers and friends who are joining forces with me on this project, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I cannot do this without you.

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Special thanks to my neighbor, Mr Sharath Reddy for his advice on building this website.

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Post Script

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I am a student trying to take care of some urgent needs pertaining to the safety of very young children at Mother Teresa's children's home and I don't have the luxury to go through the lengthy process of becoming a non-profit at the moment. I have plans to reach out to my church to see if I can partner with them so the donations will be tax deductible. I will update this website if and when that happens.