The 10th anniversary of TARA

Sunday 28th October

By early afternoon, it is the effervescence of the great days: setting on the scenery and chairs, dance practices for the three Homes and finalizing the last details for the managers. Everybody is stirring to ensure that all goes well. The guests are coming, all dressed up, and certain calm is setting in.

The celebration starts with a quiz where the children have to recognize the staff members on some pictures of their own childhood. We hear voices: “Could it be Pascal?”, “I have a doubt, is she Hasina or Akanksha ? », “I am sure it is Arantxa!”. But, in between of the laughs and the hesitations, the raise of an essential awareness: “If the adults around me were children a long time ago, that means I will be the adult of tomorrow!”. That gives the opportunity to the Children to project themselves into the future and to acknowledge the possibilities that life could offer them.

Then come the speeches of Pascal, project initiator since the beginnings, as well as TARA’s first beneficiaries. They relate their memories and the incredible development of our NGO with a tangible emotion. The third group to speak is the Big Birds, sharing their experience and their gratitude. Those testimonies are all the most pertinent as they make us realize the hard work accomplished during this decade at TARA besides see the progress made and the obstacles that were overcome by those children now grown-adults.

After each speech, we were lucky enough to enjoy the dance performances prepared by the different Homes: hip-hop by the Girls, a lovely medley by the Tots. What about the Boys, I hear you ask? They have a special guest which is none other than Pascal sir himself! It is rumored that it is Sameer who pushed him to participate by invoking the value of courage so close to our hearts at TARA. Good evidence of his critical mind! Congratulation also to Pascal for pushing his boundaries!

Finally, it is the turn of ONYVA Trustees and the Managers to give their speeches. Through their testimonies we can feel how much TARA has an impact on the Children’s life but also on all the staff members. TARA is way more than just a job. It is a passion, a vocation. The idea of “giving sense to my life” is something that keeps cropping up regularly.

After a quiz about TARA and some games in the park, young and old alike have the chance to taste the dinner planned for the occasion: dhal makhani, paneer, chicken and as dessert delicious kheer. What a feast! Many thanks to our partner Main Tendue for financing it all.

The sun lies down and the party draws to an end…

Each of us goes back home, not without a warm feeling in our heart. This kind of light who makes you smile gently. When going to bed, we remember where this little madness, this determination and a lot of team work have taken us. These special ties of solidarity what connect us all together.