A few years ago Suraj became the first student in the village of Bantoli, India to ever pass the tenth grade matriculation exam, allowing him to enroll in junior college. In this interview conducted at Bantoli’s Food for People (FFP) kitchen, Suraj credits the food program with helping him succeed in school and gain crucial life skills.
Joginder Oroan comes from Bajiatoli, a village 1 kilometer away from the facility. He is 16 years old and studies in the 10th grade. Joginder was in the first batch of children served meals by Food for People, Bantoli in 2006. “I feel safe and at home here,” he says. Joginder tells me that he used to be very aggressive and would fight with his peers all the time. Awhile after he started coming to this facility, he found there was “some kind of quietness and calm” within himself.
One of the most important criteria TPRF grant reviewers examine is impact. For the amount of funds requested, we look at how many people will be helped, in what ways, and for how long?
“The Bantoli Food for People opened on March 23, 2006. I have been taking food from the date of commencement. The food served here is very nutritious and I feel very good when I see the beauty of FFP.” Sheela Kumari, age14, Food for People beneficiary, Bantoli–India.