Living in the Slums of India

HOPE foundation and HOPE worldwide salute the makers of "Slumdog Millionaire" for their very successful film, which just won 8 Oscars.

HOPE foundation has been working with orphans, destitute children and young people in India's urban slums (including Mumbai) for more than 17 years. In the past year, more than 7000 children and 7000 young people have been educated and trained through our programs. Hundreds of thousands have received better health care thanks to HOPE foundation's work.

If you have been inspired by the stories in the film, please help our staff -- real life heroes who are working to change lives of the poorest of the poor in India.

Donate now to bring hope to the poor and destitute in India's slums

Stories of HOPE worldwide Changing Lives

Lathika: Transformed through Awareness
HOPE foundation works with Wal-Mart to transform real people's lives in the slums of India's cities. One young girl, Lathika (the same name as the fictional girl in "Slumdog Millionaire") has had her life changed through the work of HOPE worldwide.

Lathika’s parents were worried about her as she was spoiled and petulant. When they heard about the ICoH school, they immediately admitted her to get her away from home. Lathika was not very happy with this transition and did not like coming to school. However, she also looked very sad as she missed her home. But, due to the loving attention showered on her by Geetha, the teacher of the playschool, she slowly started changing. She has also started to be involved in extra-curricular activities like singing and dancing. Her parents thank Wal-Mart for changing her for the better and bringing into her an awareness of the world that is outside.

Sumitra: A New Language, A New Hope
HOPE foundation has worked in the slums of Mumbai for more than 15 years. We have helped many children just like the heroes of "Slumdog Millionaire," and we continue to do so every day.

Sumitra’s lack of computer knowledge and English speaking skills made her unsuitable for most jobs available. Her father works as an electrician and earns around INR 3000 (USD 62) which is not enough to support a family. She enrolled herself with high hopes to the ICoH computer classes. She also took the Spoken English classes to learn to speak confidently in English. After 2 months of joining the courses, Sumitra was able to get a job at a software and networking company with a salary of INR 5000 (USD 104) per month. Sumitra is grateful to Wal-Mart as she now has a reason to smile again.

Donate now to bring hope to the poor and destitute in India's slums