30 years of PPOW: 1996 to 2026

It was the starting of the year1996, when I met a very young and with decent personality Woman from Germany Anja Finckh with determination to serve the under privileged Children and other people in India. Her first step was to rescue and rehabilitate Pradip Mondal otherwise abled child from the unorganised shelter place in the outskirt of Kolkata to a safer and better Place in Chesire Home. Then under the banner of Pradip Partner one World PPOW. Subsequently it started to work with Aloka Mitra, the Chair Person of Women’s Interlink Foundation (WIF).

After that it is a long journey over 3 decades with Partner WIF with the following activities:

• Remedial Street Children and Slum Children Programme: Direct funding has provided thousands of Children living in urban poverty with a safe environment, nutritional support, and bridge schooling to integrate them into formal education.
• Naba Disha Education Programme: Working in synergy with local authorities like Community Policing Wing, Kolkata Police, establishing learning centres providing a protective shield and academic foundation for children at risk of trafficking and child labour.
• Legacy sponsorships: Beyond Primary and Secondary school, sponsorship education of Old Students.
• Construction of Nijoloy old age home: To provide a sanctuary for elderly women who lack family support. The project is still ongoing.
• Financial support to shelter homes: With this enormous support, the aftercare girls as well as the girls from various schemes are benefitted. Extra nutritional care is provided. Extra clothes,

Shoes and stationery is provided. Education coaching support is provided to the School and College going girls.

• Jointly Funding administrative and operational expense

As a Professional man these 30 years are very important for me as it is altogether a different environment/exposure for me with non-profit organisation. Initially I concentrated in Accounts and related activities only and subsequently also I enjoyed the entire term and experienced a huge knowledge. I visited WIF 3 times a year mainly concentrated on accounts and also the activities of the organisation. This has enriched my experience to a great extent. All these years I was continuously exchanged and discussed my views and Anja’s views. Anja used to come to India once in a year, and I always accompanied her to different projects and discussed different issues which we came across during our visits and if there was any need to discuss any matter with the partner, we used to do so.

My principal role was financial audit as per accounting regulations wherein I used to compare the expenses incurred for particular item with the budgeted figure and to find out the variations, if any to find the reasons for such deviation. Also checking of the utilisation of funds as per budget and the opening and closing balances. I also used to be present during the budget session and suggested if any quarries were asked to me. I also used to check whether statutory payments were paid in time.

I have learnt lot of things from Anja, her behaviour with staff members and others. Her patient hearing of any arguments, and tolerance of any situation. Understanding the situation with no tension and tremendous work pressure with journeys was never seen in her appearance. She had acquired to cope up with Indian Accounts and procedures and her open questions whenever she felt like and understanding. I have learned lot of more important things from Anja. Anja possibly has learnt the accounts’ part from me. Also, Anja learned crisis management at difficult times.

My heartfelt regards to Anja.