Another area where Kiwis For Himalayas have impact is with what is called the free Health Camps.  Life Expectancy in this area is just under the average for India which is 68.8. However, the rate of aging is quicker than in New Zealand and the last years can be very unpleasant. Problems that can be routinely fixed in New Zealand are left to linger. Here are some pictures from the Health Camp held in a tea plantation near Bagdogra. 120 people attended. All the medicines and staff wages are paid for the generous donations of KFH supporters.

The attached document give a great summary of the work in India during the year ended 31st March 2019

Anisha, now 12 years old, was born in a small village of Toribari in Naya Busty. Her father died when she was only 3 months. Her mother is weak and cannot do manual work so the family are supported by her 14 year old brother. He is happy for his sister to study so that their economic situation can change. With the help of Children Have Hope this happens. Anisha attends Gandhi Memorial High School. She travels one hour there and back every day.

The ongoing tension prevailing in the hills started on the 8^th of June when the Chief Minister of West Bengal declared Bengali a compulsory subject for the Nepali students. This has flared up fire for the protest of Gorkhaland. The hills has been on a continuous strike for almost 18 days , no vehicles on the roads, all schools closed.  This has made it very difficult for the Children Have Hope Team to venture out  to the villages in the hills, although they have been able to visit the villages on the plains.

ABHISEKAbhisek was born in a small village in upper Bagdogra. His father is working as a temporary labourer in a tea garden and earns little for the livelihood of the family. There are four members in the family and hence it becomes very difficult for Abhishek’s father to support all of them.  He has been able to feed them, but he cannot provide them education. Sometimes it was difficult for them to have good food as it is a temporary work and sometimes there are no works in the gardens. Abhisek had not been going to school but spent his time playing in the roads of his village.

Seeing the need of the family and the children not going to school the C.H.H. team has extended their help to Abhisek to go to School. He at present is studying in Class five in High School. The C.H.H team has been able to help him by doing the admissions, paying his tuition fees and providing stationery, uniform and other basic needs.

Hephzebah Clinic continues to work within the local and tribal areas.

There have been cases of viral fever due to sudden weather changes and extreme heat. This free medical clinic is a much needed service as many of the poor are unable to afford treatment otherwise.

A van visits the outlying areas and health camps are conducted on a monthly basis. These camps are free and are available to people of all cultural, ethnic and religious groups.

Last month, Chandra Sewa was honoured with a prestigious award at a ceremony in New Delhi.  This Award is given annually to distinguished persons/institutions for promoting national integration and understanding and fellowship amongst religious groups, communities, ethnic groups, cultures, languages and traditions of India and the strengthening, through thought and action of the nation’s sense of solidarity. The Awardee is selected by an Advisory Committee of eminent persons representing art, science, culture, education, literature, religion social work journalism, law and public life.