THE PATH FOUNDATION

By Ammaarah Habib

I could feel my heartbeat increase and my palm get sweaty. There was a flutter in my stomach as I got off the bus and walked towards the five-storey building. It had to rain today? I sighed with exhaustion. Frowning at my damp cloth I balanced my bag on one hand and the umbrella on another and strode towards the brownstone.

It was just two days ago when my manager called me to her office. It is always a nerve-wracking experience for anyone to be called in because it’s rarely for a good reason. You either are going to be fired or you’ve done something worth appreciating. Since I hadn’t done anything that would warrant the latter I walked towards her office with hesitant steps. To my surprise, I was welcomed with a pleasant smile which helped alleviate some of my tension.

I would soon learn something that would change my life.

“Please take a seat,” Ms. Anaya said with a smile. She must have noticed how nervous I was for she at once said “I hope I did not cause any worry to you in calling you here. I believe you could be of great help to us and wanted to discuss something important that could help your career and be of profit to the company as well.”

Her words had the desired effect and it calmed me a little. So I was not in any trouble. I relaxed and let my eyes stray taking in the room. It was a very comfortable space with cream-coloured walls. A bookshelf took an entire side and was filled with numerous volumes and folders. There was a table at the side with a coffee maker and some cool jugs. There was a black and grey painting on one wall which depicted the different phases of the moon and on her table made of what I assume was high-quality wood was a pot of snake plant. I recognised it easily as I had wanted to buy it but the price restrained me from doing so. There were also a couple of team photos which gave the room a homely character.

It might seem that I was distracted but I took in all these in a trice. It helped me ease up.

Anaya Ma’am said, “Our Company is known for its wide range of jobs in writing from editing, writing for magazines or novels, poetry and much more. But besides that, we have lots of additional departments one of them being Social service which you are a member of.” She paused for a second to gauge my expression and continued, “You must be aware that it is very active in carrying out various activities and we get lots of donations and recognition for our work. I’ve heard that you are very active and are even involved in it during your personal time?”

Her tone seemed inquisitive and interested. I eagerly nodded and said, “It’s something that just brings happiness to me knowing that I am contributing something to this world. Even if it’s not much, at least someone’s pain was reduced. Only with just that much, I feel like my existence is enough.” I finished with a heavy voice as I’m quite passionate about it.

She inclined her head and explained why she had called me, “There’s an orphanage for young physically challenged kids and I was hoping you could go there and spend some days and write a report with finding sponsors in mind. If your piece is authentic and arouses the sympathy of some of the investors, it’d be of huge help to the shelter. “

“You can think about it and give your answer by next week. You can learn a little about the orphanage here.” She added and handed me a bulky folder.

I nodded and stood up and was about to thank her for the opportunity before leaving when she suddenly said, “And you will definitely get a bonus if you accept this task. As it might cause you some trouble” I looked up at her and expressed my gratitude but she just smile and I left the office.

This was a chance for me to shine I thought. I didn’t need to wait until the next week and was going to give my assent by the next day. I took a cab home that evening and sat at my study table with the folder. I didn’t notice the time or that it was getting late. I kept on reading about the children and what kind of place it was. It was quite dark when I finally went to bed. I went to sleep with the resolve that I would do my best in whatever I could but I don't think I understood the gravity of the situation. The Social work I participated in included activities like mentoring underprivileged children and donating old books, clothes, and other items. I had volunteered at an animal shelter and some of my neighbours and I often get together to clean up our local park or playground weekly· I have taken part in many tree planting events etc. but what I was going to encounter was something very new.

I submitted my acceptance letter for the task the next day and went about my day. Anaya Ma’am called for me and without any alarm, I went to meet her. She was a little surprised that I didn’t take more time to think but was pleased by my quick response.

A week later, finally, the day came when I had to leave. The orphanage was 3 hours away from my house and I set out at 7 am with a backpack for 4days.

I took a metro and had to book a cab to go to the orphanage from the station. When I reached the address it took me 10 minutes to find the right building. It was because the pictures which I saw of the orphanage were all in sound condition, but the building which was before me was old and the paint seemed to be coming off. Even the building seemed weak as if it could fall apart if the wind blew too hard.

I entered the building and the head matron welcomed me with a smile and said, “I hope it was not too difficult for you to find your way here. I know it’s not in the most convenient position.” She gave a nervous laugh and led me to my room.

