By Maisey and Lily, Vonisha Volunteers
Both Maisey and I were incredibly fortunate to spend over a month working with the Vonisha Foundation, an organisation whose dedication to uplifting underprivileged children through education is truly remarkable. The school, with its devoted staff and bright-eyed students, stands as a beacon of hope amidst the surrounding poverty. Its mission to provide quality education to children from some of the most underprivileged backgrounds is truly inspiring. It was both a privilege and an eye-opening experience to contribute to their efforts by teaching English.
The foundation goes far beyond just providing education. One of the most impactful aspects of their work is the support they offer to local communities and slums through the provision of essential rations. In areas where extreme poverty is the norm and many families struggle to meet their basic daily needs, the Vonisha Foundation often steps in to provide food, helping ensure that children and their families have the stability required to survive and thrive.
The foundation's mission to provide rations reflects its deep commitment to not just the education of children, but the holistic well-being of the entire community. In these marginalized areas, the simple act of providing food is transformative. For the children, this kind of support is crucial—not only does it alleviate the immediate burden of hunger, but it also allows them to focus on their education. Hungry children struggle to learn, and by addressing this basic need, the Vonisha Foundation gives them the opportunity to grow both academically and personally.
During our community visits, we saw firsthand the impact of these rations. The families in the slums welcomed us into their homes with such warmth, and it was clear how much they valued the foundation's support.
Each morning, without fail, we were greeted with,
“Very good morning, Lily and Maisey mam.”
This phrase meant more than polite formality. Warming our hearts, it signified that we were becoming part of their world. Each day, we felt more accepted and welcomed. This simple greeting marked the beginning of genuine friendships that transcended our differences. The children’s openness and enthusiasm made it easy to connect. These relationships were built on mutual respect and understanding, allowing us to come to the realization that acceptance is key to bridging any gap.
Another striking aspect of our experience was witnessing firsthand the resourcefulness that arose from scarcity. In a setting where basic educational resources were often unavailable, the teachers and students demonstrated tremendous creativity. Improvised teaching materials, such as handmade flashcards and recycled materials, were used to great effect. This resourcefulness not only underscored the resilience of the community but also highlighted the potential for innovation, even in the face of adversity.
Finally, the Vonisha Foundation’s ‘Bridge’ school, known as OBE, is dedicated to providing children who enter education later in life with the same opportunities as their peers. These children, many of whom were forced to work from a young age to support their families, often face significant educational gaps. The Bridge program helps close these gaps, allowing them to catch up academically and socially with others their age.
During our time there, we witnessed the incredible progress of one boy who joined the program. When he started, he was so disadvantaged that he couldn’t even hold a pencil. However, by the end of our month-long stay, we were privileged to see his transformation. Not only had he developed the ability to write in beautiful handwriting, but he could also string together coherent sentences in English, which was his third language.
This is just one of many examples of the life-changing support the Vonisha Foundation provides. The impact they have on these children’s lives is profound, empowering them to overcome obstacles and flourish in ways that may have once seemed impossible.
