Art Contest

In January 2010 at One! International's Gala in Edmonton, the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation of World Peace in Edmonton sponsored an art contest for the students of the two schools in Mumbai.

The students were asked to paint a picture of what peace meant for them. The attendees at the Gala voted on their favourite painting.

During the May family program in Mumbai, the winners of the contest were presented with their medals and prizes.

The Gold Medal went to Khushboo of Nallasopara School.
The Silver Medal went to Sunil of Khar School,and the Bronze went to Ashok also of Khar.

We were very proud of the work done, and many of the paintings were purchased by people at the Gala.

The Mahatma Gandhi Foundation has also agreed to sponsor further art work by giving a grant to One! for art supplies. We are very grateful for their support.

The May Program in Mumbai and Nallasopara is a time for the students to get their report cards, special recognitions, family gift bags, and usually the students do various performances for family and friends. A special meal is provided for everyone. The children and their families look forward to the evening. The evening is the beginning of summer break.

Well - this is going to be a new adventure. I have always liked to write, and certainly do not have any difficulty in sharing my opinions, and I share Tania's passion for One! International; however, will I be able to keep up the pace of writing to you on an ongoing basis.

We will just have to wait and see.

Week of May 17.

This is the last week of the school term in Khar and Nallasopara. The schools will be closed for two weeks for summer break. Apparently, everyone is looking forward to this; not only for the usual reasons of wanting a break, going to see families in the villages, preparing for the next school term, etcetera; the weather in Mumbai has been hotter than normal - breaking records. Yesterday when I talked to Tania it was over 40 degrees, and close to 50 degrees if one includes the humidity index. I personally would not be moving if I were there. The heat and I do not get along very well. Even those who are used to this kind of heat are complaining.

Here in Alberta, Canada, it is hot - yesterday was 32 degrees - but certainly livable heat.

On Monday night, Wendy Davis, Taya Wall, Harper Wall and myself made a presentation to the Livia Stoyke Foundation http://www.livia.ca . They are very supportive of women and children, the arts, and the environment. Even if we are not successful in accessing any money for our projects, we have made friends. The Board members were very attentive to the information we presented.

Although we included several possible projects,the one we centered on was the Prenatal/Health Program. We would like to be more specific and consistent in the assistance we give our families. The current services are given by any of our staff; we would like to have one person responsible for Health services at the two schools.