In February we visited the villages and the projects that are supported by grants from Kerala Partnership (K.P.); it has been through the generosity of supporters here in UK that individuals and families living ‘below the poverty line’ have received hope and help since the charity started in 1999. Our Lady and St Kenelm’s Parishioners have been wonderful ‘partners’ with the villages during this period; thank you and we hope you will be able to make some contribution during this period of Lent to the two projects our volunteers want to start which are:
- ‘Day House’ in the Districts of Neyyattinkara and Kattakada.
- One new ‘pension scheme’ for 10 elderly people who are ‘below the poverty line’
Elderly and old people in the rural areas where K.P. support projects can struggle to find sufficient, nutritious food each day and face difficulties with the cost of medicines if these are required. K.P. works with volunteer groups and provides help with food (rice packets), purchase of some medicines, and giving small ‘pensions’ on a monthly basis to over 100 individuals. Many of these individuals live alone and there are so many more that do not receive assistance due to a lack of funds. We will continue to develop the means to increase the number who may receive these types of contributions. One new way is to start one or two simple ‘Pakal Veedu’ (translated as ‘day house’) that will give individuals to chance to meet with others; receive a morning snack (tiffin) plus a cooked meal at lunch-time, and another afternoon snack; and engage in some activities. Photo left: this lady lives in the Neyyattinkara District and has one leg. She lives alone and has no regular source of income.