Children: God’s most wonderful creation
In 2020, the pandemic gripped the world and shook its foundation so Just Open Yourself Society strategized to provide COVID-19 Relief. After working relentlessly during the second wave of COVID-19, the founder of Dehradun-based NGO Just Open Yourself (JOY), Jai Sharma, commenced with the initiative of adopting 100 children who lost both their parents to the deadly virus. Speaking about the fostering drive, the Founder of JOY, Jai Sharma, said, “When the second wave of COVID-19 started, we encountered five such families in the initial two weeks where both the parents had died, and the child/children were left alone at home. A few of these children were of 4th or 5th standard age group, one was in 12th, and the rest were small in age. At that moment, it hit our mind that this unfortunate scenario was inevitable, and we came across more such cases as the pandemic rose.”
Adding further, he said, “To date, we have fostered 41 orphaned children under Just Open Yourself Society and are taking care of their food, medicine, and finances, among other important aspects. Out of these 41 children, only two are from Dehradun, and the rest belong to the hills. I, Jai Sharma from JOY, am there to support these children by any means possible, till the time they become self-sufficient!” The team of JOY is reaching out to various villages in the hills of Uttarakhand. The Gram Pradhans of these villages are in constant touch with JOY members, wherein the former will inform if any child/children are orphaned. JOY has been actively working in supporting the masses from the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. The NGO has been procuring and distributing 24×7 Oxygen Cylinders free of cost as medical supplies with no refilling and security charges. The team also distributed COVID medical kits, sanitization kits (included sanitary pads, sanitizers, masks, soaps) along with other medical equipment to those in need. JOY made every effort to provide help to distant areas in the state and supplied ration kits, including flour, rice, sugar, spices, lentils, pulses, and oil. “With my indomitable spirit and the efforts of my team, I wish to strive in the future with the same vision”
The fostered kids are under the care of an efficient team who are looking after their food & nutrition, clothing, healthcare, education and lodging. We regularly hold interactive sessions like art & craft, music, photography, quiz competitions to keep the kids motivated and in high spirits. Additionally, we go out on field trips and explore nature together to conduct team activities and bring the JOY family closer. On July 25, 2021, Just Open Yourself Team along with the children went to Chaani, Maldevta, Dehradun for a treasure hunt and to spend quality time in lap of nature. Currently we are working on a model to assist as many kids as possible and spread JOY.