On October 10, 2023, the inauguration of the Indigenous Lepcha Language Class took place in Pudung Village, a significant event aimed at preserving and promoting the Lepcha language and culture. This initiative is a collaborative effort between RLCWS and GFF Helps, reflecting a shared commitment to cultural sustainability within the community. The opening ceremony was attended by the members of RLCWS, GFF Helps India Volunteers Surabhi and Bipasha, Mr. Saom Namchu and community members. Mrs. Jakmit Lepcha has been appointed to teach the Lecpha Language using the “Wangboo Framework” and the Lepcha Language Learning app designed by Mr. Gideon from RLCWS.

Mr. Saom, representing GFF Helps, emphasized the organization’s commitment to promoting and preserving the Lepcha Indigenous language. He called upon all villagers, not just those belonging to the Lepcha community, to engage with this educational opportunity. His message resonated with the theme of inclusivity, underlining that the preservation of language is a communal responsibility that enriches the entire village. To ensure the successful implementation of the language classes, RLCWS has committed to providing all necessary technical support, while GFF Helps will manage logistics, including supplying essential stationary items for students. Both organizations have also pledged to share the financial responsibility for Mrs. Jakmit’s remuneration, ensuring that quality instruction is sustained. This collaborative model highlights the importance of partnership in achieving educational and cultural goals within the community.

On World Elderly Day, which is observed on 1st of October, GFF Helps India celebrated the contributions and well-being of senior citizens by reaching out to elders in the villages of Bong, Chibbo, and Pudung. The event aimed to honor the elderly community and promote their health and happiness. Volunteers from GFF Helps India visited the homes of local elders, offering them Khadaas (traditional scarves) and greeting cards. This gesture not only provided a warm touch but also reinforced the respect and appreciation for the elderly. In addition to the gifts, volunteers Surabhi and Bipasha conducted free blood pressure and blood sugar checkups for the elders. This initiative aimed to promote health awareness and ensure that seniors are monitoring their well-being regularly. The celebration fostered a sense of community and belonging among the elderly, making them feel valued and cared for. The health checkups provided essential insights into their health status, encouraging further medical attention where needed. By combining acts of kindness with health initiatives, the organization contributed positively to the lives of seniors in Bong, Chibbo, and Pudung. DEF Visit to Kalimpong.

Digital empowerment foundation is an NGO that works to bridge the digital divide and empower communities across India. GFF Helps India along with RLCWS aims to collaborate and bring their program to the villages of Kalimpong. On September 26th, the GFF Helps India Volunteers Surabhi Subba and Bipasha, set out for Alipurduar District, joined by the Project Director, Mr Saom and Mr. Zerah from RLCWS. We also met Mr. Atanu, the DEF North Bengal Coordinator, who guided us to the Soochanaprenuer Centres. On the first day we visited Bandapani Tea Estate and Gopalpur tea estate where we met Mrs. Priyanka and Mrs. Oliva. Both of them were successfully running their SP Centres and our team was able to learn a lot about the functioning of these SP Centres. On 27th of September, we travelled to Darjeeling to visit the SP Centre at Dhoteria Balasan Tea Estate where we met Miss Priyanka who is the Soochnapreneur of that place.

The visit to the centres helped us gain a lot of insights on the services that are provided by them such as printing, lamination, computer classes, Aadhar card updates, mobile recharge and payments. All the machines – such as printer, laptop, Wi-Fi, scanner’s etc., are provided at a very minimum fee, and this way the Soochnapreneurs are able to start this business with a minimum capital. We also came to know that the SP Centres also work in collaboration with Post Office, and Banks and come up with very useful programs such as Aadhar Card Correction Camp and have set up CSP (Customer Service Point) as well. GFF Helps have found that this SP Centres not only provide digital literacy and upliftment to the rural areas, but both also help these women learn entrepreneurial skills and earn money through it. Therefore, we aim to bring this Project in the villages of Kalimpong District in order to bring positive upliftment and aid to the villagers.

On September 28, 2023, the Bong SOGG Centre hosted a BP and Sugar Testing Training Program organized by GFF Helps India. There were around 21 participants, all eager to acquire essential health monitoring skills that will significantly benefit their community. The training was led by two facilitators: Mrs. Isha Rani Namchu, the supervisor of Pedong Hospital, and Miss Leechum Lepcha, a former student of the Bong SOGG Centre who is currently pursuing her nursing degree in Bangalore. Their expertise created a productive and engaging atmosphere for learning.

During the program, participants gained valuable insights into the importance of monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels. They practiced measurement techniques and discussed how to interpret the results effectively. This hands-on approach fostered interaction and collaboration among participants, enhancing the overall learning experience. A key benefit of this training is that it addresses a critical healthcare need in the community. Previously, many villagers had to travel long distances for basic health checkups. GFF Helps India is making a significant contribution to the health amongst rural communities, ensuring that vital healthcare services are accessible and within reach for everyone.

