A NEW CHANCE IN LIFE

Raja Moses : Christians are called by Jesus to love the poor and care for children in need. In Matthew 18:5, Jesus tells us, “Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.”

To show Christ’s love in a lasting, meaningful way is the goal of the Interfaith Community Study Center,Bankura, one of the projects run by D.W.F.C.S, Diocese of Durgapur—a trusted Christian humanitarian organization. This project helps to provide children with access to life-changing essentials like nutritious food, healthcare, and educational opportunities — helping them reach their God-given potential.

SK-Rakesh is a young Muslim boy living in a slum village in Bankura, near the Interfaith Community and Study Center (IFCSC). His father was recently put into prison on charges of beating his wife. His mother Rakhi works as a maidservant in someone’s household, while also working to raise Rakesh and his older brother Juman. The family struggles to survive off of his mother’s small income of around Rs. 1,000 per month, or about 22 dollars. Rakesh often has to skip meals throughout the day. This year, his mother attempted to enroll him in the hostel in Durgapur, where he would receive 3 meals per day and attend school full time. His father, however, upon hearing that he had moved into the hostel, beat his wife severely and required that the boy return home, which he did immediately.

Since he began attending the after-school program at the IFCSC six months ago, this 5-year-old’s life has changed tremendously. He now receives a snack every day, and has been officially enrolled at a government school. He studies at the after school center and takes part in dance and tae kwon do lessons. Teachers at the center are aware of his family situation and help to watch over him. While his future is still unclear, his options are much broader thanks to his involvement in the IFC.