(Verona) – Payakaraopeta is a town in the state of Andhra Pradesh, a short distance inland from India’s eastern coast on the Bay of Bengal.
Jessi, fifteen years old, lives here with his family and, despite his very young age, is effectively the head of the household.
Orphaned of his father, whom he lost when he was only four, he lives with his younger sister, who is unfortunately blind, and his mother, a housewife who, in order to provide for her family, works as a domestic helper and occasionally also as a coolie (unskilled manual labourers employed for heavy work at very low wages).
Their financial situation is certainly not a comfortable one, and they face many difficulties on a daily basis.
Sr Sophie Mary, the local contact for the Distance Support programme, says that Jessi is a responsible and mature student. Well-mannered and composed, he applies himself consistently to his studies, achieving satisfactory results despite some uncertainty with Hindi, where he still shows a degree of difficulty. Being determined, however, and wanting at all costs to overcome his obstacles, he is working hard on his letters and pronunciation.
As well as being a keen sports enthusiast, he also shows a particular talent for dance and drawing.
For two years, until the end of 2023, he was able to count on the support of a benefactor, who later decided otherwise, leaving Jessi once again “alone”. However, given that his middle name, Varun, means “water” in Sanskrit, and that water symbolises rebirth in Christianity, we are certain that his future, and that of his family, will soon be brighter.
Supporting less fortunate boys and girls so that they can have a better life, helping them grow up strong and feeling loved, and above all giving them a real chance in life, is not an impossible thing. With one small but precious gesture, real change is possible.
Support Fondazione Canossiana VOICA – ETS and the work of the Canossian Mothers in South East India.
Thank you, on behalf of Sr Sophie Mary, Jessi, and all the boys and girls who will be able to count on your help.
Foundation – I am Jessi and I will be my family’s chance at a fresh start