“The accommodation is small but I hope you have a comfortable stay. If you need anything don’t hesitate to ask for help.” She said kindly and left me to settle down.

The room was small. As with the outside of the building, the inside was not much better. The paint seemed to be worn out. There was an old-fashioned bed and a simple table beside it where there was a dim lamp. There was a big window that overlooked the empty street but had a mesh to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside. Besides this, there was no cupboard, no shelf, and no chair.

I quickly go freshened up and went out of the room to explore.

The orphanage’s size was quite big. It had two floors. Most of the children in the orphanage had some or other physical disability. It was heartbreaking to see the young kids having to live like that.

The worse thing was many caretakers were impatient with the children and would get exasperated quickly leading them to talk in an impolite manner with the children. The matron told me when I asked about why the caretakers seemed to be in such a rush. She said, “They are not paid very well and the work is just too much. There’s a shortage of staff and many have been working here for more than ten years. Over the years they’ve grown grouchy but they always get the work done and complete their responsibilities.”

I had the chance to take care of the children by feeding them, playing with them, and teaching them. I got a chance to learn so much about them. I felt connected with them and wanted to do my best. I would spend my days with them and sit and work on the report for as long as I could.

I knew from the first day how much the orphanage needed resources by seeing its condition. The food the children received was not of high quality, they needed better room and lighting, more teachers and caretakers. There were lots to do and the orphanage seemed to be running on scarce cash. Also, none of the children seemed to have an assured future. They seemed completely dependent on the orphanage.

It also seemed a very sorry situation that many of the children didn’t have the opportunity to dream and explore their talents and interests. There were many talented kids who impressed me. I knew if given good guidance and opportunity, they could have a chance to make their way and name in the world.

Something happened on my fourth day which made me resolute to get sponsors and more funds for the orphanage. I noticed that the matron looked stressed and was busy in her office spending most of her time on the phone. I overheard her requesting a sponsor not to abandon the shelter. Seeing me at her door she asked me to enter. “So you have to leave today,” she said with a kind but tired smile. I gave her my assent and asked what worried her.

“The biggest sponsor of our orphanage has told us he can help us no more. We have funds to properly run this orphanage just for three months, and I have no idea what to do.” Her voice seemed to break towards the end of the sentence.

I could see that compassionate woman in this state of despondency. Without a second thought, I said, “I will get sponsors. Don’t worry. I am going to do everything I can to help this place.”

She looked up at me and smiled with teary eyes and took hold of my hand and said, “Thank you very much. You are an angel sent to us by God. He truly never abandons his children.”

I felt the burden but it was a responsibility that I took with gratitude. I contacted a friend of mine who was a videographer and requested a favour from her. I also contacted several NGOs and other charity sources along with Ms. Anaya to start talks with sponsors and get their contact information.

My friend Rhea came with her crew that very day and started taking pictures and videos of the buildings and the children. She directed the children to be natural and asked them to talk about themselves, their dreams, and their hobbies. I was so grateful to her but when I expressed my heartfelt gratitude to her she smiled and thanked me for giving her a chance to do something of value.

We left the next day together and all the children came to say goodbye. Some of them even burst into tears and hugged me. I had to promise them that I was coming back soon and we went to the metro. I came back house tired but with a firm resolve to do everything possible to help the orphanage.

I didn’t go to bed but wrote a report on how much funds would be needed, the state of the orphanage, the workers, the children, and how urgent the need was. I don’t remember when I fell asleep but the next day I woke up late at 10:00 pm. I was two hours late for work I rushed to the office and went straight to Anaya Ma’am’s office.

She welcomed me with a bright smile and asked me about my time in the orphanage. I told her how urgent getting funds was and rushed to explain everything. She nodded but had a concerned look on her face I thought she was worried about the orphanage too, but what shocked me was that as soon as I finished telling her about my experience and my plans she said in a concerned tone, “I’m very pleased that you take the matter so seriously but you seem to be too emotionally attached. It’s good to be optimistic but don’t get your hopes too high. It is very difficult to get funds for these orphanages and I don't want you to be distressed if it doesn’t work.” I felt angry at her. How could she not see that the orphanage needed funds? The company was big and had connections Of course we could find a way. I didn’t say anything but she must have seen the firmness in my face and wished me luck.

