The pre-inauguration of the new SISP Centre

21st February, 2008

Today was a special day - the new SISP centre was "pre-inaugurated". We have not oficially moved in yet because the building is still not completely finished - amongst other things we still need to install a water pump and some parts still need to be painted - but as the delegation from Lelia (our generous Italian sponsors) leave shortly along with Paul VTJ, our Belgian webmaster and author of this article, it was decided that we should have a "pre-inauguration"!

The children and young people dressed up in their finest and most colourful clothes. In the school a dozen girls transformed themselves into real Indian divas in pretty white dresses and jasmine in their hair. They lightened their skin, defined their eyes with black and wore lipstick. We made a long, colourful parade as we walked from the old school to the new centre, about two kilometres distant. Many on-lookers watched us go - everyone in the neighbourhood must be aware that SISP is moving soon.

Arriving at the new centre we were greeted by pretty girls who held bowls filled with white, pink and golden-yellow petals and burning candles. Everyone was happy and smiling as guests walked past the girls and had petals thrown over their heads.

The building was then formally opened by the cutting of a ribbon by Paolo of Lelia-Italy, to rapturous applause. The building is now officially opened. The children then climbed the stairs to the large assembly room. A huge pile of slippers grew in front of the door to the room as people remove them, customary here, as they enter a dwelling.

background and earlier reports

One by one, the names of all the sponsors from the various countries were read out to much applause from the children. Following this, the speeches. First by Miss Kumari, the manager, and 'mother' of the SISP project. Then by Paolo, on behalf of Lelia, and finally a touching speech by Paul. In it he thanked all the sponsors, especially SISP-Belgium, and SISP-Netherlands, Lelia from Italy and the sponsors from England and other countries around the world. All sponsors can be proud of everything done at SISP and, because of European committment, SISP can offer new opportunities and possibilities for those who would otherwise find life extremely difficult.

Last year, in 2007, an Italian cameraman made a film about the work of SISP in India. This film was 'premiered' this afternoon to the children and guests. Although the children laughed and applauded when they spotted acquaintances it was all quiet afterwards. It was a poignant, but also encouraging report on the everyday work by SISP.

There were further treats with tea and delicious pastries and, of course, performances from the dance group. And the whole celebration ended with a joint dance with the children and young people and, of course, the guests. Everyone was so pleased and happy!

Thanks to the efforts of so many people in Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and several other countries these young people receive a proper education and training. I think that we can all be truly proud of what we have achieved!