Education for Street Children...Footsteps to Freedom.
What is ‘Khushi Feet’?
Khushi Feet is an exciting charity based in Faversham (Registered Charity Number: 1150339). Inspired by a trip to India made by a team from Faversham Baptist Church (in the summer of 2011), Emily Cook set up Khushi Feet which raises money and awareness for schools for children living on the streets of Kolkata."The street children were so happy to have such a basic education and it broke my heart to see them have to return to the streets at the end of each day. My vision is get people working together and change lives in Kolkata! Through a variety of exciting fundraising activities and events, this is what Khushi Feet aims to do." Emily Cook (19)
Tell me about the street schools…
The GNCEM (Good News Children’s Education Mission) schools for street children are run entirely by volunteer teachers. They wake up at 5am every morning to prepare food for the children. Then they drive round the streets of Kolkata in an old yellow bus, picking up any children off the streets who can be spared as beggars for the day. These children are taken to a small, one-roomed school where they are washed, fed, educated and loved. They are also given a simple blue shirt to wear as their school uniform. This basic education really does change these children’s lives as it helps get them off the street and into a proper job when they are older...it gives them their first footsteps to freedom. What these street schools do is incredible; however as is always the way, their resources and facilities are extremely limited and there are still so many children left out on the streets.
So what’s the plan?
Khushi Feet wants to do something about this! It offers people the opportunity to take part in exciting fundraising activities that will help change the lives of many street children in doing so! There are many schools, clubs and groups in the town getting involved so watch out for information and updates to make sure you don't miss out. Keep an eye out for blue footprints and Khushi the Cow (the official Khushi Feet mascot) – she can often be seen out and about in the town!
Fundraising and Events
The first ‘festival’ weekend event was held in Faversham during July 2012, involving schools, pubs, shops and the general public, and raising almost £6000 (half a million Rupees). 'Khushi Does Bollywood' debuted at Faversham Carnival in October 2012. In the Summer of 2013, 'Khushi does Bollywood' will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest Bollywood dance (the event will take place on Saturday 29th June on the Abbey School playing field).
What does ‘Khushi Feet’ mean?
The children at the street school have very few clothes and run around barefoot. At the same time they are some of the happiest children you could ever meet! ‘Khushi’ is the Bengali word for ‘happy’. In having some fun while raising money and showing we care for these street children, we too can feel 'khushi'!
Contact details and keeping up-to-date:
The Khushi Feet website will be kept updated: www.khushifeet.org.uk
‘Like’ Khushi Feet on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KhushiFeet
Follow Khushi Feet on Twitter: @KhushiFeet
You can also email: info@khushifeet.org.uk or telephone: 01795 538 622 for more information.