Dear Friends,
You are part of an international family As an organization that supports young people in nearly every corner of the world, I want to share with you stories about the personal impact of your generosity and partnership from the Western Coastal Plains of India to the North Shore of Staten Island
In this newsletter, you will hear about our program in Gujarat, India directly from our Program Director, Fr. Thomas Mathew. You will also have the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and tremendous growth of our stude Staten Island, who recently graduated from our Youth Workshop.
As our portfolio of programs grows, our impact cannot contained in just four pages. I encourage you to read m Note from the President, an email where I share up-to (or, at the very least, up-to-the-month) news from our around the world. Most recently, A Chance In Life's Vi President of Programs Elser Llanos met with the stude and educators of our 4 partners in Bolivia. The feedba received from our partners was invaluable, and I was d share it with you in my May note
Likewise, I invite you to visit our blog (https://achanceinlife org/blog/) and follow us on soci where our Communications Team is offering a mix of p updates, donor shout-outs, volunteer opportunities an there is something you would like to see more of, don't hesitate to reach out to us directly and let us know
I hope you have the opportunity to visit our programs and see the impact of your work firsthand: in New York City, Italy, Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, Palestine, Ethiopia, Uganda, or India. But until then, I hope you enjoy the stories of your impact in this newsletter and across our communications.
Trust me when I say, we could not do this work without you. Insieme, tutto è possibile. Together, everything is possible.
Empowering Boarding Children at Sachidananda Gurukul Vidyalaya Sihor – Gujarat: Nurturing Values, Skills and Awareness
by Fr Thomas Mathew Director, Navjeevan Trust, Rajkot – Gujarat: IndiaThe impactful work being carried out at Sachidananda Gurukul Vidyalaya has been made possible through the generous financial support from ACIL This timely monetary assistance has enabled the team to provide the children with nutritious food, a high-quality education and holistic development opportunities. Additionally, the continuous guidance and direction provided by Elser Llanos and his team have played a crucial role in ensuring the success and positive outcomes of the program
The dedication and efforts invested by the team at Sachidananda Gurukul Vidyalaya have transformed the lives of boarding children from marginalized communities, equipping them with values, skills, and a heightened sense of awareness for a brighter future
ACIL at the United Nations
Sachidananda Gurukul Vidyalaya in Sihor, Gujarat, has been instrumental in shaping the lives of children from poor and marginalized families. By focusing on imparting values and life skills, the institution has fostered a strong sense of identity, belief in the future, self-regulation, and social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioural competence among the boarding children Moreover, through continuous seminars, workshops, and engaging activities supported by ACIL, the children have gained knowledge, vision, and an increased awareness of important societal aspects.
The dedicated team at Sachidananda Gurukul Vidyalaya has prioritized the formation of children by instilling essential values and life skills Through carefully curated programs, the children have not only developed a sense of identity and belief in the future but have also learned the importance of selfregulation and self-efficacy. Moreover, they have been sensitized to gender equality, environmental conservation, and the acceptance of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds By instilling these values and skills, the children are prepared to navigate the complexities of the world with empathy, understanding, and respect
The efforts put forth by the team have not only empowered the children but have also made them aware of their rights and responsibilities Through a comprehensive approach, the children have gained a deeper understanding of their roles in society, the importance of inclusivity, and the need to protect their environment This increased awareness has empowered them to actively participate in their communities and advocate for positive change. The children have become ambassadors of social justice, spreading awareness and fostering a sense of harmony and equality wherever they go
This April members of the A Chance In Life team participated in the United Nations' Civil Society Townhall with the President of the General Assembly regarding the status of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our team had the opportunity to speak with H.E. Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations Ambassador Fergal Mythen about opportunities to promote communication and collaboration between the UN, governments and Civil Society groups.
A Chance In Life earned the accreditation of Consultative Status
with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2021. This recognition enables A Chance In Life to directly support the SDGs and lend our organization's seven decades of expertise.
