Hello!

I am Tarika and I work with GiveIndia. Today I want to tell you the story of Chodipalli Nooka Raju, a 10 year old boy who was one of the recipients of a donation made on the GiveIndia site.

Raju was born into a traditional marine fishing village in Pedda Kovvada village in Poosapati Rega Mandal in Vizianagaram district. He is the youngest of four children - three girls (all of whom are married) and a boy. Raju's father, Pydithallli, being an alcoholic, has never been in a postion to provide the family with a constant source of income. Yet, they managed to make ends meet. But that was till Raju's mother, Ramanamma, was still alive.

Immediately after Ramanamma's death, Pydithallli pledged his son to a farmer for a loan that he had taken long ago. And even went to the extent of harassing and pressurizing the farmer for a further loan on the boy, so that he could fund his drinking habit.

Before the situation could get any worse, the villagers alerted the Association for Rural Development and Action Research (ARDAR), an NGO working in rural Andra Pradhesh, of Raju's case. ARDAR, along with the other villagers, had a tough time convincing Pydithallli that he was in no position to care for his son, but managed to do so finally.

ARDAR has three residential homes - one for child labourers and orphans, another for trafficked girl children, and one for challenged children. Raju was placed in the residential home for child labourers and orphans. While the initial months were difficult, he has now adjusted and is getting better at school as the days pass.

While Raju's father left the village one day, without informing anyone, his son, thanks to ARDAR and thanks to a donor's support, leads a better life today.

The donor who made this possible wrote to us saying:
"It’s honestly my pleasure to be seen as a donor. You won’t believe how happy I am to know that such a small amount has contributed to a needy. I am really feeling happy that such a small contribution from my side has brought a difference in somebody’s life, that too a small child. I would continue to be of help to people who are in need."

While Raju's life has changed, there are many Raju's out there, waiting for the day their lives will turn around. You too can help change an underprivileged person's life. Visit http://www.giveindia.org/t-donation.aspx to find a cause close to your heart. If you'd like to help rehabilitate another child, please visit:
http://www.giveindia.org/t-child-labour.aspx

Regards,
Tarika