You’re never too young to make a difference, to initiate the change you want to see. Proof of that is Rebecca Grace Abraham who founded Kids for Kids International, along with best friends/ co-founders John Benson and Nithin Zac. Started to help HIV+ and other underprivileged children, KFK has conducted four fund raisers till date, and also has various on-going activities and programmes. Rebecca, now in her first year at Christ University, Bangalore, talks about her balancing act and why HIV among children requires attention.
What inspired you to start KFK?
I grew up watching my parents involved in many outreach programmes for orphanages and old age homes. During one such programme I came across some HIV+ women whose children could not afford an education. That’s when I thought that if my parents could reach out to adults, then we, as kids might be able to reach out to children in need. I shared this thought with my friends (most of them are involved in KFK even now) and we came together to form Kids for Kids in 2007.
Considering you were still in school while starting it, what challenges did you face?
Our challenges have mainly been in gathering funds because we are all busy with school and college. Additionally, unlike most non-profit organisations that have dedicated staff, we operate solely based on the commitment and passion of the members. Also gathering the children from various schools and colleges for practice — most have a different set of holidays, tuition timings and exam dates — proved to be a challenge. But we also had the support of people like Gautham Vasudev Menon (Director), Reji Abraham (MD, Aban Group), Dr. Mrs. Grace George (Founder, Alpha Group of Institutions) and Bijosh Koshy (MRF Ltd.)
Over the years, how many of your goals have you achieved?
We rose from strength to strength from nine kids in 2007 to over 85 in 2012. Our platform focuses on honing talent and channelising the energy to “Do what you can with what you have” (KFK motto). Over the years we have transformed lives of many HIV +, underprivileged and refugee children. KFK has always tried to ensure that the children use their time and talent (singing, dancing, acting or music) in a way that not only helps society but also to helps build individual character.
How serious is the issue of HIV among children?
Though many organisations are working in this area, the benefits are yet to reach the grassroots. The hardest battle is to combat the stigma attached to it. We believe that education will provide a solution and give these kids an opportunity for a better future.
How do you help them?
We provide moral support by showing them they are no different from us by sharing our time. This helps boost their self-esteem and confidence. We also give them an opportunity to perform with us on stage during our annual concert. With the financial aid, the school is able to provide the necessary supplies for their requirements including the fees. We are also a complete production house, so the children are exposed hands-on to media, print, light and sound, video.
What are your regular activities?
Our annual concert helps raise funds. We help support sports clubs in slums by providing them with required kits. We have also set up two computer labs in Ambattur and Manali, and also helped build a new block in the Little Angels’ School. This year we plan to start transformational workshops for children, parents and teachersthus living up to our theme of the 2012 concert ARMY, (reading backwards Young Minds Ready and Armed) we hope to train minds and prepare them to be the best that they can be.
According to you, your biggest achievement...
We can boast of a couple of achievements — KFK, run by children, has been able to sustain itself since 2007; getting children to do more with their time and channelisng their talent; and we helped build a new school block at Little Angels School, Somangalam.
How do you balance academics and KFK
It’s a tightrope, especially during concert practice sessions. I travel to Chennai on Saturdays after class and am back in class on Monday morning. We usually have an intense two-month practice before the concert. Some kids bring their assignments or project work to the practice sessions and work during the breaks. Some study for the next days test during these breaks too… It boils down to commitment. If you have it in your heart, you will find a way.
Considering the organisation is called “Kids for Kids”, how do you plan to keep it relevant as you become an adult?
The baton is passed on from senior kids to junior kids, thereby keeping the KFK forever young. The seniors handhold the juniors, equip and motivate them to move to the next level.
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Rebecca and I practically grew up together. When she shared the idea to help kids five years ago I immediately agreed. I could play the guitar and now I am the lead Rhythm guitarist and occasionally play the Bass Guitar for the KFK. I have seen little kids come in and step out as young men and women with courage and determination in pursuit of excellence.
JOHN BENSON
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Rebecca is my best friend and when she shared the idea of helping kids way back in 2007 I was ready to put in my efforts and join the cause. I could sing and today I am one of the lead vocalists for the KFK senior kids’ band. It’s a treat to see a smile on the kids’ faces; that infectious smile makes all the tiring practice sessions worth it.
NITHIN ZAC
