Bridge of Hope Center Inaugurated in Patna

Believers Church Patna Diocese inaugurated a Bridge of Hope center on 28th February 2011. Bridge of Hope is a child care project of Believers Church which seeks to provide holistic development to underprivileged children of all communities.

Shri Sahid Ali Khan (Minority Welfare & Information Technology Minister) and Shri Shyam Rajak (Minister for Food & Consumer Protection) were the chief guests on the occasion. They inaugurated the Bridge of Hope project center by lighting a traditional lamp.

In his inaugural address, Shri Sahid Ali Khan commended the church’s leadership for making a deliberate choice to love and care for poor and needy children.

Shri Shyam Rajak also lauded the sincere efforts of Believers Church in reaching out to the poor. He expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Bihar Government and thanked Believers Church for its noble gesture towards the neediest children in society.

Shrimati Poonam Devi (MLA) was also present and offered every possible help from the government.

Bishop M.A. Lalachan addressed the crowd, describing Bridge of Hope as a project committed to serving the least and the last, bringing hope to children in need and ensuring education for a better future.

The Bishop continued by saying “It is our uncompromising vision and mission to love our neighbors as ourselves. We believe that man has been made in the image of God. We believe that every man, woman and child deserves equal and unhindered opportunities to develop socially and emotionally with a sense of dignity. Bridge of Hope is motivated and encouraged by the love and compassion of Jesus Christ who lived among the poor, served them and became a model for us. We are always challenged and stirred by the divine call to serve the poor, the marginalized and oppressed children, youth and women of our society.”

Bridge of Hope state coordinator Shibu explained the practical benefits of Bridge of Hope. He shared that from the age of five, children have the opportunity to grow under Bridge of Hope’s supervision and care until adulthood.

The aim of the project is to bring up responsible adults who will be sensitive and helpful to others and become a valuable resource for their community.

Bridge of Hope manager Rakesh said, “We also conduct medical camps for the underprivileged people who cannot afford to go a clinic or a doctor. Vitamin A capsules are also given away freely. Vitamin A is supplemented by deworming tablets. Awareness is raised through special rallies on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, literacy, child labor, safe drinking water, and unhealthy habits.”

Rev. Fr. Isaac (Vicar General) pointed out that special programs are also organized for parents since Bridge of Hope believes in the need for a participatory role of parents in a child’s development.

Parents and community members are also given the opportunity to undergo short term vocational training to learn how to generate income. In addition, literacy programs are offered to the community.

Children are provided with basic school needs through Bridge of Hope such as stationery, uniforms, school bags and notebooks. From time to time, hygiene supplies, warm clothes and other household items are also distributed free of cost.

During the inauguration, Rev. Fr. Samson gave a vote of thanks to the attendees. He acknowledged the great contributions made by the ministers and government of Bihar under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in the field of education and overall development.

This project center will immediately help over 100 needy children, while also helping develop the community in the days to come.

The program concluded with a blessing of prayer by Bishop M.A. Lalachan.