On October 21st, representatives from the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) visited the SOGG Learning & Innovation Centres in Bong, Chibbo, and Pudung for a comprehensive field visit to set up the Soochnapreneur Centres. The team included Mr. Nahid, the Project Head for North India, and Mr. Atanu, the Coordinator for the North Bengal region, who were accompanied by members from the GFF team, including Mr. Saom, Surabhi, and Bipasha, as well as Mr. Abel from RLCWS. The visit began at the Chibbo SOGG Centre, followed by stops at the Bong and Pudung Centres, making it a full day of engaging discussions and observations. Area coordinators, teachers, and managing committee members were present at each location, providing valuable insights into the operations and impact of the SOGG Centres.

Mr. Saom played a key role in facilitating communication between DEF and the SOGG teams, helping both parties understand each other’s projects and visions. The area coordinators shared vital information, including the number of households, community groups, and villages in the region, equipping Mr. Nahid with the necessary context to effectively implement the DEF project. Looking ahead, GFF Helps India plans to conduct adult literacy classes as part of future initiatives, further empowering community members and enhancing their skills for the digital age.

Every month, the mobile library is conducted at the Bong, Chibbo, and Pudung SOGG Centres. New books were brought for the children, and a reading session was conducted. The children eagerly gathered, and were excited to dive into new stories. They took turns reading aloud, sharing their favorite passages, and discovering new adventures together. Their enthusiasm and joy for reading create a lively and engaging atmosphere. These sessions promote literacy and foster a sense of community and a love for learning. It provides a wonderful opportunity for children to develop their reading skills while enjoying the magic of books.

On October 24th, a pivotal meeting was held at Komfort Inn to discuss the establishment of a cooperative society aimed at empowering local villagers. Organized by GFF Helps India, the event gathered residents from Chibbo, Bong, and Pudung, fostering a spirit of collaboration and entrepreneurship. Mr. Rajen, the Cooperative Society Officer from Kalimpong, shared valuable insights on the benefits of forming a cooperative. His guidance focused on how such an organization could enable villagers to produce and sell local items, thereby enhancing their entrepreneurial skills and boosting the local economy.

The meeting emphasized the importance of community cooperation in promoting sustainable livelihoods. With active participation from the residents, this gathering marked a crucial step towards creating a vibrant cooperative that supports local production and sales, ultimately benefiting the entire community.

As part of GFF Helps India’s ongoing health project, free blood pressure and sugar testing was conducted for the villagers of Bong, Chibbo, and Pudung. This initiative, which has been active since 2020, aims to improve community health and raise awareness about the importance of regular health check-ups. The program provides vital health services to residents, helping to identify and manage potential health issues such as hypertension and diabetes. Early detection is crucial, as it allows individuals to take preventive measures and seek appropriate treatment, significantly reducing health risks. The benefits of this initiative extend beyond individual health. By fostering a culture of health awareness, as regular health chekups encourages villagers to prioritize their well-being and make informed lifestyle choices.

In a heartfelt gesture, Mr. Sommiah, a former GFF member now studying in Australia, donated stationery items and sports equipment to the Bong SOGG Centre in memory of his grandfather. His mother and sister facilitated the donation, ensuring that his thoughtful contributions reached the students. These donations play a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience and promoting active lifestyles among the children. The new whiteboard will facilitate better learning, while the sports equipment will encourage teamwork, physical fitness, and a sense of fun. Overall, this generosity significantly benefits the children, fostering both their academic and personal growth.

The first quarterly meeting of the SOGG Centres in partnership with Darjeeling Hills Bible School (DHBS) was held on, 19th October bringing together key stakeholders to discuss collaborative efforts and future plans. The meeting was attended by all board members of DHBS, including Pastor Kushal and Pastor Kinchong, along with management committee members, teachers, and coordinators from the Bong, Chibbo, and Pudung SOGG Centres. Representatives from the GFF office, including Mr. Sanjok and Mr. Sisir, joined the meeting, alongside GFF Helps India Project Director Mr. Saom Namchu and volunteers Surabhi and Bipasha, who were invited as guests. The meeting commenced with introductions, allowing members from both SOGG and DHBS to familiarize themselves with each other’s roles and contributions. The attendees were then presented with a video showcasing the work being done at the SOGG Learning and Innovation Centres, highlighting the positive impact on the community. Surabhi and Bipasha assisted in documenting the meeting minutes, ensuring that all discussions and insights were accurately captured for future reference. This collaborative gathering set the stage for continued partnership and effective programming in support of local communities.