The day began in the middle of the night: the alarm clock rang at 3:30 a.m., and at 4:00 a.m., after a quick breakfast, we drove to Dabolim Airport. The streets were empty, only the countless speed bumps and the many dogs on the road reminded us again and again that we were traveling in India. After a good hour and a half, we reached the airport and flew – with a slight delay – to Hyderabad.

There we were personally welcomed by Jaya and his wife Gladys – a moment that once again gave us the intense feeling of being welcome. Jaya is the founder of Chaithanya Mahila Mandali (CMM), the partner NGO of Kleiner Hilfsaktion e.V. He is originally from Tamil Nadu. During his studies, he recognized the extent of prostitution (he calls it human trafficking) and the dramatic living conditions of the women affected and, above all, their children. He knew immediately that he wanted to help. He did so, and despite massive threats, he never let himself be stopped.

Since he could only help the women themselves to a limited extent, he focused on their daughters. Many of these girls grew up in brothels—without protection, without prospects. With the consent of their mothers, CMM rescued them from these structures. In 2019, the foundation stone was laid for what is now the Rehab Center, which opened in 2022: a safe place for over 100 girls. Officially, they are considered orphans in order to protect them from social exclusion.

As soon as we entered the girls' home, we felt an incredible energy. Smiling faces, shy glances, curious questions—a mixture of discipline, joie de vivre, and deep gratitude. It was clear that this visit meant something to them. And to us, too.

After breakfast together, we visited a skill development center. Gladys spoke openly about how difficult it was to be able to help only a limited number of girls when so many of them were in desperate need of help. And yet, she said, every girl who was rescued was "a light in the darkness."

The "Zukunft Nähen" (Sewing for the Future) project provides precisely this light. Over a period of four months, young women learn the tailoring trade, gain entrepreneurial knowledge, and ultimately receive their own sewing machine. This enables them to build a self-determined existence—often earning many times what they could have earned previously under exploitative conditions. They become role models in their families, change role models, and create real prospects.

The handover of wheelchairs to seven severely disabled people from a remote slum was very moving. Gratitude and quiet dignity filled the air.

The visit to the Singareni Colony was even more intense. In small groups, we visited individual huts and systematically assessed the most urgent needs: health, roof, walls, door, sleeping areas, water, electricity. The reality was shocking—mold, dampness, open wounds, lack of hygiene. An elderly woman wanted nothing more than to have her hut thoroughly cleaned once more "so that she could die with dignity." Our tour doctor, Dirk, provided care where he could. All cases were documented, and CMM and we will continue to help.

The contrast to the training centers could not have been greater. There, we encountered pride, ambition, and hope. The young women presented their sewing work with shining eyes—each stitch a symbol of a new future.

Back at the girls' home, we handed over 15 donated laptops. In the evening, everyone gathered outside. Over 100 girls introduced themselves one by one—each with their name, age, and a big dream: doctor, teacher, engineer.

The story of Andalu "Anu" Motam and her sister Swapna was particularly moving. After losing their family and home, they found refuge under a tree before CMM took them in. Swapna fell seriously ill with tuberculosis, and the doctor wanted to give up on her. But Jaya and Gladys fought on—and she survived. Today, she danced happily to Everybody (Backstreet's Back) by the Backstreet Boys, while Anu has since received a scholarship from an American university. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.

At the end, each of us received a candle. In the glow of over a hundred small lights, Jaya spoke about hope and gratitude. Together we sang "O come let us adore you." That moment—the voices, the lights, the togetherness—will remain with us forever.

Our return flight didn't take off until around 12:30 a.m., and we were back at Villa Rivercat at 3:15 a.m. Almost 24 hours full of emotions, contrasts, and insights. Unforgettable!

CMM doesn't just save souls—CMM saves lives.

Author: Ralf Hoffmann – Fundrider & Project Manager India