Impact

During my pregnancy with Sriya, my younger daughter, Calcutta Kids was my only hope and support — more than any family member. I learned many things from them about proper child care, nutritional foods, and the value of vitamins and minerals in child health. Through [Calcutta Kids], I got my child’s monthly growth. I also got companionship from other mothers through community meetings. I feel a lot of comfort from talking to them.

I have learned through Calcutta Kids’ community meetings the importance of...family planning. I have one son and one daughter, and I followed [the Calcutta Kids] recommendation: “Chhota pariwar sukhi pariwar” (a small family is a happy family). I also followed their ideas and bought a sewing machine and earned pocket money to help my family. I am really thankful to Calcutta Kids.

I was pregnant at 15 years old, and at that time I was very inexperienced, confused, and helpless. But after I registered with Calcutta Kids, I felt like I had didis (sisters). Their guidance and support were my only hope. When I am struggling to move forward in my life, the Calcutta Kids didis’ counseling always reminds me “hamesha koshish korte rahna” (nothing is impossible, always try). Now I have overcome many situations.

When I was a [Calcutta Kids] beneficiary, I had no idea about proper child care... After participating in the Calcutta Kids initiative, I focused on breastfeeding and I saw [my daughter’s] growth. Now as a health worker, I am proud of myself, I have a lot of information, I am counseling others, guiding others on medicines and their doses and the importance of vaccines. I am happy to do that. I am valued in my family, I am helping to financially support my family. I believe that through the Calcutta Kids initiatives...my daughter’s intelligence level increased. She is shining in class and I would like to see her become a doctor.