Hornbeam House News

TRUSTEES VISIT 2011

In February 2011 two trustees Lynne McCutcheon (LM) and Charles Barton (CB) visited Hornbeam House and the children in our project in Kalimpong. 
 

We talked about the current political situation whilst we were there and it continues to be very unsettled and strike action takes place without much warning and is rigorously enforced.  The real political hotspots are in the north of West Bengal -  Kalimpong and Darjeeling !When we visited there was a 4 day truce in place and road blocks had been lifted so we were able to move about freely.  Our first stop was to Betty and Arjun and Hornbeam House where we were greeted by all the children who looked fit and healthy.  LM was there in 2010 and CB in 2008 so he saw a real difference in their growth and development.  Two photos are attached so that you can see for yourself. 

          
 Bishal the eldest boy, seen above left, has some learning difficulties and so last year he left school and started a trainee mechanics course.  He is enjoying it and is good at it so his confidence is improving now.  The youngest boy, Dawa, started school last year and after some reluctance is now in the routine and learning fast.  The other children all speak very good English but have need of extra tuition to keep up their grades.  NFN are going to fund that extra tuition for the coming twelve months. Jude, (centre above) had hepititis last year but is recovered now and they have all had the usual coughs and colds during the winter.  The oldest girl, Angela Rai is taking extra lessons to help her through her final exams which are to take place in late March.  She is a very talented artist and hopes to continue her studies using her drawing skills.  The older girls are all helping Betty around the house and are learning to cook and wash clothes etc.

As mentioned the current political situation continues to be very unsettled which is of concern to us. As a result NFN will indefinitely postpone any plans for expansion in the region but continue to support Hornbeam House and the ten children there.  We spent some time with individual children chatting and helping them practise their English.  They all seem truly contented.  When we left them we felt very happy with the care given them by Betty and Arjun and were touched as always by the childrens’ courage and their obvious love of their adopted ‘Mum and Dad’.

Since opening it’s doors in December 2007 Hornbeam house has continued to provide a caring, loving home environment for 10 children. The children, a mixture of boys and girls, all with their own sad stories and previous traumas continue to thrive under the care of their house parents, Betty and Arjun.  As you can see from their comments below they now view  Hornbeam House as their home and Betty and Arjun as their mum and Dad. They are very aware of how their lives have changed and now feel loved, cared for, with a family and a future.

“I feel that Hornbeam House is a heaven where I went and from where I made my future bright. I never forget that Hornbeam house is a precious gift in my life. When my parents died I felt really alone because I don’t have any family. I pray to god to help me and he gave me new family, Hornbeam family and I am happy that I now have mummy, dad and brothers and sisters. I am not alone now because Hornbeam family is always with me.”
Angela
Hornbeam house

“I don’t have any brothers and sisters. When I came to Hornbeam house I have got many brothers and sisters………………When my parents died I think I never got parents again but God gives me Betty mum and Arjun dad. Betty mum and Arjun dad is just like my own mother and father.”
Alisha
Hornbeam house

"When my parents died I am crying. After coming to Hornbeam house I am getting the warm love and care.  ………… I never forget this Hornbeam house."
Gopal
Hornbeam house