This blog has a new home

To all our supporters and followers, the Mumbai Smiles blog will no longer be updated here. The blog has moved to our official website and can be read at: https://www.mumbaismiles.org/english/BlogList.aspx

See you there!

New website!

We have a new website!

Recent visitors to http://www.mumbaismiles.org/ might have already seen the new-look website, but for our older supporters, this is surely a surprise.
Designed by Swayam Infomedia, an Ahmedabad-based web design company, the website is fresh, bright and reflects the Mumbai Smiles personality of joy and vibrancy. We love the look, and are keen to know what you think of it.

Like all new websites, there are some small details that need to be ironed out, and we ask you to bear with us until that happens.

Also, this blog will now move to a new location at our new website — Mumbai Smiles blog — so make sure you remember to read it on our website from now on.

Happy Diwali!

Happy Diwali!

It's the festival of lights and celebration! It's the season to play cards and bond with your family! And it's the time to give and share.

Mumbai Smiles wishes everyone a great weekend and an unforgettable Diwali.

'We were impressed by the enthusiasm and energy'

Want to know what people have to say about our projects? Read on:

I found the visit very interesting. Your projects are very important and you are doing good work. In a short time you have achieved a lot. Please keep us posted about your future plans.
Nuria


Ambitious and positive efforts to provide alternatives for a new future. Thanks for showing some of your work.
Reyes


I’ve seen very nice work and I want to thank the people involved who are doing good things.
Valle


Very good and interesting projects. The staff are very nice, especially Nehal! Try to share your work back in my town.
Edurne


It is a pleasure to visit Mumbai Smiles and the projects, and see the great work you do, for all these people who deserve it.
David

After several attempts, we finally got to visit Mumbai Smiles! We were impressed by the great enthusiasm and energy here, and the work being carried out in record time. What else can we add to all the adjectives and contributions of this guestbook? DO NOT FORGET TO JOIN ALL THE SMALL ACTIONS TO ACHIEVE A CHANGE! Hugs from Barcelona
Lourdes and Marina

Parents give us the OK...

A few months ago, we had told you about our plans to relocate two balwadis from the slums to our office building in Marol, Andheri (E) (See post). The reason for this is that we want to give the kids a good, clean environment to be in, something that is often difficult to provide within the slums they live in. And we think that spending their days in a professional, airy, hygienic and bright centre will have a good impact on everyone.

Our plan is to move balwadis no 1 and no 6, both of which are located closest to our office in Marol. In order to get the wheels turning on this plan, we had a meeting with parents of the kids that go to these balwadis, as well as the teachers and helpers.

At the meeting, the Mumbai Smiles Executive Director and balwadis projects team discussed the plans with the parents and listened to their feedback.

Fortunately, everyone is on board with the idea, so if things go smoothly, we should have these balwadis up and running in a few weeks. We will, of course, keep you posted.

Art therapy for a healthier future...

Today, we want to share with you some of the progress made by our partner office, Mumbai Smiles Mexico. We have told you earlier on this blog about how the Mexico chapter functions; though it works towards raising funds for and awareness about the Mumbai Smiles projects in Mumbai, it is also collaborating with local NGOs in Mexico itself to help the underprivileged communities of that country (See post).

As a part of this, Mumbai Smiles Mexico organised a series of art therapy workshops for the children in the community of Chichimequillas, through an alliance with the NGO Saber Qué Sigue (which roughly translates to Know What’s Next). Most of the children attending the workshop have suffered from issues of domestic violence, mental health problems (child or a close relative), addictions, abuse, and more. Saber Qué Sigue has been working closely with this community and the Mumbai Smiles Mexico team was happy to support their efforts.


Conducted by psychologist Rebecca Rogríguez, the workshop had activities that allowed the children to express, through art, several aspects of his life. For example, she asked them to draw what they like, themselves, their dreams... And, after a careful analysis of their drawings, she conducted individual interviews with family members and worked out plans to treat the more cases.

Here we leave you with some pictures of the little ones, distracted, at least for a little while, from their tough lives.

'It is magical to find people with such passion'

Another busy week ends with some happy thoughts...

Thank you so much for taking me on a visit to the school. I am a teacher and I congratulate you for your work in schools. Information is power and education is the future.
Eva

In the world we live, it is always special to meet people so generous that they devote their lives to making the world a bit fairer. Working with children is synonymous with working on the future of an entire country. As a teacher, I believe in the power of education to go change the world.
Also, thank you very much for this welcome, we felt very comfortable during the visit.
Geny

Because there are generous people like you in this world, countries like India are getting a better future. As a kindergarten teacher, I found the nursery centres very interesting, as the first step for a good education starts with little children. Thank you.
Raquel

Very interesting project, great team and great job! My most sincere congratulations.
Mireia

Congratulations for all the work you are doing! I hope that it all goes better. A kiss.
Belén

I really enjoyed the opportunity to see the projects and the great work you are doing. Many spirits and good luck for the path you have taken.
Muriel

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to see with our own eyes all the work you are doing. Thank you for that talk with Jaume.
Mª José and Katarina

I'm going home with good memories. I could see firsthand a harsh reality in one of the toughest cities in India. Luckily, there are people like you who fight for a better life for the poorest. Good luck!
Griselda

Congratulations on all that Jaume Sanllorente has created with heart and passion. A big hug.
Today was one of the most rewarding days of my trip. It was a pleasure to see your projects in this city. It is magical to find people with such passion. Thank you very much to the team and good luck.
Susanna