What is Ramana's Garden Children's Home?

okay, it is officially time for a much overdue blog post. for the past 2 months, after robb and jay left, i remained in rishikesh to work as a volunteer at Ramana's Garden Children's Home. Prabha, an american woman from colorado, started the project about 14 years ago, and it has since grown into the unique operation it is now. It is in the foothills of the Himalayas along the Ganges River where the kids (and staff) do their laundry and swim every sunday.

About 50-60 children ages 5-19 currently live at Ramana's, maybe about half from Nepal and half India. Most of them are not actually orphans, but their families are either unable to appropriately support them, or their home situation is too dangerous to stay in.

There is lots of good stuff happening here. The primary school through 8th grade provides free education for the kids living at ramana's and about another 60 kids from rishikesh. An organic garden supports the health food-centered cafe (that also helps support the project), and contributes to the kids' meals. There is a well-established traditional Indian dance troupe that gives the kids a chance to be involved and perform around the community and travel (they went to England last year to perform.). Their gym class is yoga.

During the summer months, to beat the heat and rains of the monsoon, most of the kids and staff head up into the primitive mountain location to relax and literally chill out in the beautiful setting while the rest spend time with their families.

if you are interested in learning more about the project or in making a donation, please go to **http://www.sayyesnow.org**.