I worked hard day and night and got a very poignant and emotive video from Rhea. She seemed to have given it her all and I was very thankful. I got everything from the report to the video and everything prepared. I had a meeting with four people and had to contact as many people as I could to help in whatever way they could. I went to bed that day with high hopes and suppressed all fear.

The next few days were a nightmare. I don’t think I had realised how difficult it is to get large amounts of funds. Most of the corporate wanted to donate only if it gave them profit. Most of the people I met had some or the other issue. “The orphanage was too far”, “the children would not really contribute to society”, “would the children be able to go to functions and events?” and so many other objections. This went on for some days and I finally realised what Anaya Ma’am meant. I had to have a strong heart and not let these rejections affect my resolve. Although I did suffer melancholy and despair at first, I didn’t let it affect my plan or focus. I was still resolute in finding a way. The matron of the orphanage contacted me to ask me how I was doing and tell me about the children. I assured her I would do something but didn’t know how long it will take.

Two weeks had thus passed and I think I had almost lost faith in humanity. So many people if they gave just a little together, would make a big deal for the children. I had secured two sponsors but the amount they gave would not be enough. As I was trying to figure out what to do, my phone started ringing. I quickly answered it and heard the voice of a woman. “Hello, is this Sarah from the ‘Make it Right’ company?” she asked. I immediately said yes and asked what the matter was. She replied I wanted to contact you because my boss has accepted to meet you regarding the path foundation. Is it possible for you to come to meet at 2/A Middleton Street tomorrow at 4 pm?” I immediately said yes and thanked her. As I put the phone down I let out a sigh of relief but I still felt nervous. At the same time, I felt hopeful. This was the first time someone had contacted me on their own and showed interest in the orphanage.

The next day I woke up to the sound of rain. I got out of bed and did revisions and prepared myself for the meeting. I contacted Ms. Anaya and she gave me some advice. I left my house at 3 pm even though the office of Mr. Sanderson was not too far. I had looked him up on the internet and it seemed that he was a very wealthy businessman. There was not much information about him doing a lot of charity work but there were some

mentions about him helping out people in need. These were accounts told directly by the people who received Mr. Sanderson’s help.

It was raining very heavily and I was afraid that the meeting would be postponed or cancelled. I took a bus and opened my umbrella as soon as I reached my stop but still got quite wet. As I walked towards the brownstone with resolute steps and firm shoulders, I couldn’t help but think of the past month. It changed my outlook on people and life. I felt that person who went to Ms. Anaya’s office that day was a completely different individual. I entered the brownstone building and couldn’t help but let my eyes wander. It was a beautiful hall with high ceilings, a chandelier, and a marble floor. There were sofas and tables set with expensive vases and decorations. I felt a little sad when I thought about the poor state of the orphanage but if Mr. Sanderson helped them I think I would forget about all the money going into just the entrance hall which could have helped not one but then orphanages.

I shook my head and went to the receptionist’s table. I was soon led to the meeting room by an assistant and I finally met Mr. Sanderson.

He didn’t smile when he saw me but asked me to take a seat. He had a very solemn countenance which put me at my guard but I didn’t let that deter me. I proceeded to explain my experience in the orphanage and how the children were living. Since he didn’t specify any particular timing, I had a lot of time to talk to him about the dire need for funds the orphanage was in and though his expression didn’t give much I felt comforted by the fact that he ask me to stop sharing all the information I had.

When I was done he looked up at me and said, “ I don't think you know but I was a resident of the Path Orphanage. I lived there only for two years before I was adopted by my parents but when I got the report and videos of the orphanage, I remembered the place that used to be my house. I also remember Suzan miss, she used to be head matron when I was eight and was always kind to me. I regret not doing much for the orphanage and forgetting my time there. For being ungrateful to her and that place, but now that I have a second chance I don’t want to lose it.”

I couldn’t believe my ears. I was so happy I felt I could have cried. I expressed my thanks heartily but he stopped me. “No, Thank you,” he said and smiled.

I asked him if he wanted to talk to the matron but he stopped me and said he’d like to meet directly. I shared the address and left the building. I immediately called everyone to share the happy news and went to my house with a light heart, a happy smile, and big plans for the orphanage.

By Ammaarah Habib