Our new crowd of eight children arrived in June! They were all scheduled to arrive at the time of the earthquake, so they were delayed in their arrival at Ama Ghar. Now that they’re here, the other children and staff are doing everything they can to make them feel loved and welcome.
Menuka, who is training to be a teacher, has spent all of her extra time with these new little ones. Also Rama, Samjana and Sabita are lending extra helping hands, and our newest staff member, Pratima, has done a wonderful job of giving these young ones the attention and care they need from the moment they walked in the house. All of the aunties and uncles are performing the miracle of taking a stressed and frightened child and making them feel that this is their home – it’s always a real team effort.
Ram, age 12
Ram showing us a big smile.
Ram has been with us for a month. Ama Ghar is the third home that he has been placed in since he has been on his own. He is suffering from trauma and getting regular therapy from a psychologist. In the meantime, he is having difficulty feeling comfortable in his new school, so Uma works with him at home. He will need time, but in the meantime we show him as much love as possible.
Laxman, age 9
Laxman is ready for school.
Laxman, who is Ram’s younger brother, has started to show that he is getting settled in and engaging more with the other children. He seems to like school and is doing well in Class One. He likes the game of caroms but hasn’t been very active outdoors, although he does try to toss the basketball up in the air. Because of the monsoon, the children engage in more indoor activities, which he will like.
Anjana, age 8
Anjana (L) with her new sister Bina, ready for school.
Anjana spent only two days at Ama Ghar before she began asking to go to school – she was ready right away, while others take more time to adjust. Anjana is quiet and doesn’t smile, as she lost her bottom front permanent teeth in an accident of some kind. She needs time to develop trust, but she is tentatively getting to know her new brothers and sisters. She likes to wear dresses.
Nirjala, age 6
Nirjala just arrived last week, and she hasn’t get go of the stuffed puppy she received on the first day. She is very, very thin and has a lot of infections on her skin. She has been seen by our wonderful Dr. Neelam and she will heal quickly. She is very timid but is starting to explore.
Alisha, age 5
Alisha just arrived but is already sleeping well. She got a pink stuffed bear when she arrived, but it hasn’t held her interest. Her continued request is for “chewing gum” and “cheese balls”, both taboo items at Ama Ghar, poor little thing. She is quite talkative and likes to be with Bhesh.
Nirjala (L) and Alisha enjoy snuggling with Uma.
Ramit, age 5
Another recent arrival, Ramit seems to be happy to get his uniform on and march off to school with the others. It did take him a few days to smile but he has been a busy boy with Lego and crayons. He seems to like vegetables which sets him apart from others!
Badi Ram, age 3
Badi Ram is a happy, smiling, very active little boy. He has become used to the older girls taking turns holding him, and he is quite the kisser – just show him your cheek and you get a kiss. He has started nursery school, and it will be a challenge for his teachers to manage his energy.
Jeevan, age 5
Jeevan is an active boy and loves the attention he gets from his new older sisters. On the surface he seems to be adjusting well. He still has trouble at night with bedwetting and being afraid of the dark. He is anxious to get ready for school and is a good eater.
(L to R) Ramit, Badiram and Jeevan share smiles on the way to school.