Our women's collective gets a boost to sew 18,000 school uniforms

Tribal Threads, GPM’s women’s sewing collective, has successfully secured a contract with the District Education Board in the tribal region we serve to produce over 18,000 school uniforms for students attending 170 village schools. This is a remarkable achievement, with the government recognizing the value of supporting a local social enterprise that, in turn, empowers tribal women by providing livelihoods that benefit their families and communities.

It is now up to GPM and the Tribal Threads collective to fulfill the contract. If executed successfully, this could lead to additional uniform orders, bringing the collective closer to becoming a fully sustainable social enterprise.

We are once again deeply grateful to Naomi Eisenberger and the Good People Fund team for their generous support, which enabled the purchase of seven additional sewing machines, including two advanced models. Their contribution also allows us to expand our membership and improve infrastructure, including bathroom facilities, making the workshop a safer and more pleasant space for our team.

Sickle Cell Identification and Management Program (SCIMP) Update

For the past eight months, Gabriel Project Mumbai has been running the Sickle Cell Identification and Management Program (SCIMP) in tribal areas north of Mumbai. This 18-month initiative seeks to identify and manage the prevalence of Sickle Cell Anemia in individuals aged 18-30 and children over 10 years old. In collaboration with government health authorities, GPM medical staff are conducting diagnostic and screening camps, raising awareness about sickle cell anemia, mobilizing communities to participate in health camps, and establishing referral pathways for treatment.

We are proud to report the following milestones:

• 1,938 students from grades 6-12 have participated in Sickle Cell Anemia information sessions.
• 4,029 patient records have been verified.
• 608 students have been tested within the government school system, with 30 positive cases identified (either Sickle Cell Disease or Sickle Cell Trait).

As we move into the next 10 months, we are excited to intensify this project and make a lasting impact on the Mokhada district, aiming to significantly reduce the devastating effects of Sickle Cell Anemia in tribal communities.

The Sickle Cell Anemia project is sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb.

A women's collective gets a boost with a paper-bag making machine

 

A significant milestone was achieved at the Naya Paper Recycling Women's Collective with the arrival of a large piece of equipment that will dramatically enhance the production and sale of paper bags. In Maharashtra, where plastic bags are banned, shops and businesses are actively seeking eco-friendly alternatives. The new semi-automatic machine, purchased second-hand using profits from the collective’s earnings, is expected to boost productivity and create more job opportunities for women. With the capacity to produce over 1,500 bags per hour, orders are already pouring in! We hope to soon share updates on the collective’s expansion. This project is a win-win for both families' livelihoods and the environment, supporting sustainable practices and economic growth.

Wishing You a Season of Renewal, Service, and Giving: October 2024

As I reflect on Rosh Hashana, Gandhi Jayanti, and Daan Utsav—three powerful events that overlap this week—I am struck by how deeply connected they are, despite their different cultural and religious roots. Each of these occasions invites us to pause, look inward, and find ways to give back to the world around us. Their values—renewal, service, and kindness—feel universal. I believe they offer something meaningful to all of us, regardless of where we come from.

Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, has always felt like an opportunity for a fresh start. It’s a time for deep introspection, where we look back on the year behind us and consider how we want to move forward. The focus is on self-renewal, acknowledging where we’ve fallen short, and committing to doing better. For me, one of the most meaningful aspects of this time is the emphasis on kindness, compassion, and responsibility toward others. Giving during this season, whether through charity or acts of kindness, becomes a way to reset our hearts and reconnect with our fellow human beings. The process of giving itself feels like a renewal of the soul, aligning us with the values that matter most.

In India, Gandhi Jayanti honors the birth of Mahatma Gandhi and is one of the country’s three national holidays. Gandhi, a figure whose life embodied selflessness and service, dedicated himself to justice through humility and nonviolence. His philosophy of "Sarvodaya," or the upliftment of all, reminds us that service isn’t just an act; it’s a way of life. When we serve others, especially those who are struggling, we’re not just helping them—we are also transforming ourselves in the process. Gandhi Jayanti, for me, is a reminder of how powerful simple, sincere acts of kindness can be, and how much they can change the world around us. Gandhi’s legacy teaches us that service, in its purest form, is a pathway to personal and societal change.

Also in India, Daan Utsav—the Joy of Giving Week—deeply resonates with me. There’s something profoundly moving about dedicating an entire week to acts of giving, whether through donations, volunteering, or small, thoughtful gestures. What I love about Daan Utsav is the genuine happiness that comes with giving, not because we feel obligated, but because there’s true joy in helping others. In my own life, I’ve found that moments when I’ve given—whether my time, resources, or simply a listening ear—have been some of the most fulfilling. There’s a special kind of contentment that comes from giving selflessly, and it’s this spirit that Daan Utsav captures so beautifully.

When I think about Rosh Hashana, Gandhi Jayanti, and Daan Utsav together, I realize they share a common thread: each event, in its unique way, asks us to step beyond ourselves, to consider how we can serve others, and to find renewal through that process. Whether through tzedakah (charity and service) during Rosh Hashana, honoring Gandhi’s legacy of service to the poor, or participating in Daan Utsav, these moments remind us that service is a powerful way to connect not only with others, but also with ourselves.

As we move through this season, let us embrace the call for introspection, renewal, and service. Let us continually renew ourselves and recommit to the joy of giving.

