A GLIMPSE INTO TRIBAL LIFE
13th May 2015 – Helena Kartinen Visits Nambarwadi
On 13th May 2015, we had the pleasure of welcoming Helena Kartinen from the Hupihana Foundation, Finland, along with Ashley Pereira from Janhvi Charitable Trust (JCT) and the Lakshya Foundation team, to Nambarwadi village. Helena’s Foundation had generously funded the construction of the toilets in Nambarwadi Aanganwadi through JCT, and this was her first visit to see the impact on the ground.
First Impressions
Helena was visibly taken by surprise at the stark realities of tribal life. Coming from an urban background in Finland, she experienced first-hand the contrast between city life and the simplicity, challenges, and resilience of the tribal community.
Warm Welcome at Aanganwadi
Her first stop was the Aanganwadi, Nambarwadi, where the children and staff greeted her warmly. The Aanganwadi, recently painted and equipped with separate toilets for boys and girls, came alive with the energy and excitement of the kids.
- Children sang songs and played games.
- Helena shared snacks with them, sitting among the kids and joining in their joy.
- The moment the children used the new toilets in front of her, it brought smiles and relief to everyone present, highlighting the impact of a simple yet fundamental necessity.
A Walk Through the Village
Shirish Patil (Chief Trustee) and the Lakshya Foundation team guided Helena through the village and the daily life of its residents. She met villagers, observed their routines, and gained a deeper understanding of the environment in which the children grow and learn.
Helena clicked photographs with village ladies and children, capturing both the human warmth and the tangible outcomes of her Foundation’s support.
A Day of Realization and Gratitude
By the end of the day, Helena felt a deep sense of pride and satisfaction that her Foundation’s contribution had truly made a difference. She thanked Lakshya Foundation for ensuring that the aid reached the children effectively, turning resources into real impact.
It was a day that reaffirmed a simple truth for all of us at Lakshya Foundation: the combination of generosity, on-ground effort, and consistent follow-through can transform lives, one small step at a time.
