To know what has been and to be open to what has yet to come

What prompted, in 2000, a group of committed Europeans to found the non-profit organization “Hand in Hand” based in Vienna, was the poverty and hardship of the population, and especially of the children, in the Indian State of Odisha. Peter van Breukelen was given the presidency of the organization and the cooperation with the partner organization in India, Prajnana Mission, began. They are at the service of the people: they look after the sick and the hungry, and provide education as well as vocational training to children, young people and adults.

Already in 1999, the mission had created temporary Health Centres in the cities of Cuttack and Balighai, where the underprivileged could receive free, medical care. “Hand in Hand“ then supported, by means of donations, the expansion and construction of more Health Centres as well as of “Health Camps“, which see doctors and helpers travel with their mobile practices to remote villages. These bring to thousands of people, who live in the poorest regions of India, free medical assistance and care.

During the flooding in Odisha in 2001, it became evident how fast aid and assistance are a necessity during natural catastrophes. On that occasion, “Hand in Hand” distributed 3000 meals to the victims and financed the construction of 20 houses. Over the years, the organization has been providing immediate aid and relief to people affected by floods.

Education as a key for a better future, benefits the children of the Balashram Hariharananda Residential School created by “Hand in Hand” in 2004. Each year, 40 children (boys and girls) are admitted to the school in Arua, situated 80 km from Cuttack. By now a total of 560 children, of whom some are orphans and others semi-orphans, are given not only free education and schooling but also a loving home. In 2016, after 12 years of schooling starting from Kindergarten, the first pupils successfully completed their education. Step by step the school, the buildings and the infrastructure have been growing over the years. “Hand in Hand” rises to the challenge of financing the whole establishment by donations only.