Jul 19, 2024
My trip to India: A report
A moving visit to a girls' school for the blind and an orphanage - by Rajdeep Singh Hargotra
My mother was always my greatest role model. With a heart of gold and an unwavering desire to do good, she dedicated her life to helping those in need. She founded numerous NGOs for children in India, took many orphans into her care, and worked tirelessly to ensure their well-being. Her lifelong commitment to helping others has had a profound impact on me. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to her during the pandemic. But in her memory and to continue her legacy, I continue her work.
With this in mind, I recently visited a girls' school for the blind and an orphanage in the Raipur district of India. This visit was part of a significant initiative by innoscripta AG dedicated to supporting those in need. It was a great honor to represent our company at this important event.
On July 16, I started my journey from Munich to Nagpur, India, at 10 a.m. It was a long journey, and I finally reached Nagpur on July 17 at 2:05 a.m. Despite the late hour, I was warmly welcomed at the airport by my older sister and her husband. The drive to our parents' house brought back many memories of the time before I moved to Germany. As I entered my old room, which still looked exactly as I had left it, I felt a deep connection to the past.
The next morning, I had a pleasant surprise: my sister from Punjab had also traveled there especially. It was a special moment because I have four sisters who live in different parts of India. I had invited them all so that we could celebrate our mother's birthday together and remember her. After my morning yoga and meditation session, I decided to get my old car out of the garage. The car, which had sat unused for years, was covered in a thick layer of dust. After a few starting difficulties, I had to call the auto service. Meanwhile, my long-time masseur, who had always helped me stay in top shape and recover in time for competitions during my time as a professional jump rope athlete, came by to give me a massage.
At 2 p.m. on July 17, my sisters and I were ready to leave for Raipur—a distance of approximately 300 kilometers. Thanks to the new highway between the cities, the 4.5-hour drive was pleasant and comfortable. In Raipur, at 6:30 p.m., we were warmly welcomed by our other two sisters and our father in front of our parents' house with traditional drumming and music. It was the first time in years that the five of us siblings had been reunited after our mother's death. The house was filled with memories and pictures of our mother, making the reunion very emotional for all of us. My father, beaming with joy, prepared a delicious dinner with the help of his cooks and caregivers. After a short run to clear my mind, we enjoyed the meal together, sharing stories and laughing late into the night.
The donation from innoscripta AG will hopefully have a profound impact on the lives of these girls and will be used in the following areas: • Medical care: The girls will have access to necessary medical treatment and care. • Education: The donation will contribute to their education and provide them with resources and opportunities for personal development. • Living expenses: The funds will support their daily living expenses and improve their quality of life. • Awareness campaigns: A portion of the donation will be used to organize awareness campaigns in rural areas to help parents better understand and support their children with disabilities. During my visit, Ms. Kavita Sarthi, the President of the Nari Shakti Mahila Vikas Samiti, expressed her deep gratitude for innoscripta's support. She emphasized how crucial this donation is for the future of these children.
The next morning, I got up early to start the day with a round of jump rope. Afterwards, I visited the school, where the children I had previously coached surprised me with a small ceremony. It was truly touching to see how much effort they had put in. The school administration had also organized a ceremony and asked me to motivate the students with a speech. After four hours of training and celebration, I returned home to enjoy another invigorating sports massage. After breakfast with my family, I prepared for the highlight of the day.
My sisters had prepared meals for this special day and distributed them throughout the city. At 2 p.m., my father and I visited the girls' school for the blind, to which innoscripta made a generous donation. It was a moving moment as we continued my mother's legacy, and my father's joy and pride were palpable. We spent unforgettable hours with the girls, listening to their stories and offering them comfort and hope. Each of their stories was unique and touching, and we managed to bring a smile to their faces through games. Later, we ate and sang together. It was a day full of emotions that I will remember forever. I am deeply grateful for this experience.
Reflecting on my visit, I was once again reminded of the impact my mother's tireless dedication to others had on my life. Her legacy lives on in the work we do at innoscripta. This experience was not only deeply emotional but also deeply inspiring, reaffirming my resolve to positively impact the lives of others.
During my visit, I took several photos to capture the children's joy and gratitude. Each photo tells a story of resilience and hope, a testament to the positive change we are making together. I invite everyone to join us on this journey. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word—every bit of support counts. Together, we can continue to bring light and hope where it's needed most.
