Chinlop Orphanage brings new hope for the underprivileged

Offering hope for a better tomorrow to children who have nowhere else to go is Chinlop Orphanage at Bojoghari in East Sikkim. The dream and vision of Sonam Chuki Lepcha, the orphanage was formally inaugurated by Burtuk Councilor, Lok Bahadur Bhujel on Sunday [04 January 2015].
At present, there are five children in the orphanage which is being managed by a 7-member committee headed by Ms Lepcha as the president. The youngest child at the home is 6 years old and the oldest is 14. These children will be pursuing their education from Bojoghari Government School.
The committee also has Hem Lata Subba as vice-president, Lhakit Lepcha as general secretary, Laxmi Kumari Chettri as joint secretary, Nindey Lepcha as treasurer, Phutit Lepcha as publicity secretary and Buddhiman Gurung as advisor.
Burtuk Councillor, Mr Dahal congratulated and appreciated the efforts of Ms Lepcha to set up this orphanage. “It is a big step as it’s not easy to run an orphanage. There is need for support from all sides of the society to give a better future to such children,” he said.
Speaking to NOW! Ms Lepcha shared that having lost her parents at an early age she knows how difficult it is for such children.
“So since my childhood days, it was my dream to set up an orphanage to give a better life to orphaned children,” she added.
She shared that while working for an Old Age Home in Tintek during 2010, she was inspired by one social worker, Passangkit Lepcha, and decided to fulfil her dream to serve orphaned children.
She further added that the pro-poor policies and works of the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling have further inspired her to work towards this cause.
 “It is not easy to manage this orphanage so I need support and encouragement from the society to give a better future to these children,” Ms Lepcha said. She also plans to open a school in the area for needy children in the near future.
[SAGAR CHHETRI]