Breaking Barriers in the Desert of Pushkar, India
ConnectAID’s Nonprofit Member, The Blue House, is making a remarkable difference in the lives of disadvantaged families living in the harsh desert of Pushkar, Rajasthan, India. Through its holistic approach, encompassing education, employment, and fulfilling basic life needs, The Blue House is breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty and offering hope for a better future.
Education lies at the heart of The Blue House Project, recognizing its transformative power in shaping a child’s life and future. With a strong belief in inclusivity, the project takes two important steps to ensure education reaches even the most impoverished children. Firstly, they send 70 children from disadvantaged families to the local APS school, providing them with the opportunity to learn and grow in a formal education setting. Secondly, The Blue House offers after-school tuition, creating a supportive environment that nurtures the students’ academic development.
However, the challenges faced by the families of these school children extend far beyond the classroom. Many of them live in absolute poverty, lacking proper shelter, income, and sufficient food. Recognizing these pressing needs, The Blue House Project extends its support to cover the fundamental necessities of life. Monthly food supplies, housing assistance, gas stoves, healthcare, clothing, and water tanks are provided to these families, easing their burdens and allowing them to focus on their children’s education. These crucial expenses are funded through generous donations from supporters.
One of the most impactful initiatives of The Blue House is their employment program, which empowers parents and helps them become self-sufficient. The majority of the parents in the program come from lower castes and work as musicians and cleaners, often being forced to send their children begging. By providing employment opportunities, The Blue House offers an alternative path, enabling parents to support their families with dignity. The organization sells the hand-stitched products made by these parents through their website and various European shops, ensuring that 100% of the profit goes directly to the women who crafted them.
The heartwarming actions of ConnectAID’s Youth Voice, 9 years old Nakshatra Prem, further exemplify the spirit of solidarity and compassion. Nakshatra Prem, author of the book “For Our Planet: A book on SDGs through stories,” reached out to ConnectAID to contribute to its Member’s noble cause, as part of STARKID kindness movement. Recognizing the dire conditions faced by the community living in the desert, Nakshatra Prem donated 50 waterproof tents to provide much-needed shelter. Moreover, her support which will directly come from the sells of her book extends to the education of several children within the community and empowering women through the provision of sewing machines, aligning with The Blue House’s ongoing women empowerment project.
The impact of The Blue House Project cannot be overstated. Through their collective efforts, they have succeeded in sending 70 children from low-caste families, living in tents in the desert of Pushkar, to school. These children, who previously lacked access to education, are now given the chance to learn, grow, and break free from the shackles of poverty. The generosity of sponsors like Nakshatra Prem, who fund school fees, books, and uniforms, plays a vital role in expanding the reach of this educational opportunity.
Every person who chooses to sponsor a child’s education through The Blue House Project is directly contributing to the transformation of a life. Each sponsorship ensures that another child can access the education they deserve, bringing us one step closer to a more equitable society. Through their tireless efforts, ConnectAID’s Nonprofit Member, The Blue House, is fostering a brighter future for the gypsy community living in the desert, one filled with hope, education, and empowerment.
