Nine Orphan Boys

Nine orphan boys live at the Rise Up School in Bakrour Village. They live all together with their caretaker in a 11 foot x 25 foot room. During the day their room is converted to a classroom where two classes are held at once. The boys were orphaned either by their parents death or they have been given up because of a broken marriage. None of the boys know their exact birthdays so we guessed their ages. These boys live under very strict supervision and they really exist in a very small world of the school, the open area of the banyan tree next to the school, and sometimes they play in the nearby dry river bed. They have few processions. Basically they have a change of clothes and whatever toiletries and school supplies that will ft into a day pack. They are very well behaved. They get along well with each other and they are fantastically respectful of their elders. They are starved for affection and they would fight to simply hold Sheri’s hand. The boys are very simple. They are mostly uncontaminated by outside influences. No money, no TV, no radio, no telephone. They lead a hard life without really knowing it. During the summer it is unbearably hot, day and night. The electricity is out most of the time. With no electricity it is dark and it is not possible to pump water to the roof tank and it often runs empty. They are continuously exposed to the filth and contamination that is endemic in India. The have no privacy or personal space. But the school provides a safe place with nutritious food, good supervision, and they have whole school full of friends. Before and after school many village children visit and play with the boys. In the end these boys have the same capacity as all children to play, to have high spirits, and to give and receive love unconditionally.

Shyam Kumar

Age:7

Grade:2

Shyam is a shy delicate boy. He reminded us of a deer fawn.

Sharvan Kumar

Age:9

Grade:3

Sharvan always had a big smile. He likes to draw and color, especially flowers.

Aman Kumar

Age:6

Grade:1

Aman is the youngest of the orphans. He is quite shy.

Sonu Kumar

Age:10

Grade:4

Sonu is a feisty boy who likes to organize the other children. He loves having his picture taken and musses with his hair whenever he was in front of the camera.

Amit Kumar

Age:8

Grade:3

Amit is a cute little boy, who is shy but quite endearing. You just want to pick him up and hug him. He would always ask for things that would benefit the group, his defacto brothers, the other orphans.

Mahesh Kumar

Age:8

Grade:2

Mahesh is a very boisterous lad with a strong smile. He was very concerned about our well being and gave us good advise like “don’t talk to that cheater man”. He loved cricket and never wanted to relinquish the bat.

Niraj Kumar

Age: 12

Grade: 6

Niraj is a quite, introspective boy, but quite smart and friendly. He is attending private school under the sponsorship of Sheri.

Dharmendra Kumar

Age: 14

Grade: 6

Dharmendra is the oldest boy at the orphanage. He is very handsome and friendly and has a good sense of humor. He is very helpful and often works with the cook to prepare the orphan’s food. He is attending private school under the sponsorship of Curtis.

Munib Kumar

Age: 12

Grade: 2

Unfortunately Munib suffers from the effects of polio, especially in his legs. He has to work twice as hard to try and keep up with the other children, but he gets along and always has a big smile on his face.

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Note: “Kumar” is the generic name given to every unmarried male in India.

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