In this  news of Nava Jeevana, we wish to share with you the two approaches we have recourse to , towards Rehabilitation , the CBR and the IBR.

News of the Community Based Rehabilitation

These last few weeks were marked by the 100 International Women’s Day Celebration in the villages and also at the Centre.  A chance was given to the women to relax and have fun among them with games and competitions.  Prizes were distributed to the winners at the plenary celebration which brought together about 400 rural women.  It was a networking  between Nave Jeevana and the Bellary Diocese Developmental Society. This same was attended by dignitaries of Bellary and our sisters who encouraged the women to develop their talents and to make their contribution to the families, the village and the society as a whole.  For this unity of minds and hearts is essential.  We have proof of this when they came together to obtain loans with subsidy from the banks for milch animals, petty shops etc.  On the whole the women are very responsible in loan repayment and are looked up to by their husbands and the village folk.   Thanks to the new empowerment, many of the little girls are sent to school and we hope to see the curse of child marriage and child widows disappear as also the unhealthy habit of marriage between close relatives which is the cause of congenital problems  , deformities, visual impairment, mental retardation.  We hope and pray for better future in the days to come. 

At the Nava Jeevana which has the  Institution Based Rehabilitation – 5 of our children (2 girls & 3 boys) who are appearing for the SSLC exams were given a “send off” by the Sisters, the staff and the children.   Some of them  have spent 7 years or more in Nava Jeevana.  At the simple ceremony they lit their lamps from the ‘Kuthuvilaaku’ which stood in a carpet of flowers, shared their experiences, their hopes and dreams and expressed gratitude for all they received in their “Home”.  Going away gifts and souvenirs were given to them.  Their qualities and positive attitudes were thrn shared by the sisters and the staff.  It was indeed very touching to see them with tear stained faces bidding farewell to those who played an important role in their lives in the double motivation  for which Nava Jeevana is known – motivation to education and life and to better mobility.  The visually impaired sensing  the atmosphere  broke into sobs as they knew big brother and big sister w as leaving the “Home”.

At this time of the year Nava Jeevana has a different look, the kids have left for their holidays and few families are here either to accompany their little ones who have had surgery or a parent who needs health care and surgery.  Nava Jeevana remains an “open house” for all feel at home when they drop in for a stay , a meal etc.  Benefactors and well wishers help us in our mission for which we are indeed grateful.