Busy bees: Many children wanted more than one diya to decorate. Ramesh Pathania / Mint
It comes as a surprise that this foundation, which is so well known in New Delhi for its work with HIV-positive children, AIDS-afflicted and homosexuals, struggles to get funding. “Most of the funds in India for AIDS-related work are channelled towards prevention of the disease and not towards care or support-related activities. Besides, being in Delhi, we do not have access to funds because this state is not a high HIV prevalence state,” says Mukherjee as we sit in the basement office of the care home, lorded over by a huge black dog, Tiger, a favourite with the children.
Naz Care Home, which was started in 2000, runs on donations from well-wishers and individuals—people like the local rationwala have made a difference. “Ever since he found out about our work, not only does he give us a discount on the bill but sends Rs1,000 every month as donation,” she says.
Girls from the nearby Lady Shri Ram College come in regularly to mentor the children, help them with studies and teach them to speak English— something the home authorities believe is an important life skill that can help the children to become self-reliant as they grow older. The care home holds workshops for the volunteers to explain that the HIV virus is not transmitted through touch or by being around people who carry it, so that they are totally at ease when they work with the children. “Contrary to what people think, these children will grow older and healthy, and need skills to be self-reliant and earn. That’s why we want them to study, learn music and computers and yoga,” says Mukherjee, adding that in the last eight years only one child has died at the home—and that too, because of pneumonia.
The children are enrolled in a nearby school run by another NGO* and Mukherjee proudly informs me that 10 among them are in the toppers’ list. “Once a child is tested positive, family members give up hope. We have a 10-year-old girl, Asha*, who came to us weighing only 10kg. Forget knowing how to read and write, most are severely malnourished. Here we aim to provide them with more than adequate nutrition, medical supervision at all times (they have a doctor on call 24 hours a day and psychologists visit twice a week) and give them a home—a place where they are accepted.”
Of the 35 children, only 12 are aware that they are HIV-positive. “They are 10 years or older and two years ago we sat them down and explained to them what HIV means and what it does to the human immune system. As they grow older, it is better that they learn the facts from us rather than from outside.” The rest are too young, and though they question the need for regular medication, they are told it is to build up their immune system.
* Names withheld at the request of Naz Care Home
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If you want to volunteer
If you have an interest in art, music, yoga or photography, take an hour off your hectic weekly schedule and volunteer with the care home. Participate in the children’s lives by spending time with them in a way which can help them learn a new skill or just have fun with an activity. Ideas for activities are welcome and can be discussed with the programme manager at 011-26910499
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Rs5,000 for this charity can
Buy calcium, multi-vitamin and iron supplements for 35 children for two months
Organize a day’s outing in Delhi, which will include transportation and refreshments for 35 children
Pay a month’s salary for one tutor or a caregiver
Sponsor education for a girl child (including school fees, books, uniforms and shoes)