Together, We Make a Difference
Nov 29, 2024
Support for Children in Lebanon
The humanitarian situation in Lebanon remains devastating, especially for children. Since October 2023, the conflict in the Israeli-Lebanese border region has forced many of them to leave their homes and live in insecure, overcrowded shelters. The winter is worsening the situation, and diseases like cholera and scabies are threatening the most vulnerable.Children Pay the Highest PriceFor more than 450,000 children, the conflict means not only displacement but also the loss of safety and security. Many are traumatized, have lost family members, or must live in destroyed homes. With our donation of 15,000 EUR, we aim to provide urgently needed support to these children and their families.Working Together for a Better FutureOur support includes cash assistance to help families purchase essential goods, as well as relief packages containing blankets, mattresses, pillows, and food to meet immediate needs. Additionally, clean water and hygiene products are provided to prevent the spread of diseases.Together for a Better FutureWe support Save the Children in ensuring that every child has the right to a safe and healthy life. However, the challenges remain immense. Every further escalation will worsen the suffering of children. That is why we call for the ceasefire to be upheld to give children a chance for a better future.Join Us in Making a DifferenceWe invite you to learn more about the inspiring work of Save the Children and take action. All information is available directly on the Save the Children website!Together, we can make a difference!
Dec 09, 2024
Hope and Future: Building a School in the Maasai Region
Moita BwawaniIn a remote area of Tanzania, where access to education is a rare privilege, a significant dream is becoming a reality: the construction of a school for children in the Maasai region of Moita Bwawani. This initiative, organized by the Kipepeo-Wajanja Project, aims to provide not only access to knowledge but also hope for the future. Founded by a psychologist from Germany, the Kipepeo-Wajanja Project strives to offer these children a brighter perspective. Education here is not just a personal opportunity but also a foundation for societal participation and political influence—critical for the future of the Maasai communities.Why Education in Moita Bwawani is Life-ChangingMoita Bwawani is a remote area far from modern infrastructure. Children grow up in an environment marked by poverty and isolation. Education here goes beyond learning to read and write—it provides children with intellectual growth, a safe space, regular meals, and access to clean water. Additionally, the project creates local jobs, including teachers, cooks, and other staff, actively involving the community in its development.For girls especially, access to education means an escape from early marriage and poverty. Education fosters self-confidence and enables young women to advocate for their rights. The Kipepeo-Wajanja school is more than just a building; it symbolizes equality and progress.The Birth of the Kipepeo-Wajanja ProjectThe driving force behind this project is Lena (31), a dedicated psychologist from Attaching, Germany. Her dream of helping children in Africa began during her childhood. After a life-changing year in Tanzania in 2019, she decided to turn her vision into reality. Together with local partners and supporters from Germany, she started the school construction in the Maasai region of Moita Bwawani in 2022.This project is a shining example of how personal commitment, collaboration, and vision can bring about profound change. Lena worked closely with Step-Africa and the local community to ensure the project is both sustainable and culturally appropriate.Progress on the School ConstructionThe school opened its doors in March 2023. The achievements so far are remarkable: two classrooms, a kitchen, sanitary facilities, and a secure schoolyard provide children with a space to learn and grow. But this is just the beginning. To ensure every child in the region has access to education, the project plans to expand the school into a fully operational primary school by 2024, adding two more classrooms. Other goals include installing solar panels and planting fruit trees to ensure long-term sustainability.The Role of SupportersThis project’s success wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of donors and partners. We, too, have contributed €25,000 to this initiative, helping to realize the initial construction phases and equip the school with essential resources.In addition, many individuals and organizations contribute through donations and sponsorships, each playing a vital role in changing the lives of these children. Every contribution—big or small—has a direct and measurable impact.Challenges and VisionsNaturally, challenges exist. Building and operating a school in a remote region like Moita Bwawani requires careful planning and ongoing financial support. There are also logistical hurdles, such as transporting building materials and training teachers.Yet, these obstacles pale in comparison to the vision Lena and her team pursue: a community where every child has access to education. The long-term hope is that these children will not only shape their own futures but also actively contribute to the development of their communities.Stronger Together!The Kipepeo-Wajanja Project vividly demonstrates the power of collective effort. You, too, can be part of this inspiring initiative - wheter with a donation or a sponsorship!Visit the Kipepeo-Wajanja website to learn more about the project and discover ways to contribute.Conclusion: Education Brings HopeThe school in Moita Bwawani is far more than a place for learning. It stands as a symbol of hope, equality, and the power of community. Thanks to Lena’s dedication, the support of organizations like Innoscripta, and countless individual donors, the dream of education for the children of the Maasai region is becoming a reality.Together, we can achieve so much more—not only transforming lives but also building a brighter future.
