Tura, Sept. 29: Bridge of Hope, an institution for the underprivileged at Tura in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya has shaped the minds and the future of poor children of Garo hills.

The Kerala-based institution, which has its branches in Shillong and Tura, has been working with children for the past decade in Meghalaya. The branch at Tura was set up in 2006.

"We work with the poor, the underprivileged children and their families," said Jish A. Sangma, the mission coordinator.

"We mostly work with school-dropouts, the poor and the needy children by extending all kinds of support. Our aim is to help these children through education and teach them personal hygiene and nutrition. Children are provided free tuitions for six days in a week, except on Sundays. We also do counselling sessions," Jish added.

Currently, the mission has 131 children. Bridge of Hope is a church organisation founded by Rev. K.P. Anand in Kerala. In Meghalaya, it is headed by Stewart Kom.

"It is not a school but a study centre. Free study material, clothes, mosquito nets, mats and umbrellas are provided to the children. We serve food to the children based on their nutritional requirement. We take utmost care about hygiene as we believe in good health and a healthy mind," Jish said.

A periodic medical check-up is also provided to the children.

"It is really inspiring to work with these children, some of whom are too poor to go to school," said Priyanka Dey, who handles accounts and teaches at the centre.

Narrating a case at the centre, Dey said, "A boy had to discontinue his studies as his parents were not able to afford it. We located the family and assured them that we would look after his studies and other needs."

To boost the morale of the children at the centre they are given birthday gifts. The aim of the centre is to make all the children complete their matriculation by the time they are 17 years of age.

"We cater to poor people, including labourers, vegetable vendors, auto drivers, who have difficulty in sending their children to school. We help in any way possible to ensure their children do not lose out on education," Priyanka said.

The centre keeps in touch with the children's families and visits them every month. The Tura team comprises Ajanta Hajong, Gobindo Dalu, Sarnita R. Marak, Pratima Sangma and Kolina Sangma besides Sangma and Dey.