• From the Heart
  Visiting our sponsored child by Katheryn Leopoldseder
  
  Our decision to sponsor a child was not laboured over; it was really just a case of being presented with an opportunity and taking a chance. The timing was right; my husband and I were in agreement that it was something that we could do financially, and then Jacob’s Well came along willing to do the work. But now, having been to India, I can see the immense power to make a difference that this small organisation has. It is not bound by layers of bureaucracy. It simply identifies the needs and, in partnership with the Indian community, sets about getting the task done.
  
  At first it was simply money that disappeared from our account every month, but as we received newsletters and updates about the projects, the circumstances of village life and the health of the children, I began to build an understanding in my mind. There have been moments when I have been deeply impressed by the weight of responsibility and the incredible privilege it is to change the destiny of one child. It is easy to distance yourself from suffering in the world; the sheer quantity of it makes it almost too much to contemplate, but we are making a very real difference!
  
  We went to India because it was suggested to us that some of our small skills might be useful. We have been careful not to assume ownership of our sponsored child; always keeping in mind that it is an honour to be able to support such a special little man from a great distance away.
  
  Most of all, what has struck me is that it is so easy. A small sacrifice here makes an unfathomable difference there. Just the gesture of being cared for can change a person’s life in India.
  Click here for the full story
  
  
• We Can’t Not Help
  ‘I was so challenged by what I saw I thought we can’t not help. We are so blessed in Australia, we should be able to do something, and it costs so little in a country like India.’  Joan Roose.
  
  There are dozens of children that are in need of a sponsor. Become a child sponsor and help transform lives for just $30 per month. If you or anyone you know would like to sponsor a child please contact Joan on 61 3 9803 6115 or email joan@jacobswell.org.au and help us break the poverty cycle.
  
  
• Accept the Jacob’s Well Challenge!
  You can finally make use of all that information you have stored in your memory bank over the years and have some fun at the same time. Bring yourself, a friend or two, or even a group of 8, to our Trivia and Games Night to help raise urgently needed funds.
  
  Great Prizes to be Won Major prize for each player on the trivia champion table. Prize for each additional game winner and great raffle prizes. Your support will help us break the poverty cycle. Hurry Reserve Your Seat(s).
  When: Friday 18th April, 7pm
  Where: Melbourne Bowls Club, 128 Union Street, Windsor 3181
  Cost: $10 per head.
  BYO: Snacks and lots of gold coins for additional games and raffle tickets.
  Drinks at bar prices.
  Contact: Joan 0403 280 632 or joan@jacobswell.org.au
  Vicki 0417 037 234 or vicki@jacobswell.org.au
  Credit card facilities will be available on the night.
  
  
• Water Use and Hygiene Patterns in Coastal Districts of Orissa
  Source: WaterDrops Water Aid Newsletter Excerpts Ms. Shipra Saxena
  
  The health status of individuals is an indicator dependent on the output of the processes involving aspects such as sanitation facilities, quality of water source and hygiene practices. Health status in the context of water is seen here in terms of incidence of diarrhoea and the incidence of other water borne diseases. Diseases of the eye, mosquito transmitted disease like malaria/dengue and other diseases related to water and sanitation such as diarrhoea were among the most common illnesses in the different villages. These affected significant proportions of the populations.
  
  The proportion of borewells/tubewells as the source of water corresponds to a reduced level of diseases. The proportion of respondents preferring disposal of wastewater as allowing it to stagnate corresponds to the incidence of diarrhoea and other water borne diseases.
  
  Statistics of the State of Orissa in comparison with India:
  47.15% of people below poverty line (1999-2000)
  8% of people with access to safe sanitation (2001)
  
  The planning commission figures of 1999-2000 enquiring into state-wide incidences of poverty reveals that the infant mortality rate (IMR) of the eastern state of Orissa is also higher, showing positive correlations between incidences of poverty and IMR. In addition, the poverty indicators are also supported by per capita net state domestic product, which is lowest for the eastern regions of India. Other characteristics of poverty in the three eastern states are that they are inhabited by a majority of tribal and lower caste communities who are the lowest in the socio economic ladder.
  
  So what are the manifestations of poverty and subsequent deprivation of the three eastern states? Is access to water supply and sanitation a cause or an effect of poverty? The two questions are intertwined as one leads to another and vice versa forming a vicious circle of poverty. Poverty manifests itself in lack of access to safe drinking water, safe sanitation and food insecurity, leading to malnutrition, disease and mortality. A number of studies have proved that lack of access to water and safe sanitation lead to diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera increases household’s spending on health.
  
  
• Not Just Another Brick In The Wall Update
  The building work has been progressing steadily thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. The building of the multipurpose hall is on schedule to be completed in June and the Health and Resource Centre is in stage 2 of a six-stage process.
  
  A health and resource centre will provide access to healthcare and timely medical attention, ensuring a better quality of life and assist in lowering the infant mortality rate. Become a Brick in the Wall sponsor and contribute to the building of our Health and Resource Centre. If you wish to make a donation to the building fund, download our infrastructure form and fill out the relevant details. Please remember to tick the boundary wall or health clinic box to ensure your donation goes towards our ‘Not Just Another Brick in the Wall’ building fund. To assist in our fundraising we will be conducting a cultural raffle with some interesting prizes. You have to be in it to win it! For more details contact fundraising@jacobswell.org.au or Vicki on 0417 037 234. Visit http://www.jacobswell.org.au/jacobs_well_fundraising.html to keep up to date on our progress.
  
  
• Justice and Hope Exhibition
  Thank you to the Sofitel Melbourne for their generosity in the catering for the grand opening of the Justice & Hope Exhibition and display of the works from 6th February to 4th May 2008. see Jenn Dobson's photographs at Atrium Gallery, Level 35 Sofitel Melbourne. Profits from the sale of all photographs go to Jacob’s Well. For more information contact vicki@jacobswell.org.au or 0417 037 234.
  
  
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To continue this life saving work we need finance, sponsors, expertise and partners. Please join us and help break the poverty cycle. 100% of your donation goes directly India.* Our dedicated team of field workers ensure your donation goes to the area of greatest need. Cheques made payable to Jacob's Well India. Post to PO Box 680 Glen Waverley Australia 3150. On behalf of the villagers we thank you. Donations to approved aid development activities are tax deductible.

 

 

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