I’m reaching out with a cause that’s incredibly close to my heart—OBLF’s Nurture - Community Rehabilitation Program for the Waste Pickers’ Community. These families face severe discrimination and extreme poverty, often deprived of basics like education, sanitation, and healthcare. Their migrant status leaves their children excluded from formal schooling, further entrenching this cycle of hardship.
But OBLF is making a significant difference. Through Bridge Classes within their community, children are being mainstreamed into schools. 40 children have successfully entered formal education in the last two years. Sports programs like football and frisbee not only bring joy but also foster teamwork and discipline, reducing harmful behaviors like substance abuse and conflicts. As trust builds through these engagements, it opens the door for OBLF to introduce other vital services like art therapy, health clinics, and sanitation programs.
For example, over 400 community members have transitioned from open defecation to using communal sanitation facilities, improving hygiene and health standards. These changes may seem small to some, but just imagine if we were deprived of the basic necessities of education, health, and sanitation—how would we survive?
It’s striking to witness the stark divide in Bengaluru—on one side, a booming tech industry home to highly-paid professionals, and on the other, marginalized communities like waste pickers struggling for basic rights. This gap is a reminder of how easily the underprivileged are overlooked, right next door to affluence.
This compassionate, holistic approach is why I’m supporting OBLF. These aren’t just programs; they are life-changing interventions that uplift entire families and communities. I’ve already donated, and I hope you will too. Together, we can ensure these children and families have the opportunities they deserve. Please donate and share this message!
