Sep 11 2008
Making a difference by helping others
Neelima Pratap has set up a school for underprivileged children in Goa, India.
For years, I have been speaking about building an inclusive, diverse community. How about building an inclusive, diverse world?My quest took me over the Pacific to beautiful Victoria. This past Canada Day, I was watching a documentary on CBC with Peter Mansbridge, in which several Canadians were profiled for their various initiatives around the globe.The program touched the soul of being Canadian, with a proud feeling that Canucks are making their mark in many different countries, creating opportunities where most needed. During the show, the inspirational journey of former Toronto native, Neelima Pratap, was showcasedShe has shown leadership in establishing a modern-day school for underprivileged children in Goa, India. I personally have only been to mother India, once in my lifetime, visiting my grandparents as a young toddler. Canadians have had a long history of doing excellent humanitarian work in India.Neelima, a well-spoken graduate of Queen’s University, born to a South Asian father and an American mother, has always had a passion for travel, and a vision for helping children. She has always felt the cultural pull of India and its people.“It was so comfortable, like coming home,” she recalls.With her beautiful personality and a heart of gold, she has become a great ambassador for Canada through her work in educating disadvantaged children in India.After working for the Ontario Ministry of Education for seven years, she embarked on a solo journey to India, a trip that would change her perspective on life. During her stay, she joined the group El Shaddai in Goa, volunteering at their shelter for street children.Neelima was approached by Francis Dass, a social worker at the shelter, who shared her vision in helping poor women and their children by starting an educational centre in the village of Bertim Rammagar in Goa.She further entertained the idea and did some soul searching,“I wondered, what’s my purpose in life? What are the gifts I can use to help others? How can I make the most difference?”“Francis was handing me this golden opportunity and I knew I’d always regret it if I didn’t take it,” says Neelima.According to a recent World Bank study, India is among the 23 countries that will not achieve primary education for every child by 2015 without special national and global education.After much consideration, she agreed and partnered up with Francis in August 2006, establishing the newly- registered charity, Grace Educational Trust. After renting a small room and putting up the school’s crest, the interest in the village grew quickly. There is now an enrollment waiting list.Currently, the classroom learning opportunities provide for 50 children between the ages of three and 12. They operate in two shifts, with 25 students attending during one session.Students receive basic early childhood education, where they are taught how to read in English and are given guides to personal hygiene.Neelima says “To get to the next level, we need a larger space to teach more children and expand on programs at the school. We would like a resource center with more books, computers and toys for the children. The school has also provided and empowered women teachers, providing many career opportunities.”She just returned to Canada last October, after spending six months in India. She plans to go back to the school soon. If you would like more information or to help in this project, visit www.graceeducationaltrust.com or e-mail Neelima atgraceedutrust@gmail.com.Coming from an inter-racial background, Neelima has demonstrated that love and respect have no cultural boundaries. She has also taught us that we all have a social responsibility to do more for each other.Neelima, you have captured the hearts of many and have made our world a better place.Thank you!
KenHerar@gmail.com
© Copyright 2007 Langley Times
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