In the spirit of these powerful events, all of us at Gabriel Project Mumbai wish you a year filled with reflection, renewal, and meaningful service to others. Through these actions, we hope to find deeper connection and purpose, in ways that truly matter.

Ongoing Children Immunization Camps at Shravan Health Center

The medical staff at the Shravan Health Center deeply understand the critical importance of immunizing babies and infants. They’ve witnessed firsthand the tragic outcomes when children miss routine vaccinations for diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, and measles. Fortunately, Gabriel Project Mumbai's Shravan Health Center has long partnered with the Thane Municipal Corporation and other government health offices, serving as a key site for infants to receive immunizations under India’s Universal Immunization Program (UIP).

S&P Global Leadership volunteer teachers for our students

We were thrilled to have S&P Global Leadership volunteers join us to teach creative and engaging classes at our Joshua Greeneberger Learning Center in Kalwa. Over 21 leaders from S&P Global, both from India and across the globe, brought excitement and inspiration to four of our classrooms. They led innovative science experiments and shared riddles and jokes that had our students laughing and learning with joy. A heartfelt thank you to S&P Global for helping us provide lessons that spark curiosity and motivate our students to continue their educational journey.

Community Engagement: Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening

 

In collaboration with NAB India Centre for Blind Women, Sansarino Development Foundation and Humble Smile Foundation, we successfully conducted a 10-day Breast Cancer Awareness Camp at the Shravan Health Center. During the camp, over 112 women were screened by the dedicated five-member nursing team. Two cases were detected, and our center will continue to assist these patients with further treatment. One attendee shared her gratitude, saying that she "and other women in the neighborhood are thankful to GPM for providing services that meet the essential needs of the community."

A Heartwarming Journey: Adopted 50 years ago, Sharmilla returned to the villages where she was born

Fifty years ago, a six-year-old girl named Sharmilla living an orphanage in rural Maharashtra, India, was adopted by a loving American a loving couple. They took her to New York, where she was provided with a wonderful life -- far removed from her birthplace. Today, half a century later, she decided to return to her roots, to connect with the place where she was born, and to generously give
back to the community she comes from.

For decades, Sharmilla Klestzick, a dedicated Special Learning Consultant (SLC) teacher at SAR

Academy in New York, felt a calling to reconnect with her origins. Reaching out to Gabriel Project Mumbai (GPM), she expressed her dream of returning to her homeland to volunteer in any capacity she could. Her expertise in personalized learning and innovative instruction excited the education team at GPM, and they welcomed her with open arms.

With her husband David and their four children supporting her journey, Sharmilla embarked on a two-week mission that would leave a lasting impression on many, as well as on herself. Her destination was the tribal enclave of Mokhada, a four-hour drive from Mumbai. There she taught practical and conversational English to students in their final year of schooling as well as giving special English classes to grade school children in the villages.

Through games, songs, and engaging exercises, Sharmilla brought English lessons to life for the students. Her creative teaching methods captivated the young minds, and made the learning a joyful experience. The students eagerly participated, soaking up every minute of their time with her.

In her free time, Sharmilla immersed herself in the local culture. She was warmly invited into villagers' homes, where they all shared stories over glasses of chai and indulged in Indian sweets. These moments of connection were deeply impactful for Sharmilla.

"It’s a very emotional and meaningful visit for me," she said. "It is wonderful to meet the people and experience the culture from where I was born."

Sharmilla's commitment to giving back extended beyond the classroom. She also volunteered at a health camp for malnourished children, working closely with GPM's medical support staff. Her dedication and compassion left a profound impression on the community.

Kenneth Dsouza, Director of GPM India, was also moved. "I find it so wonderful to see a ‘Daughter of India’ returning to her birthplace with such a strong desire to volunteer and give back to her people," he said.

Sharmilla's journey is a testament to the enduring bonds of heritage and the power of giving back. Her story is an inspiration, reminding us that it is never to late to reconnect with one's roots. And that we all have the power to make a positive difference in the world.

Meet Pradip, the 'Dancing Teacher' at Gabriel Project Mumbai

Pradip Kadu is not your typical science teacher. The 25-year-old with a Bachelor of Science in Physics,
spends much of his time with his students dancing.

Yes, dancing.

Take a look at the lively video to see Pradip the beloved “Dancing Teacher” in action at the GPM classes in the tribal villages of Mokhada.

Pradip is from a small village called Morchondi and he understands the challenges faced by children living in underserved tribal villages to attain an education. After his university studies he returned to his village determined to give children in his community a chance to learn about science in a fun and engaging way.

 “I love to teach students their subjects,” Pradip says, “I love to teach them through sports, songs, dance and stories…classes in science and math should also promote life skills… I have observed that children remember lessons faster through singing, and after learning by doing, children become happy.”

As far as educators go, Pradip is a treasure. "We encourage the passion of our teachers to teach in innovative ways to best educate the children in our community,” says Education Officer Rohit Jadhav: “Pradip's pedagogic approach is an example of this."

GPM is fortunate to have Pradip on staff. As GPM Founding Director Jacob Sztokman says "It is simply enchanting to see the kids so excited to learn from Pradip. It is not just singing and dancing. It is also fun and excitement to learn that brings children to love coming to class and explore the world around them. This love of learning that will hold the students in good steads for their lives ahead."