To all the mums I know...

On Mother's Day, I honour and celebrate the amazing mothers and women in our lives who love and sacrifice for us to flourish and live our best lives. Despite their differences, mothers around the world share a common hope for their children's future. 
 
This Mother’s Day I especially honour my mum. She fought for me and believed in my dream to be a teacher (and she still does!). From what I understand I was the first kid from both sides of my family to ever go to university. Mum, you were the one who helped me to do so much more than I ever thought I could. I love you mum!
 
I see this too in my wife – the fight, the passion, her relentless, never-ending love for our 3 kids. Thank you …Our kids are awesome individuals and I am certainly a better dad because of you.
 
As an educator of 36 years I’ve seen SO MANY changes, but if there is one thing that remains the same – the love and fierce determination of a mum as she cares for her kids, invested in their education, wanting only what is best for them. We wouldn’t want it any other way - even when sometimes you might cause this Principal some grief from time to time. I honour you all.

Today at the school gate, I asked a Year 3 student where his school hat was, his answer was “my mum forgot to give it to me”. I told him that he had to take responsibility for his actions and that it was not his mother’s fault …gee, some mums really cop it! Thank you to the mums at my school – you really are amazing and I am in awe of what you do.
 
I’m deeply moved by the stories of these four remarkable women. They are mums of some of the kids who attend some of our Project Help India Centres. Day in and day out each one of these women faces extreme hardship due to poverty and limited resources. They worry about their children's future and recognise that education is key to a better life, free from hunger and desperation. This Mother's Day, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the mothers of over 670 children who attend our centres five days a week. We acknowledge the challenges that you face on a daily basis, and how you fight for the welfare and safety of your children. It is a privilege for us at Project Help India to care for, and educate your children, and we will continue to do so with dedication and passion. I think you are some of the most courageous women on this planet.

Anita's Story - she hopes that her daughters will become literate and lead a good life, not impacted by their father's addictions.
Pinki's Story - she hopes that her children will have a better quality life, free of poverty.
Poonam's Story - she hopes that her children will not have to endure the same hardships and struggles that she has had in life.
Urmila's Story - she hopes that her children will be safe and free from their father's addictions and violence.

We must care for our mums - empower them and give them every ounce of credit they deserve …each is an inspiration and an example of the power of sacrificial love, resilience, strength and incredible patience.

Thank you freestocks for your great image at the top!